2016 Toyota Vitz Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota Vitz is also known as Yaris outside Japan has been in production since 1999 and has been 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.

2016 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 2016 Vitz comes with a generous number of interior features for its class. Interior features in the 2016 Vitz include a six-speaker stereo, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, a USB port, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. Navigation, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, which are easy to operate.

The Toyota Vitz offers a seating capacity of five people. The front seats are spacious, reasonably supportive, and allow excellent vision forward. However, they are little cushioned, which diminishes long-distance comfort. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel might make driving uncomfortable for taller persons.

Exterior

The 2016 Vitz has maintained the basic shape and frame that was redesigned in 2011 and given a facelift in 2014.  The Upper and lower grilles join at the logo to form a striking cross while the chrome trim bar extends from the logo’s upper grille to the new Keen Look headlight clusters. A revised rear bumper design gives the 2016 Toyota Vitz a broader, lower profile, while the diffuser boosts its sporty, confident road presence. New LED rear lamps flank the license plate garnish while the rear lights stand out at night.

Cargo Space

Both the two-door and four-door Toyota Vitz hatchbacks have small cargo capacities, measuring 15.3 and 15.6 cubic feet, respectively.

Safety Features

Standard safety features in the 2016 Vitz include antilock brakes 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 2016 Vitz has a fuel efficiency of 18.0Km/L with a fuel tank capacity of 42 liters.

Ground Clearance

The 2016 Vitz has a ground clearance of 14.0 cm/ 5.51 inches, which is lower than 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 2016 Toyota Vitz

1. Excellent fuel economy
2. Cheap to maintain
3. Reliable

What we don’t
1. Low ground clearance.

Conclusion
The Toyota Vitz is an ideal car when it comes to fuel efficiency. It’s ideal for people on a shoestring budget who want a simple car to move around with.

Where to Buy the 2016 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.