One milestone that many people generally want to achieve in life is getting a car. Owning a car seems like a rite of passage to adulthood. There are so many options to choose from when getting a car. There are also several brands that one can look into. One of the most famous car brands in the world is Toyota. It has several top-of-the-line cars that one can get depending on what one is looking for. One of its models worth looking into is the Toyota Vitz.
A Brief Background on Car Company Toyota
More commonly known as Toyota Jidosha in Japanese, Toyota Motor Corporation is a multinational automotive manufacturer that hails from Japan. Its headquarters are located in Toyota, Aichi. The corporate structure of the company is composed of 364,445 employees around the world as of the year 2017.
By revenue, Toyota was also the 5th biggest company on earth as of October of the year 2017. In the car industry, this company is the second biggest automotive manufacturer in the world as of the year 2017. This automotive company is so big that it was actually the first to produce over 10 million vehicles in a year since the year 2012 and has not stopped since.
Its fame in the automotive world is undeniable. In fact, the company was also the biggest listed company by market capitalization in the Land of the Sun. Because of its reputation, high quality and excellent services are among its selling points. They cannot overlook these, as their name is on the line.
The company is also the market leader in the world in terms of selling hybrid electric vehicles. In fact, Toyota encourages mass-market adoption of hybrid vehicles. Not only that but this company is also a leader in encouraging people to get on board with hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
As on January in the year 2017, Toyota and Lexus hybrid passenger car models reached its 10 million milestone of cumulative global sales. The number one selling hybrid nameplate in the world is Toyota’s Prius family. It has sold more than 6 million units worldwide as of early 2017.
Founded in the year 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, this company originally was just a spinoff from the founder’s father’s company known as Toyota Industries. Kiichiro’s company aimed to create automobiles. Three years before the company’s foundation, it was still just a department of Toyota Industries.
At the time, the department was able to build its own product called the Type A engine in the year 1934. Two years later, it built its first passenger car called the Toyota AA in the year 1936. Having seen the potential of the department to grow into its own, Kiichiro decided to venture on his own and create automobiles.
The Current Generation Toyota Vitz and Its Updates in 2014 and 2017
There are several lines under Toyota. One of these worth checking out is the Toyota Vitz. Produced since the year 1999, the Toyota Vitz is a series of hatchback subcompact vehicles that come in three doors and in five doors. The name “Toyota Vitz” is more commonly used in Japan. However, international markets may recognize this line of car by another name called “Toyota Yaris.” It may also be known as the “Toyota Echo” in certain markets for the first generation. Today, the Toyota Vitz is already in its third generation.
People in Japan can avail of the Toyota Vitz from Toyota’s Netz Store dealerships across the country. The first two generations of the line had already achieved more than 3.5 millions sales in more than 70 countries as of the year 2010. This number already includes over 1.4 million that was made in Japan alone.
The introduction to the third generation Toyota Vitz was made in the year 2010. This newer model featured a redesigned front, a sportier bearing, and an interior that had more space. Instead of using a pair of wipers, this new model utilizes a single windshield wiper. Another change made to the new model is the repositioning of its meter cluster to the front of the driver and behind the steering wheel.
This new model offered in European countries also comes in six-speed manual transmission for the engine with a capacity of 1.33 liters. Another version would be one with a CVT transmission, which is advertised as “7-speed MultiDrive” or “MultiDrive S.” For those who are confused, the “7-speed” is based on the 7 options that the driver can choose from a predefined gear ratio.
Finally, the launch of the third generation Vitz was made on the 22nd of December in the year 2010. The launch was held in Yokohama, Japan. As for the other countries, the third generation Vitz was launched by the end of the year 2011. There was also a reduction of aerodynamic drag with 0.285 as a coefficient drag value.
The new generation Vitz features a new 1.3L 4-cylinder engine, which is claimed to be just as economical as the 1.0L engine. Additional features that can be seen in the new generation include a single windshield wiper as well as an engine start-stop system. The system is claimed to come with a 26.5 km/L, which is equivalent to 3.8 L/100 km or 62.3 mpg-US.
This new model is also not taking it slow when it comes to safety. The XP130 features a maximum of 9 airbags. These airbags are the driver and front passenger airbags, a knee airbag for the driver, two front seat cushion airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags.
The new generation also comes in different model grades such as in F, Jewela, U, and RS. Buyers can choose engines ranging from 1.0 liters to 1.5 liters. For the people opting for the 1.5-liter RS model, it can also come with a CVT transmission for the automatic. 2WD and 4WD drivetrains are also available for people buying this generation car in the Land of the Sun.
It is a great thing that this generation offers different engine size choices. This is so that Japanese drivers can also choose which annual road tax obligation that they want to pay, which is based on the size of the engine of their vehicles. Through the year, the third generation also underwent a facelift in the year 2014 and again in the year 2017. Nonetheless, its performance remains the same.
The Toyota Vitz Hybrid Launched in the Year 2017
There are many models under the line Toyota Vitz. One of its newer models is the Toyota Vitz Hybrid, which was just launched in the year 2017. This model has a length of 3.945 meters and a width of 1.695 meters. It has a height of 1.5 meters. In comparison to other cars, the Toyota Vitz Hybrid is bigger in every dimension in comparison to the new Suzuki Cultus. The wheelbase of the Hybrid is 2.51 meters.
The Toyota Vitz Hybrid has several features. For starters, this model is easy to drive. It features a 1NZ-FXE internal combustion engine, which creates 73 horsepower. It also features 111 NM of torque as well as an electric motor that can make up to 60 horsepower.
Another great feature of the Vitz Hybrid is its new E-CVT gearbox, which stands for Electric-Continuously Variable Transmission. Thanks to this, the car makes a better response when stepping on the accelerator. It also gives a smoother ride and feel while driving.
In comparison to the second generation Vitz, which resembles an egg, the Vitz Hybrid maintains the same width but extends in length. However, the Vitz Hybrid is a little bit shorter in terms of height. This means that the Vitz Hybrid has a lower center of gravity. As a result, this model handles better than the second generation Vitz.
One of the great things that users of the Vitz Hybrid noticed is that this model is less bumpy to drive in compared to the previous generation. This was because the second generation had a short wheelbase, which led it to be bumpy when driving on uneven roads. Fortunately, this is no longer a concern with the Vitz Hybrid anymore.
As for the wheels, they are the standard 14-inch steel wheels that come with wheel caps as well as 175/70R14 tires. For people looking for a spare wheel, they will not find one in the Vitz Hybrid. This is because where a spare wheel is usually located lies a battery pack in the boot.
The Vitz Hybrid also features an air compressor as well as a puncture repair kit, which would definitely be useful should something happen to one’s tires while on the road. This model’s turning radius is 4.7 meters. It is important to take note that the ground clearance of this vehicle is only at 140 millimeters, which is considerably low.
The GR Sport Versions for Vitz: Vitz GR and GRMN
The Toyota Vitz also has its own GR Sportscar series. The lineup is composed of three classifications. These are the entry-level GR Sport, the mid-range GR, and the top-of-the-line GRMN. For the regular drivers who would like to try to drive a sports car, check out the 86 GR.
Some of its features include full aero parts, Recaro seats, a Torsen-type limited slip differential, Rays aluminum wheels, and Sachs suspension. The model also has a smaller steering wheel as well as flashy new brake calipers. The exterior design of the model looks quite athletic if one is going for that look.
At present, it is only being released in its homeland Japan. However, there may already be plans to launch these cars outside of the Land of the Sun so that others may also get to experience this great car. Not many may be aware but the Vitz GRMN Turbo has also already been introduced by Toyota, albeit quietly, in Japan.
The production model of this car shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon features a hatchback with three doors and comes with an aggressive front bumper as well as modified side skirts. The model also shows a huge rear diffuser. The vehicle also comes with headlights infused with LED, GRMN badging, a sports exhaust system, and 17-inch BBS aluminum wheels. It is said to only be available in either Super White II or Black Mica.
There will not be many interior changes. Nonetheless, these changes would include sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and modified instrumentation. It would probably also include special floor mats as well as alloy pedals. Its 1.5-liter engine would be furnished with a turbocharger. This turbocharger would let the engine be able to produce 152 HP, which is equivalent to 112 kW, as well as 206 Nm of torque, which is equivalent to 151 lb-ft.
This engine would be exclusively connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Other changes for this model include high-performance brakes as well as a sport-tuned suspension. It is said that the company would only be producing 200 units of this model. It would cost at least 2.7 million yen, which is approximately equivalent to 27,910 US dollars. Orders were already being accepted since the 25th of August.
With so many great quality cars under the belt of Toyota, it comes as no wonder how hard it is to choose the best model for one. Toyota continuously updates the looks and specs of its cars so quality assurance is always there. The Toyota Vitz is definitely a line to look into, especially for people who would be driving with a smaller crowd. It is easy to use and such a breeze to drive.