The 2020 Proton X50 is Malaysia's hottest car, but the world could not be any more hyped about the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris. The best part? It's now somewhat closer to us Malaysians.

Headlightmag reports that the 'rally car for the road' will be introduced in Thailand next month at the 37th Thailand International Motor Expo that takes place from 1- to 13-December 2020.

The hot hatch will also be open for Thai customers then as well. Prices have not been disclosed, but it's fair to say that it'll command quite the sum.

How come they get first?!

Toyota Malaysia has teased it before, so us (privileged few, we must admit) Malaysians will get it too. About 100 units will be allocated for Malaysia, with prices estimated to begin at around RM 300k.

That's bang-on FK8 Honda Civic Type R money for a car that's smaller and sits one segment lower (B-segment two-door hatchback vs four-door C-segment hatchback)

To put that in a more easy-to-remember way: expect to pay RM 1k for every PS the car makes.

What's the hype? Why so expensive?

It's because it's more than just a tarted-up Yaris; it drips rally pedigree. The GR Yaris was developed by Tommi Mäkinen and is essentially a WRC car with a Malaysian road tax.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes 272 PS and 370 Nm, putting power down to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual.

That engine - as well as transmission and GR-Four WRC-specs all-wheel drive system - is very similar to the race car.

It's a car that's meant to be appreciated, something to look back on for years to come. For the rest of us, at least we can get the facelifted 2021 Toyota Yaris, right?