Toyota Vitz heaven sent for cash-strapped motorists

Back in January, Toyota Motors South Africa (TSAM) announced an aggressive approach to the small car segment.

The Japanese carmaker has delivered on that promise with the introduction of the Vitz hatchback, which is replacing the Agya as TSAM’s most-affordable local car.

And Toyota’s emphasis on affordability is huge with the Vitz’s starting price of R189 900 all of R10 100 cheaper than it was for the Agya.

For cash-strapped customers prices coming down is a sight for sore eyes. And on top of that, the Toyota Vitz offers bigger value than before.

Toyota Vitz and Suzuki Celerio

While the Agya shares a platform with the Daihatsu Ayla, the Vitz is Toyota’s latest local product deriving from its partnership with Suzuki. The Toyota Vitz is built alongside the Suzuki Celerio by Maruti Suzuki in Maneser, India.

The Vitz is offered in three models powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Similar to the Agya, it sends 49 kW of power and 89 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

The entry-level model is only available in five-speed manual, while the two top spec Xr derivatives offer a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

Staying on the subject of affordability, the Vitz will not cost an arm and a leg at the pumps either.
Benefitting from stop/start technology, Toyota claims the manual versions will only sip 4.4 litres per 100 km. The AMT comes in as frugal as 4.2 L/100 km. The latter number translates into almost 24 km per litre.

Spec bump

In addition to the base model Agya standard specification list, the entry-level Toyota Vitz has vehicle stability control, rear parking sensors and chrome grille accents.

Carried over the base Agya are dual airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, Isofix child seat anchoring points, immobiliser and high-mounted stop lamps.

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Standard specifications on Xr derivatives include hill-assist control, rear window washer and wiper, immobiliser and alarm, remote control door locking, 15-inch alloy wheels, body colour and electric side mirrors, body colour handles and front fog lamps.

Inside, they feature power windows all round, tilt steering wheel adjustment, four-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tachometer and day/night mirror.

The Toyota Vitz offers decent leg and headroom in the rear for the car’s main purpose, daily commuting.

Its generous boot space is also a strong selling point. The 295-litre bootspace, up 35 litres from the Agya, is rated as the biggest in its class.

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Fuss-free runner

We experienced the Vitz Xr manual on a short drive from Sandton to Edenvale last week. It was just the type of route most of these hatchbacks will spend their time doing.

The engine is adequate, with the occasional gearing down required to keep it on the boil. But gear changing is easy, as is manoeuvring through traffic. All in all, the Toyota Vitz does what it says on the box and gets the done done without fuss.

Apart from the Celerio, its competitors are the Hyundai Atos, Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Kia Picanto and Hyundai Grand i10.

The Agya held a 14% market share in the small car segment. Armed with a lowered price, increase in value and the power of SA’s favourite badge, the budget-beating Vitz can only improve on this number.

Toyota Vitz pricing

Vitz 1.0 – R189 900
Vitz 1.0 Xr – R219 900
Vitz 1.0 Xr AMT – R239 900

Pricing includes three-year/100 000 km warranty and two-service/30 000 km plan.