2011 Toyota Vitz Review
The Toyota Vitz has been an impactful car in the Kenyan market. We credit it as being the first subcompact to achieve commercial success and widespread adoption in this market. Of course there were others before it such as the Toyota Starlet and the VW Polo but these never impacted the market the way the Vitz did.
Detailed Review
Currently in its third generation, the Toyota Vitz has been in production since 1999 and is sold exclusively in Japan. In other markets, it’s sold as the Toyota Yaris. The first generation known as the XP10 was in production from 1999 – 2005, the second generation known as the XP90 was in production from 2005 – 2010 and the third generation known as the XP130 has been in production from 2011 – Present.
The 2011 Vitz is offered with 3 engine options. These are, the 1.0 Litre 1KR engine, the 1.3 Litre 1NR engine and the 1.5 Litre 1NZ engine. These are linked to either a 4-speed automatic, a CVT or a 5 – Speed manual transmission. It is available in both 2WD and 4WD.
The 2011 Toyota Vitz comes in 4 grades. These are the Toyota Vitz F, Toyota Vitz Jewela, Toyota Vitz U and Toyota Vitz RS. Below are the specifications for each of these grades.
Toyota Vitz Grades
- Toyota Vitz F – This is the base model that comes with either the 1.0L engine or the 1.3L engine, 2WD/4WD, halogen headlights, plain steering wheel, keystart, 14-Inch steel rims, and a manual AC. The F Grade has 2 subgrades. These are the SMART STOP and M Package. The SMART STOP comes with the 1.3L engine, 2WD and Toyota’s Stop & Start System that switches off the engine when the car is not moving to conserve fuel. The M Package comes with the 1.0L engine, 2WD and a bi-color interior trim.
- Toyota Vitz Jewela – This grade is similar to the F but with more exotic colors such as pink, purple, maroon and red. Its targeted at a more feminine clientele.
- Toyota Vitz U – This is the luxury grade that comes with either the 1.3L engine or the 1.5L engine, 2WD/4WD, xenon headlights, steering audio controls, chrome trim, keyless/smart start, 15-Inch steel rims, turn signal on side mirrors, luggage cover, padded seats and automatic AC.
- Toyota Vitz RS – This is the sports version that comes with a supercharged 1.5L 1NZ engine, 2WD, Xenon Headlights, Fog lights, steering audio controls, chrome trim, keyless/smart start, 16-Inch alloy rims, turn signal on side mirrors, luggage cover, padded seats and automatic AC. A subgrade of the RS known as the C Package which is a basic RS that comes with halogen headlights, manual AC, and keystart.
2011 Toyota Vitz Interior
Legroom & Space
The Toyota Vitz is a small car and space is not one it’s strengths. However, when stacked up against its competitors such as the Honda Fit and the Mazda Demio, it holds up pretty well. At the first row, the legroom is ok for the passenger’s seat but a tall driver will find it tight. At the second row, the legroom can best be described as practical. The middle seat is cramped thanks to a storage bin protruding from the floor.
Cabin Storage
Even with the limited space, the Vitz still offers some clever storage compartments that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages and documents. At the first row, there are four cupholders, door panel storage, a glovebox and a center tray that stretches to the back. For the second row, the storage is on the door pockets and the front seat jacket pockets( Only on the U and RS grades)
2011 Toyota Vitz Boot Space
For such a small sized car, the boot is actually functional and can carry some sizable luggage. If extra space is required, the rear seats can fold flat.
Other Extras – DVD/Navigation, Smart Stop, adjustable steering
Safety Features – SRS Airbags, Curtain Airbags, ABS, EBD, VSC, TRC
Exterior
The third generation Toyota Vitz is longer and wider than previous generations. The body styling is angular giving the Vitz a much more needed fresh and sporty look. The U and RS grades come with more extras as alloy rims, fog lights, and blinkers on side mirrors.
2011 Toyota Vitz Fuel Consumption
The Toyota Vitz 1.0L Consumes 20.8 Km/L (On Average)
The Toyota Vitz 1.3L SMART STOP Consumes 23.5 Km/L (On Average)
The Toyota Vitz 1.3L Consumes 20.6 Km/L (On Average)
The Toyota Vitz 1.5L Consumes 18.8 Km/L (On Average)
2011 Toyota Vitz Acceleration
The Toyota Vitz 1.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 15.3 sec.
The Toyota Vitz 1.3L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.7 sec.
The Toyota Vitz 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 sec.
The Toyota Vitz 1.5L RS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec.
2011 Toyota Vitz Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 Litres
2011 Toyota Vitz Ground Clearance
The 2011 Toyota Vitz has a ground clearance of 5.5 Inches(140mm). This is a very low car by Kenyan standards and will not clear some speed bumps. It is sometimes necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car for Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2011 Toyota Vitz Stability and Handling
The Toyota Vitz is a light car that weighs in at around 1000 Kg. For the size of the car, it handles well at moderate speeds and the gear shifts are smooth. The 1.0L takes too long to accelerate but when it gains speed, it moves surprisingly well. At higher speeds, the steering feels a bit light and responds a tad too fast. The RS feels more composed at higher speeds and has better steering judgement. Stability-wise, the Vitz is a light car that can easily roll-over if pushed beyond it’s limits. It’s important to exercise caution around corners.
Service Intervals
Minor Service – At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service – At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Spare parts for the Toyota Vitz are widely available in Kenya. Service parts are shared across many other Toyotas such as the Ractis and Platz, so availability is good. Body parts are somewhat expensive as the car is still new in the market but they will definitely come down with time. In Nairobi, most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock these parts. You can get listings for these shops here follow this link
2011 Toyota Vitz Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The 2011 Toyota Vitz is a reliable car with no major problems reported. The CVT gearbox is sensitive to bad quality transmission fluid and failures have been reported. Always follow the recommended guidelines as per the Owner’s manual. Download the 2011 Toyota Vitz Owners Manual here.
Resale Value – Good
Toyota Vitz Competitors: Honda Fit, Mazda Demio, VW Polo
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See Latest Toyota Vitz price here
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 22,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 16,000/- for 4 Tyres
What we like about the 2011 Toyota Vitz
1. Best in class fuel economy
2. Cheap to maintain
3. Reliable
What we don’t
1. Low ground clearance.
Conclusion
When it comes to fuel economy and cost of maintenance, nothing beats the Toyota Vitz. It’s ideal for people on a shoestring budget who want a simple car to move around with.
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