Video: Tuned Toyota GR Yaris vs. Expensive VW Golf R

The new performance-packed Volkswagen Golf R surely deserves the praise going for it, but what if you are on a budget? How about getting a Toyota GR Yaris and handing it over to Litchfield for some tweaking instead?

Once modified by the British tuner, the three-cylinder hot hatch raises output from its usual 257 hp (192 kW) to 300 hp (224 kW), which certainly helps with acceleration. Of course, the Golf is still considerably ahead with its two liters of displacement, one extra cylinder, and 315 hp (235 kW).

This is where the other modifications come into play. The Litchfield GR Yaris takes advantage of motorsports-grade Nitron coilovers that lend it adequate handling on the track, as well as bucket seats that sit 40 mm (1.6 inches) lower than stock. In other words, there is more going for the tuned Yaris than just a few performance numbers.

Watch the video for an example of when tuning a more affordable car for track use can be preferable to buying a ready solution.