Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Golf and GR Yaris are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
GR Yaris
+9 pts
Efficiency
Golf
+1 pts
Safety
Golf
+2 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
GR Yaris
Performance
19/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
Golf
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Golf
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
GR Yaris
Pros
More powerful engine output
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Highway Driving
Who Should Buy Which?
Golf
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
GR Yaris
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Ground Clearance
152
150
Wheelbase
2637
2560
Length
4284
3995
Width
1789
1805
Height
1452
1455
Kerb Weight
1350
1280
Gross Vehicle Weight
1830
1680
Seating Capacity
5
4
Boot Space
381
410
Towing Capacity
1200
0
Front Track Width
1546
-
Rear Track Width
1516
-
Turning Radius
5.3
5.7
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Engine
1.4L TSI Turbocharged Petrol
1.6L Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
3-cylinder G16E-GTS
Displacement
1395
1618
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
-
Power
110
224
Power @ RPM
5000-6000 rpm
6500 rpm
Torque
250
370
Torque @ RPM
1500-3500 rpm
3000 rpm
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Single Turbo
Turbocharged
Top Speed
205
230
0-100 km/h
8.9
5.5
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
9.8:1
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Transmission
7-Speed DSG Automatic
6-speed Manual
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Mechanical LSD
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
-
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Claimed Mileage
14.9
12.0
City Mileage
11
9
Highway Mileage
17
15
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
50
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Airbags
8
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Performance Tuned
Traction Control
Standard
Performance Tuned
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Performance
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Standard
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Seat Material
Fabric
Alcantara and Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual Sport
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Red Performance Lighting
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Climate Control
Automatic AC
Dual Zone Climate Control
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors Auto
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Infotainment Screen
10-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
12 Bose Performance
Navigation System
Standard
Built-in
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
-
USB Ports
3
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
LED Headlamps
LED
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
-
Alloy Wheel Design
16-inch Alloy
18-inch Forged Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Tyre Size
205/55 R16
225/40 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Lightweight Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Adaptive Dual Axis Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Reinforced Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R5,500
High
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
24 Months
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Specification
Golf
GR Yaris
CO2 Emissions
124
174
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
66
-
Final Verdict
🏆Toyota GR Yaris
wins with 67 pts
vs 61 pts for Golf
In structured scoring, GR Yaris emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Golf may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
