We’ve seen it, the updated 2024 Toyota GR Yaris that was recently revealed at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. The focal point of much discussion has undeniably been the interior, and it's not hard to understand why.

The interior changes are controversial to say the least, and although it doesn't quite strike me as visually appealing, the redesigned cockpit draws inspiration from race cars.

The automatic variant features a traditional handbrake instead of the standard electric parking brake found in the non-GR model. For the manual-equipped competition-focused RC trim level, there's an option for a vertical parking brake, reminiscent of rally or drift hydraulic brakes.

Also read: This is a rally car customers can buy - Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 receives FIA homologation

The updated design encapsulates the infotainment display, climate control, and adjacent buttons within a wall, extending out from the rest of the dashboard at an angle to enhance visibility and usability, bringing controls within an arm’s reach.

Personally, I see the new dash as something for the skunk works at Gazoo Racing to be proud of - a unique feature for the GR Yaris, the only performance-oriented Toyota sells (aside from the GR Corolla) that is 100 percent Toyota.

It does remind me of the revered Mk4 (A80) Toyota Supra. What makes it intriguing is its exclusivity to the GR Yaris; there are no plans for the regular European/Japanese Yaris to adopt this design. I can appreciate it, although not necessarily for its aesthetic appeal.

While the angled orientation is more than acceptable, the rectangular design feels somewhat out of place in this day and age. It looks like the interiors of test mules that try to mask the true design.

The circular air vents appear to be lifted straight from the GR86, and the fact that the left and right vents aren’t horizontally levelled bugs my OCD.

Perhaps they could’ve made it less rectangular (or more rounded on the edges), something that flows. It’s 2024 and like it or not, aesthetics does matter. But I just adore that they went all out on function over form.

Also read: Harder, sharper and angrier - facelifted 2024 Toyota GR Yaris debuts; 304 PS/400 Nm, 8AT option