2014 Toyota Vitz Review

Detailed Review

Toyota Vitz has been manufactured since 1999 and is only offered in Japan. In other markets, it is branded as the Toyota Yaris. The Toyota Vitz is available in three generations: the first, known as the XP10, was produced from 1999 to 2005, the second, known as the XP90, was produced from 2005 to 2010, and the third, known as the XP130, has been in production since 2011.

The 2014 Toyota Vitz is available in three engine options namely the 1.0-liter (990cc) 1KR engine, the 1.3-liter (1290cc) 1NR engine, and the 1.5-liter (1490cc) 1NZ engine.

2014 Toyota Vitz Grades

Toyota Vitz F– This is the base grade and comes with a 1.0liter or 1.3-liter engine. Standard features include 14-inch steel rims, a plain steering wheel, halogen headlights, key start, and a manual AC. It has two subgrades (M Package and SMART STOP)

Toyota Vitz Jewela– This grade boasts the same features as grade F, but has more exotic colors, including maroon, pink, purple, and red. It caters to a predominantly female clientele.

Toyota Vitz U- This is the luxury trim that comes with either the 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter engine, 2 or 4 wheel drive, chrome accents, radio controls on the steering wheel, xenon headlights, keyless/smart start, turn signals on the side mirrors, luggage cover, cushioned seats, automatic air conditioning, and 15-inch steel wheels.

Toyota Vitz RS– This is the sports trim, that is equipped with a supercharged 1.5-liter 1NZ engine (1490cc), 2WD, steering audio controls, fog lights, xenon headlights, chrome trim, keyless/smart start, turn signal on side mirrors, luggage cover, cushioned seats, automatic air conditioning, and 16-inch alloy rims. The C Package is a sub-grade of the RS that comes with manual air conditioning, halogen headlights, and key start.

Interior Legroom & Space

The interior of the Vitz is as straightforward as it gets. A huge speedometer is situated immediately in front of the driver, and there are only a few gauges to read. The high-mounted front seats help provide good sightlines for those concerned that a tiny car will provide a poor view of the road, while the lack of a telescoping steering wheel can be a problem for short and tall drivers alike. There is plenty of legroom in the back, and even taller passengers will have enough headroom.

Although the 2014 Toyota Vitz’s plastics and upholstery are not remarkable, the materials are well finished and constructed. Although the 2014 Toyota Vitz lacks a navigation system, it does include all of the essential tech features you will want, such as Bluetooth with streaming audio and a USB port items that you will normally have to spend extra for in this price bracket.

Cargo Space

The four-door Vitz has 15.6 cubic feet (15.3 in the two-door) of cargo capacity behind its back seat, which is comparable to the Fiesta. But the Honda Fit (20.6 cubic feet) and Nissan Versa Note (13.0 cubic feet) offer significantly more cargo space (21.4 cubic feet). Nonetheless, the LE and SE versions’ split-folding rear seats maximize the available capacity.

Exterior

The exterior design of the 2014 Toyota Vitz lacks visual appeal. It is a compact hatchback with a family resemblance to other Toyotas with lines that are neat and functional. It appears more robust and chiseled, with a pronounced side crease, massive door handles, and tail lamps that protrude from the body. The sporty SE model’s rear bumper shield gives it a rally-car appearance.

Safety Features

Standard safety features in the 2014 Toyota Vitz include; antilock brakes (rear drums for all models except the SE, which gets four-wheel discs), traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front-seat cushion airbags and a driver knee airbag.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2014 Toyota Vitz has an average fuel consumption of 18KM/L.

Ground Clearance

It has a ground clearance of  5.5 Inches(140mm) which is below the recommended clearance of 6.5 inches.

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 follow this link.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Vitz Competitors: Honda Fit, Mazda Demio, Nissan Note, VW Polo

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: From Ksh.950,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 49,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 16,000/- for 4 Tyres
See the latest Toyota Vitz prices here

What we like about the 2014 Toyota Vitz
1. Great fuel economy
2. Cheap to maintain
3. Reliable

What we don’t
1. Low ground clearance.

Conclusion

Nothing beats the Toyota Vitz when it comes to fuel economy and maintenance costs. It’s perfect for folks on a tight budget who want a basic car to go around in.

Where to Buy the 2014 Toyota Vitz in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Vitz 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.