Car Buyer's Guide
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MINI Electric vs Toyota GR Yaris

MINI Electric

MINI Electric

Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota GR Yaris

Verdict

At RM193,888, the MINI Electric saves RM121,712, bringing a 54.2-kWh battery, 402 km of stated range and 95-kW DC charging. It is the more rational Malaysian urban hatchback, too, with a 210-litre boot and 360-degree camera. The RM315,600 GR Yaris is far more serious for driving: 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, against the MINI’s 215 hp, front-wheel drive and 6.7 seconds. But its boot holds only 174 litres and the six-speed manual demands commitment.

Electric

Pick the MINI Electric if you want to spend RM121,712 less on a 402-km EV with a larger boot, powered seats and a 360-degree camera.

GR Yaris

Pick the Toyota GR Yaris if a 296-hp AWD hatchback with a six-speed manual, Torsen differentials and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time is the priority.

Key differences

  • Price: MINI Electric RM193,888; Toyota GR Yaris RM315,600.
  • Power and torque: MINI Electric 215 hp and 330 Nm; Toyota GR Yaris 296 hp and 400 Nm.
  • 0-100 km/h: MINI Electric 6.7 seconds; Toyota GR Yaris 5.2 seconds.
  • Driveline: MINI Electric front-wheel drive; Toyota GR Yaris all-wheel drive.
  • Length: MINI Electric 3,858 mm; Toyota GR Yaris 3,995 mm.
  • Boot space: MINI Electric 210 litres; Toyota GR Yaris 174 litres.

Electric

  • 402 km stated EV range from a 54.2-kWh battery
  • RM121,712 lower purchase price
  • 210-litre boot, 360-degree camera and powered front seats with driver memory
  • Slower 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.2 seconds
  • Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
  • 330 Nm trails the GR Yaris’ 400 Nm

GR Yaris

  • 296 hp and 400 Nm from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder
  • All-wheel drive with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
  • Six-speed manual with rev matching and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time
  • Costs RM121,712 more
  • 174-litre boot is 36 litres smaller
  • Manual front seats and a reversing camera rather than powered seats and a 360-degree view monitor
Price & overview
PriceRM193,888✓RM315,600
Body typeHatchbackHatchback
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM200✓RM207
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing
Capacity—1,618 cc
Horsepower—296 hp at 6,200 rpm
Torque—400 Nm at 3,250 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 3
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore × Stroke—87 mm × 89 mm
Compression Ratio—10.5
Number of Motors1—
Motor Horsepower215 hp—
Motor Torque330 Nm—
Battery Capacity54.2 kWh—
EV Range402 km—
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)95 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticManual
Transmission Name—6MT
Gears—6
Transmission Manufacturer—Toyota
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.7 seconds5.2 seconds✓
Top Speed170 km/h230 km/h✓
Dimensions
Length3,858 mm3,995 mm
Width1,756 mm1,805 mm
Height1,460 mm1,455 mm
Wheelbase2,526 mm2,560 mm
Weight1,605 kg1,280 kg
Fuel Tank—50 litres
Doors32
Seats44
Boot Space210 litres✓174 litres
Front Tyre225/40R18225/40R18
Rear Tyre225/40R18225/40R18
Spare Tyre—Tyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresMaxxis Premitra 5Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut with Stabiliser
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbone with Stabiliser
Front Wheels18" Night Flash Alloys18" Alloy
Rear Wheels18" Night Flash Alloys18" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis Notes—Torsen Front and Rear Limited-slip Differential, Performance-tuned Springs, Dampers and Steering, User-selectable Torque Split, Rev Matching
Safety
Airbags6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)6 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓✓
Seat Belts4 Three-point belts4 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger SeatAvailable on two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes, Pre-collision Braking
Lane-keeping AssistWarning OnlyWarning Only
Collision Warning✓✓
Seatbelt ReminderFor Front SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsAdaptive LED Projector with High Beam AssistLED Reflector
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPowered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage FunctionManual Adjustable
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic ClimateDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Power Sockets1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger1 Front, 1 Front USB
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 1 Rear2 Front
Audio9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System7" Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, AUX and 6 Speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Flip SwitchKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlActive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationManual OperationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree View MonitorYes
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓—
Head-up Display✓—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicHandbrake
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited—
Warranty Manufacturer2 years5 years✓
Warranty Extended2 years—
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years—

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Electric vs GR Yaris FAQ

Is the MINI Electric or Toyota GR Yaris better?

The MINI Electric is the better practical buy on price, boot space and EV range. The GR Yaris is the better driver’s car, with 296 hp, AWD, a manual gearbox and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h sprint.

What is the price difference?

The Toyota GR Yaris costs RM121,712 more than the MINI Electric.

Can the MINI Electric match the GR Yaris for performance?

No. The MINI Electric has 215 hp, 330 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The GR Yaris produces 296 hp and 400 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.

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