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Toyota Vitz
Toyota
aka Toyota Yaris
Toyota Echo
Production 1999-present
Class Subcompact
Body Style 3 dr, 5 dr Hatchback
Length 3885 mm
Width 1695 mm
Height 1500 mm
Wheelbase 2510 mm
Weight 2204 lb (1000 kg)
Transmission 5-speed Manual, FWD
CVT, FWD
Engine engine
Power N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar similar (competition)
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

The Toyota Vitz (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴィッツ, Hepburn: Toyota Vittsu) is a three- and five-door subcompact hatchback produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota from 1999 to 2019. The "Vitz" nameplate was used consistently in Japan, while most international markets received the same vehicle as the Toyota Yaris, or as the Toyota Echo in some markets for the first generation. The Vitz was available in Japan from Toyota's Netz Store dealerships. Toyota began production in Japan and later assembled the vehicle in other Asian countries and in France.

By 2010, the first two generations had achieved in excess of 3.5 million sales in over 70 countries, including more than 1.4 million in Japan.

In 2019, the "Vitz" nameplate was dropped in Japan due to faltering sales and the unification of Toyota sales network in Japan, and the vehicle was replaced by the XP210 series Yaris.

See Autopedia's comprehensive Toyota Vitz Review.

Recent Changes[]

  • In late December 2010, Toyota launched the third-generation Vitz (aka Yaris worldwide). The new car rides on a 50mm longer wheelbase, is overall 100mm longer (3885mm total) and 30mm lower. It also shaves off 30kg or 66 pounds, with the car tipping the scales at 1,000kg or 2,204 pounds. Under the hood, three petrol engines will be offered: a 68 hp (51 kW /69 PS) 1.0-liter, a 93 hp (69 kW / 94 PS) 1.3-liter, and a 107 hp (80 kW / 108 PS) 1.5-liter. Detailed specifications haven't been released, but the 1.3-liter features Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) and stop/start technology which enables it to get a class-leading fuel economy rating of 3.8 L/100km (62 mpg US). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be standard on most models (in Japan), but a five-speed manual is also available. Stylistically, the Vitz is more sculptured and edgier, borrowing numerous styling cues from the Prius as well as the recently introduced Verso-S, with Toyota claiming a coefficient drag value of 0.285.[1]

Styles and Major Options[]

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing[]

Vitz pricing

Gas Mileage[]

Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MPG
c/h c/h c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission[]

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance[]

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability[]

Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

Safety[]

This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

Photos[]

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Colors[]

  • Magenta
  • Cream

Main Competitors[]

Hybrid Models[]

If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes[]

If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Interior[]

Toyota-Vitz-3small
Toyota-Vitz-4small

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.


Resale Values[]

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<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms[]

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Generations[]

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

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Third generation (XP130; 2010)[]

15260131841355009630small

The third generation Vitz was introduced in December 2010 featuring a sportier stance, a redesigned front and a roomier interior. The new model uses a single windshield wiper instead of a pair of wipers and has its meter cluster positioned back in front of the driver and behind the wheel compared to its previous models. In European countries, the Yaris is also offered in 6-speed manual transmission for the 1.33L engine, or a CVT transmission often marketed as "7-speed MultiDrive" or "MultiDrive S". The 7-speed refers to the possibility to select a predefined gear ratio among 7 available, emulating a 7-speed sequential gearbox, with steering wheel levers.

Japan[]

The third generation Vitz was launched on 22 December 2010 in Yokohama, Japan. Aerodynamic drag has been reduced with a coefficient drag value of 0.285.

This generation introduces a new 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine which is as economical as the 1.0-litre engine, according to Toyota Japan. New features include a single windscreen wiper and an engine start-stop system with a claimed 26.5 km/L (3.8 L/100 km; 62.3 mpg‑US) for the Japanese streets. The XP130 model comes with up to nine airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags, a knee airbag for the driver, first and second row side-curtain airbags and two front seat cushion airbags.

The Vitz is offered in F, U, Jewela and RS model grades. The engines available range from 1.0- to 1.5-litres. The 1.5-litre RS model has a CVT transmission for the automatic, sporty front fascia and taillamps. Just like the previous generation, 2WD and 4WD drivetrains are available in Japan. The different engine size choices give Japanese drivers an option as to which annual road tax obligation they wish to pay, and larger engines are installed in vehicles with higher levels of optional equipment. On 6 September 2011, new RS G's sport trim based from the regular RS was launched. This model has new aero bodykit, tuned suspensions, lightweight 17-inch aluminium wheels and high performance tires.[65] The Vitz received its facelift on 21 April 2014. The F, U and Jewela models received the updated front fascia that is only marketed in Japan, while the RS model shares the front fascia with the facelifted Yaris in export markets, but with different headlamps and tail lamps (also marketed as the Yaris ZR in Australia). The RS model was discontinued and replaced by the Sporty package variant of the U model with the second facelift in January 2017. The GR Sport and GR variant of the Vitz was introduced on 19 September 2017, as part of the Gazoo Racing series lineup,[66] replacing both RS and RS G's trims.

Europe[]

The third generation Yaris/Vitz entered production in Toyota Motor Manufacturing France plant in June 2011 and was launched in September of the same year.[67] The Yaris Hybrid assembly started in April 2012.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing France started to build the Yaris for export to the US, Canadian and Puerto Rican markets from May 2013 until 2019.

A facelift version was introduced in 2014. Both the original and facelift share the drivetrain and transmission choices, however, the facelift claims to have improved ride comfort and interior quality among other features.

Asia[]

In 2013, a different XP150 series Yaris which is based on the XP150 series Vios sedan was launched in some Asian markets, including many Southeast Asian regions. This version is not related to the XP130 series Vitz-based Yaris, other than sharing the same B platform.

In Singapore, the local dealer launched the XP130 series Yaris in 1.33-litre variant in the first quarter of 2013 to mid-2014. It was the only Asian country outside Japan and Hong Kong to source the Vitz-based Yaris.[73]

Australia[]

The Toyota Yaris for the Australian market was revealed at the July 2011 Australian International Motor Show held in Melbourne. The new Yaris has a sportier, more rounded grille and redesigned front bumper.[74] The Australian Yaris comes in either a 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre powered petrol engine. Models sold are the basic YR, the mid-range YRS, YRX and the sportier ZR which features a sporty bumper with body kit. The basic YR model features 7 SRS airbags and Multi-Information Display as standard. Since the facelift in 2014, the range is 5-door only and has had a name change. They are now: Ascent for the base model, SX for the mid-range and ZR is the top level. In January 2017, there was another facelift and tech change, this bought a slightly different headlight/bumper/grill combination and Toyota Safety sense (auto high beam, lane departure alert and autonomous braking) became an option on Ascent and SX and standard on ZR.[75

Facelift (2014)[]

In 2014, a facelift version was introduced. This version is marketed in North America, Europe and Australia. This version is also sold in Japan as the Vitz RS. North America and Australia variations include a 1.5-litre, 77 kW (103 hp) engine with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In Europe, the largest displacement version available is offered with a 1.33-litre engine, coupled with a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The facelift has been led by Toyota Europe, as opposed to all previous generations that had been designed so far in Japan. Toyota claims to have improved ride comfort, quietness at high speed, and the feeling of the interior, among other changes.

Facelift (2017)[]

On 12 January 2017, a second facelift version of the Vitz was launched in Japan. It is now also offered with a hybrid drivetrain.[92] The second facelift version of the Yaris has been available in Europe and Australia since March 2017 and in South Africa and North America since June 2017. The North American version was revealed at the April 2017 New York International Auto Show. The South African models were later replaced by the facelifted XP150 series Yaris hatchback.
grille.[1]

Malaysia[]

rpm.

leather.

Indonesia[]


Second Generation XP90 (2005-2011)[]

Toyota redesigned the Vitz in early 2005, going on sale in Japan that February. The Toyota Belta sedan, shares underpinnings with the Vitz. However, while the Vitz was designed at Toyota's European ED2 design studios, the Belta was designed at their Japanese design studios. While the outgoing Vitz hatchback and Platz sedan look and feel virtually alike, the redesigned Vitz and Belta are more subtly related. The two cars share a frame and the drivetrain components however the sheet metal is different.

The European, Australian, Canadian, Mexican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican markets saw the second generation Vitz near the end of 2005. In the Australian and North American markets, the car was sold as the "Yaris" for the first time. The production Yaris for the US market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.

The new Yaris is built in Japan, France, and Thailand, and it is the first for Arab countries.

The previous 4-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i engine was replaced by the 3-cylinder engine also found in the Toyota Aygo. The 1.3 liter engine was revised to offer slightly more power, and the 1.4 D-4D got a 15 PS (11 kW; 15 hp) boost to 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp), the former engine allowing it to achieve exceptional fuel economy. The Yaris became the first car in its class to offer nine airbags.

For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option.

It has continued to prove popular in Europe, particularly in Britain, where it competes with models such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Citroen C2 and the Peugeot 207. It also has been very popular in Pakistan.

In January 2009, Toyota recalled 1.28 million vehicles worldwide based on the Yaris platform, such as the Vitz, Belta and the Ractis. The recall is based on a seat belt defect that, in severe front-end collisions, could cause a foam pad in the vehicle to ignite.[2]

North America[]

The Canadian Yaris hatchback is available in 3 and 5-door models, running on the Toyota NZ engine, a 1.5 L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine rated 106 bhp (79 kW) and 103 lb·ft (140 N·m). The 2006 Yaris with the 1.5 liter engine can achieve fuel economy ratings of 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp) during highway driving and 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) during city driving. 3-door CE and 5-door LE versions come with 14 in (355.6 mm) wheels, while RS models are equipped with 15 in (381 mm) alloys with standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). In addition, 2008 RS models include new front and back skirts.

The US Yaris is similar to the Canadian variant, and is the successor to the previous North American Toyota Echo. In the US, the 3-door Vitz shares the Yaris name with the Toyota Belta sedan.

The 3-door model is called the 'Yaris Liftback', while the 5-door model will be sold starting with the 2009 model year in the United States and competes with the similarly-equipped Scion xD. The 2008 model year US Yaris comes standard with the 1.5 liter VVT-i engine producing 106 hp (79 kW) and 103 lb·ft (140 N·m) and five-speed manual transmission C54, the four-speed automatic U340E being optional. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) in the city and 36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) on the highway with the manual transmission.[3] While front airbags are standard, as mandated by the law, ABS and side airbags are available only as an option.[4]

In Canada, the CE, LE, and RS packages are replaced by the more modular convenience, power, and all-weather guard packages.

For the 2009 year, the Yaris 5-door liftbacks join the lineup of the existing 4-door sedans and 3-door liftbacks because of the increased demand for fuel efficient subcompact cars. In addition to the new 5-door liftback, all 2009 Yaris models come standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags. For 2009, Toyota also added cruise control as an option on liftback models, and has added a few more colour choices.[5]

The Yaris has been praised by the automotive press for its extremely high fuel economy, but criticized for its excessive body roll (due to a soft suspension and high ride height) and the initial lack of a manual transmission on 5-door models.

The 2010 model has a 5-speed manual option for the 5-door. It also has the Star Safety System - Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) + Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

RS[]

The Toyota Yaris RS was launched in 2007. It was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show and is powered by the new 130 bhp (97 kW) 1.8 2ZR-FE DOHC L dual VVT-i straight-4 gasoline engine, which can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 10 seconds. The RS features 17 inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, a redesigned rear bumper, deep side skirts and a tail spoiler. It also features redesigned headlights and taillights. As in the previous T-Sport, there are extra rear lights on the bumper. Essentially, it is a JDM Vitz RS fitted with a 2ZR-FE engine.

Safety[]

2005 EuroNCAP crash test (5-door):[6]

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test (5-door):[7]

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test (3-door):[8]

First Generation/Origins XP10 (1999–2005)[]

Europe/Israel[]

The Toyota Yaris went on sale in Europe and Israel early in 1999. After the launch of the European Yaris hatchback in May 1999, a slightly modified version went on sale in Canada for the 2004 model year as the Echo hatchback, but not in the United States, where the Toyota Echo sedan and coupe were the lone models. The Toyota Yaris was voted European Car of the Year in 2000, defeating the innovative Fiat Multipla and Opel/Vauxhall Zafira by a narrow and large margin. The Yaris was also awarded the 2000 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.

Instead of conventional instruments, the Yaris and Echo hatchbacks utilized digital instruments which were mounted in a "pod" in the center of the dashboard. The Canadian Echo hatchback (and the Yaris T Sport) had a conventional speedometer but it was still mounted in the center of the dashboard.

The European Yaris was initially available with petrol-powered 4-cylinder 1.0 L or 1.3 L engines with Toyota's VVT-i technology, with the warm hatch 1.5 L T Sport following in 2001. After March 2002, a 1.4 L D4-D diesel engine offering 75 hp was also included in the lineup. This diesel engine is also licensed to BMW for use in their MINI One D model. The use of sophisticated engine management systems was said to give the equivalent of 1.4 litre performance from a 1.0 litre engine while maintaining low fuel consumption and emissions.

On most European and Israeli markets, the Yaris was a stronger seller than the Starlet that it replaced.

2000 EuroNCAP crash test scores:[10]

  • Adult Occupant: 4/5, 29 points
  • Pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): 2/4, 13 points

Japan[]

The Japanese Vitz RS (European Yaris T-Sport) was introduced in 2001 and was powered by a 1.5 L (108 hp) engine, shared with the Echo, Vios, as well as the Scion xA. The 1.5 L T Sport was more fun to drive than the base models because of a sportier suspension and extra power compared to the 1.3 L (90 hp) and 1.0 L (67 hp) models. Later, the Vitz RS was modified by TRD (Toyota Racing Developments), and was fitted with a turbo-charger. A limited run was produced with a power output of around 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp) and a 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 7 seconds. Note that there is also a 1.3L JDM Vitz RS with the 2NZ-FE engine 7–10 km/litre in city 12–13 km/litre which shares brakes, body kit, headlights, suspension and interior with the 1.5 L Vitz RS 5.5-9.5 km/litre in city 10-12.8 km/litre on highway.

North America[]

The Echo sold in very high volumes in Canada, where smaller cars are much more popular than in the US. Sales were so high that Toyota introduced the 3 and 5-door hatchback models to the Canadian Toyota lineup for the 2004 model year. They were sold as the 'Echo hatchback' and look almost identical to the European Yaris, but with minor changes (e.g. larger bumpers) to meet Canadian safety requirements.

Australia[]

The Echo was also very popular in Australia. First introduced in late 1999 to replace the aging Starlet, the Echo was available as a 3 or 5-door hatchback, fitted only with the 1.3l VVT-i engine. An Echo Sportivo variant, fitted with the 1.5l VVT-i engine, was made available for a limited time in Australia. The Sportivo was very similar to the European Yaris T-Sport.

Yaris Verso[]

An unusual addition to the Yaris range came in late 1999 with the Yaris Verso, or Echo Verso in some markets, a small MPV which used the same running gear as the conventional hatchback, but was designed to have an even more practical interior.

In Japan, the model bore the name of 'Funcargo'. The model was replaced by the Ractis in 2004, but this is a Japan-only model due to the disappointing sales of the Yaris Verso in Europe.

Worldwide[]

The Toyota Vitz is sold in Australia and New Zealand as a Toyota Echo until 2005 when the nameplate was changed to Yaris. The first generation Echo was offered in either a 3 door or a 5 door hatchback and a sedan (known as the Platz) with a 1.3 litre and 1.5 litre engine choices through a 5 speed Manual or 4 speed Automatic.

In Europe, the Vitz is sold as a Yaris.

Design quirks and oddities[]

Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards[]

1999 CarsGUIDE Car Of The Year

See Also[]

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