You Are the Reason
Introduction: The words, reliable and
dependable, came to mind after a week of burning this little beauty around the
city where the oceans warmth is met by the wonderful people of Durban, KZN. The
Toyota brand is synonymous with these comforting words and one of the many
reasons the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has sold over 300 million vehicles
around the globe since its first production car, the Model AA sedan, 77 years
ago. My first and lasting impression was that the Vitz looked terrific, was
spacious and went so well. After my first spin, I found myself with strong reason,
casting my busy mind back to that classic TV advert, all those moons ago, to 1993,
“Everything keeps going right – Toyota!”.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The Vitz’s 3-cylinder,
twin injection, 1 Liter engine delivers 49 Kws and 89 Nms of torque to the five-gear
manual transmission, which combined with its light kerb weight, of only 805 kgs
was personally enough oomf for me, while giving the rev counter a run for its
money. With the smaller engine, comes an obvious reduced economy, which Toyota
claim is 4.4 Liters per 100 kms at a 100, but I managed a very respectable 6, due
to the mad rush to get in on those various Black Friday specials, especially
the one on Butro offered by the store that co-sponsored the Bokke! I loved
driving this car. It was comfortable and nippy around town, had very easy steering
and I was even able to get into those parking spots, between the SUV’s parked at
my daughter’s school with ease, thus making the school run simple and easy.
Features: Vehicle stability control system, driver
and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, park distance control and a display asking the
driver to be aware of the surroundings when reversing, rear park sensors, USB
port, Toyota Connect, Android Auto, Apple car play, electric windows all round,
satellite audio and steering wheel controls, 4 speaker sound system, central
locking, alarm/ immobiliser, 15 inch alloys and air conditioning.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: This solidly built car
has great exterior styling, and its appeal also boasts from within. The
functional and well-placed dashboard is home to a 17.5 cm infotainment touch screen
which is both functional and pleasing to the eye. My test unit came in a
metallic silver, called Urban Silver (one of seven colours on offer) which gave
the Vitz a somewhat deserving flashy presence. The car has more than enough legroom
and space for five mates that are of normal proportion, to get cracking on that
weekend adventure and with a respectable 170 mms ground clearance, the trip can
include some gravel and middle mannetjies steering you to that farmhouse in the
Berg with a well-stocked trout dam. The typical yet sufficient luggage capacity
at 295 Liters for a vehicle this size is still going to comfortably house some bags,
groceries, fly rods and enough beverages for that first big night away – btw the
size of this boot wins the best in its class award.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R219900
normally but as of today, there is a special offer at R199900, 2 year/ 30000
kms service plan, with service intervals every 15000 kms, 3 years/ 100000 kms
warranty.
In Summary: I would buy this car for sure. It exudes
character, is very economical, comes from a Brand built on proven trust, has
the looks and is affordable. Is it a first loyal car for your 18-year-old angel,
or a piece of mind vehicle for your Mom who is retired, or is it for someone
like me, a 51-year-old overweight passionate South African that loves all cars and
adores the Vitz because it simply makes sense. Whatever the reason for you,
there is definitely one - It seems to me Dear Toyota Vitz, that You Are the
Reason and some of Calum Scott’s lyrics ring true…. I'd climb every
mountain, And swim every ocean, Just to be with you…...!
