WHY IS THE RAPID TOYOTA GR YARIS SO EXPENSIVE?

QI want a Toyota GR Yaris, yet I am stunned by the cost of a secondhand example with the Circuit Pack; sometimes more than the manufacturer list price. Should I hold out for the Circuit Pack-equipped version, or choose another, lesser specification? – JH

AThere are two issues, one compounding the other: firstly, the used car market is still overheated because of a constrained supply of new cars. And secondly, the GR Yaris is a prime example of a car with its supply limited by the manufacturer in the first place. As a result, waiting lists are still pretty long even though the GR Yaris has been around for a while. That means cars that are available now are changing hands for figures in excess of their price when new. It’s not unheard of with performance cars such as this.

Not to be confused with the regular Yaris Hybrid, the GR Yaris has a 261bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine and rally-derived four-wheel drive. However, it can be improved by means of two optional additional packages. The Convenience

Pack adds a higher-spec sound system, sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors and a smattering of other niceties.

Connoisseurs, however, will choose the Circuit Pack version (pictured above) for its limited-slip differentials, forged alloy wheels, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and stiffer suspension. These additions make a noticeable difference to the way the GR drives and, as a result, Circuit Pack examples will hold their value the best for enthusiasts (as well as for the inevitable speculators looking to make a quick buck).

If you’re happy to accept the standard car or the Convenience Pack version, on the proviso it won’t be the GR at its most raw (and, frankly, if you don’t drive it as it demands to be driven then you probably won’t notice the difference), you can save a bit of cash.

On the other hand, if you must have the GR in its purest, finest form, select the Circuit Pack. You’ll just have to decide whether you’re willing to wait for a brand-new one in several months, or pay a premium to get hold of a used example almost immediately.