New Toyota Yaris GR-4’s global debut postponed

KUALA LUMPUR: The Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, Toyota, has informed that the new Yaris GR-4’s world debut has been postponed as the Rally Australia is called out. The rally was about to start from November 14th, but it has been cancelled due to severe bushfires affecting many parts of the northern New South Wales.

Areas near the Coffs Harbour in New South Wales are affected majorly. As a result, the final round of the WRC (World Rally Championship) has been cancelled.

Earlier this year, Toyota released a camouflaged Yaris prototype having the ‘GR-4’ moniker and also informed that the car would make its debut at the Rally Australia on November 17th. The carmaker has informed further that the revealing date of the hot hatch will be announced later.

To support the affected communities, the local authorities are requesting to provide money. Toyota Australia has also contributed to the same. With the Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, it has donated AU$250,000 (RM 707,500) in the Salvation Army’s Australian chapter.

Matthew Callachor, the president of Toyota Australia, said, “The Toyota team is devastated to see this disaster in our communities and want to ensure we lend a hand to support those who are affected at this time, which is why we and our parent company in Japan are pleased to provide a quarter of a million dollars to the Australian Salvation Army.”

The new Toyota Yaris GR-4 is based on the fourth-generation Yaris, which is present in Europe and Japan. It replaces the GRMN model, and from the monicker, one can be sure that the car is likely to get the all-wheel drive. If rumours are to be believed, it is expected to make its debut at the upcoming All-Japan Rally Championship.

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