2012 Toyota Ractis Review

The Toyota Ractis has been a huge success on the Kenyan market due to its outstanding fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and low cost of maintenance. Thanks to its high top and flat fold seats, it may be designed to transport either passengers or luggage, depending on the situation. Locally, it competes with the Honda Fit, the Nissan Note, and the Mazda Demio.

Detailed Review

The first-generation Ractis known as NCP100 was in production from 2005 to 2010. The second-generation Ractis known as NCP120 was in production from 2010 to 2016. Its production ended in 2016 and the Toyota Roomy/Toyota Tank replaced it.

The 2012 Toyota Ractis comes with 2 engine options; a 1.3L 1NR-FKE engine and a 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine.

2012 Toyota Ractis Grades

  1. Toyota Ractis X – This is the base grade that comes with either the 1.3L or 1.5L engine, 2WD/4WD and steel rims
    2. Toyota Ractis G – This is a fully equipped grade that comes with either the 1.3L or 1.5L engine, 2WD/4WD, alloy rims and fog lights
    3. Toyota Ractis S – This is sports grade that comes the 1.5L engine, 2WD, alloy rims, fog lights and paddle-shift

Interior Legroom & Space

The Toyota Ractis is a spacious and roomy hatchback thanks to its high roof and flat floor. The seats are set at an elevated position which makes for a natural seating position and an excellent view of the road. It has excellent legroom and can comfortably accommodate tall passengers.

Cabin Storage
For the 1st row, there are 4 cup/bottle holders, door panel storage, storage spaces below the dashboard, a glovebox, and the center box. For the second row, the storage is on the door pockets.

2012Toyota Ractis Boot Space

The Toyota Ractis has the largest boot space compared to other hatchbacks. At 429Litres of boot space, the Toyota Ractis scores highly in this regard. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold flat to create a large boot.

Other Extras: CD/Radio player, Navigation(Optional), Smart-Start, 6 Airbags, Alloy Rims, Fog Lights

Exterior

The 2012 Toyota Ractis has an angular exterior than its predecessor with LED headlamps at the front and a flat rear with crystal LED taillights.

Fuel Tank Capacity: 42Litres

2012 Toyota Ractis Fuel Consumption
2012 Toyota Ractis 1.3L Fuel Consumption: 18.40km/L
2012 Toyota Ractis 1.5L Fuel Consumption: 19.00km/L

2013 Toyota Ractis Acceleration
2012 Toyota Ractis 1.3L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.5 secs.
2012 Toyota Ractis 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.5 secs

Ground Clearance
The 2012 Toyota Ractis has a ground clearance of 5.7 Inches(145mm). This is a low car by Kenyan standards and will not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan standards. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

Stability and Handling

The Toyota Ractis is steady and sure-footed at moderate speeds. However, there is visible understeer at higher speeds in curves. This should not be a problem for typical driving, although eager drivers should use caution. The 1.3L engine is underpowered and struggles to accelerate under full load. It is appropriate for light urban use and settings in which speed and power are of secondary importance. For long-distance trips and big loads, the 1.5Lengine is preferable.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: Done at 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: Done at 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
The Ractis is built on the same platform as the Vitz and they share many parts except body parts. Service parts, engine parts, and suspension parts are widely available in Kenya at affordable prices. Body parts are slightly expensive and not as widely available. We visited several Toyota spare shops in Nairobi and we were able to quickly find the parts we wanted. For a list of these shops follow this link. 

Toyota Ractis Reliability

The Toyota Ractis is a dependable car and has the same engines as the Toyota Vitz. However, there is concern regarding CVT transmission, which is known to be delicate. Transmission failure will result from the use of low-quality transmission fluid and infrequent maintenance, hence it is not recommended. There have been reports of electrical failure and engine problems after high-pressure engine wash.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Ractis Competitors: Mazda DemioNissan NoteHonda Fit,

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: From Ksh.750,000

See the Latest Toyota Ractis Prices here

What we like about the 2012 Toyota Ractis
1. Spacious and roomy Interior
2. Good fuel economy

Conclusion

The Toyota Ractis is a practical car that is ideal for people who value functionality and fuel economy. Due to its strong demand, the prices have been going through the roof lately as dealers cash in.

Where To Buy the Toyota Ractis in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Ractis locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.

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