It was just a few months ago that Toyota revealed it had plans to enter a Yaris-based hatchback into the 2017 World Rally Championship and now it's being said that a production version of the model could be on its way. If true, this could mark the return of Toyota into the hot hatch segment, expanding the increasingly competitive class.
The WRC-inspired Toyota Yaris hatchback could debut on the market in limited numbers in order to meet FIA homologation requirement. Unlike the race-ready WRC model, which is likely to sport a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine, the production Yaris hot hatch is expected to come with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine. It's also anticipated to be available solely in front-wheel drive and come with a six-speed manual; however, official details have yet to be released and/or confirmed about the model. If built, it will be offered on the European market, but as of now, we do not know if it will arrive in North America.
To learn more information about Toyota's return to WRC, check out our recent article announcing the automaker's plans. You can also view exclusive footage of the WRC Toyota Yaris racecar being tested last year in Belgium, Germany.
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