Driving impression

Sean Parker gives his driving impression of the new Vitz, Toyota’s cheapest car. Image: Motorpress

Driving impression: Toyota launches new Vitz to entry-level buyers

Sean Parker attended launch of Toyota’s new Vitz hatchback, he offers a driving impression of the diminutive hatchback priced from R189 900.

Driving impression

Sean Parker gives his driving impression of the new Vitz, Toyota’s cheapest car. Image: Motorpress

We attended the launch of the new Toyota Vitz in a chilly Cape Town this week. The diminutive hatchback replaces the Agya as the brand’s entry-level model locally. We took the 1.0 XR Manual for a quick spin and this is our driving impression.

It’s priced from R189 900 and is only available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 49kW and 89Nm, according to Motorpress. Despite its low engine output figures the smol Vitz has sufficient oomph to pounce around at sea level with no fuss.

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THE INTIAL DRIVING IMPRESSION OF THE VITZ IS A SPRIGHTLY OFFRING FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

The launch route took us from Constantia in the Southern Suburbs to Camps Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard. The gloomy weather did not dampen the Vitz’s fun factor as my driving partner and I were impressed by its grippy front-end.

The steering feel doesn’t offer loads of feedback, and in this class of car that would be asking a lot. But when we drove up the windy Constantia Nek road the slightly weighted steering was impressive during our brief driving impression.

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The XR models feature 15-inch wheels finished in a black gloss and body-coloured door handles and mirrors. Image: Motorpress

WHY DOES THE VITZ LOOK FAMILIAR?

The Vitz felt very familiar to drive because it’s based on the Suzuki Celerio. Yes, the elephant in the room is that the Vitz is a rebadged Celerio.

It follows in the tyre tracks of the Starlet, Rumion and Urban Cruiser that Toyota has rebadged thanks to its alliance with Suzuki.

Toyota’s timing of introducing the Vitz comes at time when South Africans are ‘buying down’ into the A, B and sub-B segments. The Japanese brand says the Vitz is also aimed at first-time buyers, mostly Gen-Z and millennials.

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WHICH FEATURES ARE STANDARD?

The entry-level model has aircon, rear parking sensors and multifunction steering wheel as standard, but we’d recommend going for XR model which adds a touchscreen infotainment system.

Here you get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto functionality and Bluetooth. From a practical point of view, the boot is a roomy 295 litres and the rear seat has a 60/40 split.

Toyota has thrown the proverbial kitchen sink of safety features at the Vitz. Fitted as standard are airbags for driver and passenger as well as ABS, VSC, EBD and ISOFIX child-restraint systems.

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driving impression
The Vitz’s interior is accentuated by silver accents on the steering wheel, aircon vent surrounds and gear lever. Image: Motorpress

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

There are three models to choose from including an automated manual version which we’ll give our opinion on once we get to test it. The range begins with a 1.0 MT (R189 900), 1.0 XR (R219 900) and 1.0 XR AMT (R239 900).

The Vitz is standard with a two-year or 30 000km service plan and a three-year or 100 000km warranty.

With Toyota’s new KINTO ONE option, buyers are able to lease the base Vitz for R2999 a month for a minimum of 12 months. The price includes the service and maintenance and insurance. That leaves petrol (and tyres) as the only other expenses.

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