On Test. Toyota Vitz. More Car. More Style. Less Cash

Happy New Year. May 2024 be filled with many kilometres of safe and pleasant motoring. After the festive spending, we all know that January poses a financial squeeze for many. So, what better way than to start with a review of an entry level car that boasts the strapline: More Car, More Style. Less Cash. That is the perfect way to describe the Vitz from the Toyota stable. Some while ago, there was an ad that went something like this: “It is so light on petrol, that it runs on the smell of an oil rag”. Remember that? I do, with fond memories. It was from the Daihatsu stable. Well, many years later, the exact same can be said about the Vitz. It is absolutely frugal on fuel so much so that I managed to eek out 4.2 litres per 100km, on both city and freeway drives. The Toyota Vitz has all the extras you will need to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride, wherever you go. I spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel of this enjoyable small car so let me tell you more.

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Image: Supplied

Vital Vitz Specs

It is truly amazing that a small car can come loaded with specifications to make you proud. For starters, the interior is quite spacious, seating up to five, including the driver, very comfortable. It also has a best in class boot space of 295 litres. Fold the back seats down and you have more space for weekend adventure equipment. This in itself makes Toyota Vitz a compelling choice in its segment. But that’s not all.

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Image: Supplied

There is a host of convenience features such as remote central locking, air conditioning, steering wheel controls for telephony and audio functions and electric mirrors/windows.

The X-Cite comes with an audio system that features Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity options. The XR X-Cite MT boasts a four-speaker sound system as part of the integrated touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth and USB functionality.

The latter also has Apple Carplay and Android Auto incorporated to allow users connection to their smart devices via the vehicle’s infotainment system and to access various phone Apps such as Maps and Spotify.

So, how does it drive

Very nicely indeed! And I have to admit, I really enjoyed being behind the wheel. The familiar 1-litre petrol engine will is more than sufficient courtesy of the free- revving 49kW, twin-injection, three-cylinder engine’s ability to harness all of its 89Nm of torque from a very accessible 3500 revs. In urban traffic, the Vitz performed admirably but it is on the open road that it just goes effortlessly and very comfortably. Yes, it’s small but it moves with oompah! And that fuel indicator needle just stayed stuck!

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Image: Supplied

Price

Toyota Vitz 1.0 5MT R189 899.00

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR 5MT R219 900.00

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR X-Cite 5MT R219 900.00

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR AMT R239 900.00

The Peace of Mind

All Vitz models are sold with a 2-year/30 000 km Service Plan. A 3-year/100 000km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000km. Customers can also purchase additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive 220-strong dealer network.

2024

The year ahead promises to be a busy one on the motoring front with several new models being launched across the spectrum. You can rest assured that I will bring you the best in vehicle launches and all the news from the motoring industry, starting with Toyota’s State of the Motoring Industry that takes place at the home of motor racing, Kyalami, on 25 January 2024.