Vitz Toyota’s spunky new inflation buster

The new Vitz takes Toyota’s small-car offering to a whole new level, combining funky styling with more pragmatic considerations in tune with the needs of the savvy consumer. These include a larger cabin, class-leading cargo space, enhanced specifications, more safety (Vehicle Stability Control standard across the range) and a low price tag.

But that’s not all, Toyota is also pleased to usher in KINTO, a revolutionary new pay-for-use mobility solution that makes driving a new Vitz, not just hassle free, but more affordable too.

Power

While you won’t be attempting a land-speed record in the new Vitz, it certainly delivers punchy performance thanks to its low mass, nimble handling courtesy of the front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension arrangement (optimised for weight and packaging) and, crucially in these times, unbelievably virtuous fuel economy.

Refreshingly free-revving, the 49kW, twin-injection, three-cylinder engine’s real skill lies in its ability to harness all of its 89Nm of torque from a very accessible 3500 revs. In non-tech speak, this means you accelerate much quicker from the traffic lights and stir the light-shifting five-speed gearbox a lot less to maintain momentum.

Transmission

Speaking of transmissions, the optional AMT or Automated Manual Transmission, essentially a clutchless manual, combines all the convenience of an auto with the optimised fuel consumption of a manual.

Fuel Economy

The much-vaunted fuel economy of the Vitz is enabled in part by the thermally efficient, new-age motor that utilises stop-start technology, a feature usually only found on high-end vehicles. Once the battery is optimally charged, it automatically switches the engine off when you’re stationary and seamlessly starts it up again as you move off.

The manual returns an overall consumption of just 4.4 L per 100km while the auto sips at an even more miserly 4.2 L per 100km.

Comfort

You get a best-in-class 295 L of boot space and it comes with an interior lever for ease of opening. Amping up the functionality, there’s a 60/40 split rear seat as well as a variety of in-cabin storage spaces to keep all your handy items within reach, not forgetting those all-important cupholders for all occupants.

Elevating the interior design are a number of unique touches – the instrument nacelle, for example, is dominated by a roulette-wheel inspired speedo with a smaller circular inset TFT that houses the rev counter and trip computer. The dashboard features a swoopy design with a contrasting carbon-fibre-look insert in line with the infotainment system for some visual relief. This insert is replicated on the door panels. Silver satin-finish flourishes adorn the speedo, rotary ventilation dials and circular air vents, while the vent sliders are tipped with chrome.

Power steering and standard rear parking sensors make light work of piloting your new Vitz, whether you’re cruising down the highway or reversing into a tight parking space.

Pricing and Servicing

Vitz 1.0 MT – R 189 900

Vitz 1.0 XR MT – R 219 900

Vitz 1.0 XR AMT – R 239 900

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