Toyota withdrew its budget contender in our market, the Agya, in 2022 but not without having a plan in place to replace that model down the line. Now, the Japanese brand has badge-engineered an already-established Suzuki model and branded it Vitz. Kyle Kock drove the newest addition to Toyota around the Cape Peninsula to determine if it is a worthy replacement.
What are we driving?
Essentially, this is a continuation of all the budget offerings in more recent years, the Aygo and more recently the Agya. For all of this to make sense, look past the fact that it’s already been around our market under a different name (as the Suzuki Celerio), and think of the Vitz as a successor to the aforementioned models – particularly when you look at the positives for Toyota.
Why is the Toyota Vitz significant?
Using the Celerio as a base means that Toyota’s base model range has improved significantly in areas that matter to the kind of buyers that the Vitz appeals to – first-timers and students/graduates. It’s larger than its predecessors in terms of luggage room while being slightly more efficient, but most importantly is that it is competitively priced.
As an aside, Vitz was the title originally given to the Yaris in its home country of Japan, which used to be Toyota South Africa Motors‘ budget offering when it was introduced here in the mid-2000s and to see it reintroduced right at the bottom of the Toyota line-up is a refreshing nod to consistency and the legacy of a name.
What’s new on the Toyota Vitz?
We’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the Suzuki Celerio here at CAR – it’s recently finished a tenure as a long-term vehicle with us. We’re happy to report that it’s more of the same generally fuss-free motoring. What’s crucial to mention is that the Vitz comes in cheaper than what the Aygo left the market on, so there’s that.
There’s also considerable standard safety specification, which comprises dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and a vehicle stability control system, pre-tensioners with force limiters on the front seatbelts, child locks on the rear doors, Isofix mounting points on the rear bench, rear park sensors and central locking with alarm and immobilizer.
All models on the local introduction were of the range-topping XR specification, so it’s difficult to iterate just how much value you’d get for your R189 900, but what I can say is that for R219 900 you get the 7,0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite audio and phone controls on the steering wheel and electric windows all-round. The audio system also plays through four speakers.
What is the Toyota Vitz like to drive?
Just like we experienced with our long-term Celerio, the Vitz can be turned around town with ease. Despite its lowly outputs, the 5-speed box is geared to make full use of the three-cylinder motor’s peaky nature. The off-beat thrum is a lovely noise to chase after, but that quickly comes at the expense of any sort of fuel efficiency. The Vitz does come with a stop/start system, but you’ll have to try really hard to even get close to the claimed average consumption figure of 4,4 L/100 km because in six months with its Suzuki step-sibling, the best we could manage was 5,5 L/100 km.
Verdict
The Suzuki partnership has borne much fruit for Toyota in the Urban Cruiser and Starlet. With the return of the Vitz as the brand’s budget-friendly option and our rising interest rate and cost of living, Toyota simply can’t miss. Add to that the sheer reach of its dealership network and all of a sudden it opens this model up to a significantly wider audience.
Toyota Vitz XR Fast Facts
Price: R219 900
Engine: 1,0-litre, three-cylinder, normally aspirated
Transmission: five-speed manual
Power: 49 kW
Torque: 89 Nm at 3 500 r/min
Driven wheels: front
Fuel consumption: 4,4 L/100 km
Service plan: 2 years/30 000 km
Rivals: Renault Kwid, Suzuki Espresso
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