It is no secret that
Toyota and Suzuki are sharing a few products, well in the local market it seems as if Suzuki is doing all the giving. That said,
Toyota has added its badge to another popular car, the Celerio. Known as the
Toyota Vitz, this little firecracker promises to be a hit. We got behind the wheel to see what the fuss was all about.
We do live in difficult times these days with the reality of more month left after your salary. Many South Africans are considering more affordable vehicle options. The other reality is that we are a country dependent on personal vehicles. While the majority of people use taxis, these are sometimes unreliable and dangerous. The same can be said for our public transport system. Getting from point A to point B for your hustle is vital and that's where a vehicle like the
Toyota Vitz comes in.
Design
From a design perspective the
Vitz comes across as more approachable than its predecessor, the Agya. It features a modern yet subtle design thanks to softly-contoured lines punctuated by bold swept-back headlights, teardrop rear light clusters and distinctive grille dissected by a single chrome line.
At launch,
Toyota presented a fleet of their top-spec
XR models for us to sample. Unique detailing on this model further enhances the aesthetic by adding niceties such as front fog lamps, glossy smoked 15-inch alloys as well as colour-matched door handles and exterior mirrors.
Interior
When I got into the car the first thing that struck me was just how much
interior space there is. I was impressed by the ample front- and rear legroom despite its compact dimensions. Technology and features included on this
top-spec XR model include the likes of remote central locking, air conditioning, steering wheel controls, electric mirrors and windows.
There’s also a four-speaker sound system as part of the integrated touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth and USB functionality. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are incorporated which is a great addition.
Practicality
What’s more, 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.
Power
Small cars are fun to drive. You can exploit every ounce of its available power without breaking a sweat or grabbing the attention of the law. Small cars are light, nimble and in the case of this Suzuki/
Toyota collaboration this particular car feels as reliable as ever.
Powering the Vitz is a spirited, free-revving 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol motor that develops 49kW and 89Nm of torque. It is twin-injected which makes it just that little bit more responsive. On offer is either an AMT (automated manual transmission - sort of like an automatic) or a 5-speed manual. I, in my personal opinion, would without a shadow of doubt opt for the manual in this regard.
The Vitz is also a fuel saver with claims of just 4,4L per 100km while the auto sips at an even more miserly 4,2L per 100km.
Safety
There’s an all-inclusive list of active and passive systems on the standard safety menu, setting the
Vitz apart from many of its price competitors. These include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) which helps keep you in control regardless of the road conditions, bringing you to a complete stop every time. Another must-have is VSC (Vehicle Stability Control).
Verdict
The
Vitz is a great little car that offers a lot for the money. Is it groundbreaking? No, not at all. All of these little cars offer similar features for a relatively similar price. What it does have though is character and under that
Toyota badge is a Suzuki, two of the most reliable nameplates in the business. Ideal for getting you to university? Absolutely. Getting you to that job interview? You bet. Perhaps you want to scale down then this is a must in terms of consideration.
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.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
