Toyota GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier Edition Q&A Review

Daily Car

·

23/01/2026

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Q: What makes the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition unique?

The GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier Edition is a special, limited-run version of Toyota’s famous hot hatch, built to celebrate rally driver Sébastien Ogier’s ninth World Rally Championship (WRC) title. Only 200 units are being produced, specifically split between Europe and Japan, making it a rare collector's item. Fundamentally, this car is based on the Aero Performance Package GR Yaris but is enhanced with special features developed with direct input from Ogier.

Q: What technical upgrades distinguish this edition from the standard GR Yaris?

A standout feature is the introduction of two unique all-wheel-drive (AWD) modes: “Seb” and “Morizo”.

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Seb Mode: Designed for spirited road driving, it switches the torque distribution to 40% on the front wheels and 60% on the rear, creating a more rear-biased handling characteristic while maintaining strong front grip. This allows the car to be more agile, especially on fast and twisty roads.
Morizo Mode: Optimized for loose or gravel surfaces, this mode can fully lock the front and rear axles for superior traction under acceleration, then loosen on braking for better control. These settings are derived from rally expertise, imitating preferences from real rally racing.

These drive modes, accessible via the dashboard, provide drivers with advanced performance tuning not found on standard models.

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Q: How does the Ogier Edition differ in design and interior features?

Visually, the car features a toned-down but purposeful look. The body is finished in special Black Gravite paint, with matte black wheels and distinctive blue brake calipers—a nod to Ogier’s personal style. There are subtle badge details and a small French tricolor mark in the grille, referencing Ogier’s nationality. Discreet graphics indicate its exclusive status.

Inside, the theme continues with a smaller rally-inspired steering wheel, unique tricolor stitching on the seats, a leather-wrapped vertical handbrake, and a numbered production plaque for authenticity. Even the digital instrument cluster displays new graphics specific to the special drive modes.

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Q: How does the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier Edition compare with similar performance hatchbacks and current industry trends?

With AWD technology closely derived from rally competition, the GR Yaris Ogier Edition sits at the top end of sport-oriented hatchbacks. Few manufacturers today offer such a direct transfer of rally engineering to street-legal cars. The focus on sophisticated, driver-adjustable AWD modes sets it apart from competitors, who may prioritize straight-line speed or styling over pure handling performance. With limited availability and driver-focused enhancements, it targets enthusiasts looking for both exclusivity and authentic driving engagement.

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Q: What should buyers consider regarding practicality and everyday usability?

While the Ogier Edition emphasizes performance, it retains the compact and practical form of the regular GR Yaris—making it suitable for daily driving. The car’s rally-bred adjustments, from its advanced AWD to specialized interior features, may suit dedicated enthusiasts more than casual users. With only 200 units and no confirmed US release, it will remain a rare sight, most appealing to collectors and fans of rally heritage looking for a usable yet unique sports car.

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