Toyota Vitz
The Toyota Vitz is a three- and five-door subcompact hatchback produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota from 1999 to 2019. The "Vitz" nameplate was used consistently in Japan, while most international markets received the same vehicle as the Toyota Yaris, or as the Toyota Echo in some markets for the first generation. The Vitz was available in Japan from Toyota'sNetz Store dealerships. Toyota began production in Japan and later assembled the vehicle in other Asian countries and in France.
By 2010, the first two generations had achieved in excess of 3.5 million sales in over 70 countries, including more than 1.4 million in Japan.
In 2019, the "Vitz" nameplate was dropped in Japan due to faltering sales, and the vehicle was replaced by the XP210 series Yaris.
First generation (XP10; 1999)
The first generation XP10 series Vitz was designed by Sotiris Kovos at Toyota's ED2 studio in Europe. It was first unveiled at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Production began in late 1998, with a Japanese on-sale date of January 1999; European sales commenced two months later as the "Toyota Yaris". When introduced to Australasia in October 1999, the "Toyota Echo" name was used, as was the case in Canada when released there in 2003 for the 2004 model year. The "Echo" and "Yaris" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Toyota Platz sedan, also available as a coupé in North America. Often sold alongside the hatchback and marketed as a single line of vehicles, exterior panels common between the Vitz and Platz were restricted to the front doors. However, as Vitz and Platz were designed using the same platform, the mechanicals are largely identical and both share a common dashboard module. There was also a "Yaris Verso" or "Echo Verso" variant sold in some export markets from late 1999, based on the Japanese "Toyota Fun Cargo". The Verso MPV utilizes the same running gear as the Vitz, but features a more spacious interior.At its introduction in 1999, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award.
What became the XP10 series was shown earlier in concept form at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept, titled "Funtime" was developed under the leadership of Shuhei Toyoda, who also commissioned two additional models based on the same platform: the "Funcoupe" and the "Funcargo", the predecessor to the forthcoming production model Fun Cargo. Styled in Brussels by Toyota's European Office of Creation, the "Fun project" as it was known, was envisaged to underline the versatility of shared platform engineering. These concept vehicles morphed into the New Basic Car program, with each separate NBC model designated a number, NBC1 in the case of the Vitz three-door. The name Vitz is the phonetic Anglicized spelling of the German word Witz which means "wit". Toyota claims the contrived name Yaris is "intended to convey a European impression", while Echo "is intended to Echo nothing."
Instead of conventional analogue instruments, the Vitz utilized digital instruments which were mounted in a "pod" in the center of the dashboard. When sales commenced in the Canadian market this was not the case, with Toyota opting to fit a conventional speedometer, still mounted in the center of the dashboard.
In 2003, the facelifted 'Phase 2' Vitz was released with different bumpers and 'teardrop' front lights.
Safety
ed the dual-airbag equipped XP10 series in 2000, rating the car 29 out of 37 for adult occupant protection, or four out of five stars. The pedestrian rating is 13 points or two of out of four stars. In July 2004, ANCAP tested the XP10 with only a driver's airbag fitted, resulting in a 23.64 out of 37 grading, or three out of five stars. The 2010 edition of Monash University's Used Car Safety Ratings, found that the XP10 provides a "poor" level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.Markets
Asia
The Japanese launch of the Vitz occurred on 13 January 1999, and along with the related Platz, was retailed through the Netz dealership channel.The Vitz "RS" was introduced in October 2000. The "RS" featured revised front and rear bumpers, a mesh grille, black-tinted headlamps, front fog lamps, side skirts and alloy wheels. Interior upgrades include, sports-oriented front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather and chrome gear shifter, and metallic door sill scuff plates. Two engines were available in the "RS", the 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE. More powerful brakes and a firmer suspension calibration were also fitted to the "RS".
The Phase 2 Vitz RS was modified by Toyota Racing Development mainly for the domestic Japanese market, and outfitted with an IHI Rhf4 turbocharger with boost. Produced in limited numbers, the TRD-tuned "RS" sported the 1.5-litre engine, and produced and offered a time of 7.9 seconds.
The Yaris was also sold in China as the Xiali Vizi from December 2002 to 2012, equipped with a 1.0 and 1.3 litre engine.
Australia
The XP10 series was introduced to Australia on 8 October 1999 as the "Echo", replacing the Starlet. Both the three- and five-door hatchback variants were available, which sold alongside the four-door Toyota Platz-derived Echo sedan. Sourced from Japan, Australian-market Echo hatchbacks received the 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE engine with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional four-speed automatic. The base model was fitted with a driver's airbag and cassette player, although the optional safety pack added a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes. Power steering was made standard equipment in October 2002. The Echo "Sportivo" was introduced in March 2001, fitted with the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine with manual transmission only. Compared to the models equivalent to the Echo "Sportivo" in other markets, the Australian variant is distinguishable with its locally developed T-CAM body kit and downgraded 14-inch alloy wheels.Sales of the facelifted hatchback range commenced in March 2003. At the same time, the price dropped and standard equipment was increased, with air conditioning, a CD player, and remote keyless entry included, although the safety pack was deleted as an option all together. Consequently, ANCAP tested the Echo in July 2004 and demoted it from a four- to a three-star safety rating. ANCAP had previously based its four-star rating on the test conducted by Euro NCAP, which was performed with the passenger airbag fitted. Following the reassessment, Toyota reintroduced the safety pack from 1 December 2004 for the 2005 model year. In June 2005, Toyota Australia launched the Echo "Rush" three- and five-doors. Additional equipment fitted over the base model included 14-inch alloy wheels, front power windows, and front fog lamps.
Europe
The Vitz, marketed as the "Yaris" in Europe, was initially available with gasoline-powered inline-four engines in displacements of 1.0 and 1.3-litres, both featuring Toyota's VVT-i technology. The use of sophisticated engine management systems was said to give the equivalent of 1.4-litre performance from the 1.0-litre engine, while maintaining low fuel consumption and emissions. In 2001, the range was expanded via the addition of the warm hatch "T Sport", fitted with the 1.5-litre engine. After March 2002, a 1.4-litre D4-D diesel engine offering was also included in the lineup.In most European markets, the Yaris was a stronger seller than the Starlet that it replaced. The XP10 was voted European Car of the Year in 2000, and also the 2000 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.
European-market Yaris was also exported to Israel as well as in Morocco.
North America
The Vitz was not sold in North America until 2003 when it launched in Canada under the "Echo" name for the 2004 model year. Prior to this, only the Platz-based Echo sedan and coupé were available in Canada. The hatchback was introduced in Canada only due to the higher sales achieved by the sedan and coupé compared to the United States. Minor changes were made to meet Canadian safety requirements such as larger bumpers. The Echo hatchback was offered in four different trims in Canada, the LE being the standard version available in three or five door variants. The CE was an economy version only available with three doors and did not feature power steering, a rear wiper or a four-way speaker system, while the RS was only available with five doors and featured an aero package, aluminium alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob along with sport seats.Although an RS version was offered, it is not sportier than the other Canadian variations as it consisted of cosmetic changes only. All Canadian-bound Echo hatches were sold with the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine and rated at.
In 2004, for the 2005 model year, a tachometer was added.
Gallery
Yaris Cabrio Concept (2000)
The Yaris Cabrio concept car was presented at the March 2000 Geneva Motor Show. The Yaris Cabrio featured a fabric roof. It never reached the production stage. Another similar concept based on the XP150 series Yaris was showcased at the 23rd Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in August 2015, being called Yaris Legian.Second generation (XP90; 2005)
Toyota redesigned the Vitz in early 2005, going on sale in Japan that February. The Toyota Belta sedan shares underpinnings with the Vitz. However, while the Vitz was designed at Toyota's European ED2 design studios, the Belta was designed at their Japanese design studios. While the outgoing Vitz hatchback and Platz sedan look and feel virtually alike, the redesigned Vitz and Belta are more subtly related. The two cars share a frame and the drivetrain components however the sheet metal is different.The European, Australian, Canadian, Mexican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican markets saw the second generation Vitz near the end of 2005. In the Australian and North American markets, the car was sold as the "Yaris" for the first time. The production Yaris for the US market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. The XP90 series Yaris is built in Japan, France, and Thailand.
The previous 4-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i engine was replaced by the 3-cylinder engine also found in the Toyota Aygo. The 1.3-litre engine was revised to offer slightly more power, and the 1.4 D-4D got a boost to, the former engine allowing it to achieve exceptional fuel economy. For the European market in early 2009 the Yaris added a 1.33-litre engine with Stop & Start technology. The Yaris became the first car in its class to offer nine airbags.
It also received a minor facelift in 2010 with slight subtle revisions to its bumper with in-built cornering protectors, air dams and an orange tinted signal on its tail lamps.
From 2011 to 2013, Daihatsu sold the XP90 Yaris under the "Daihatsu Charade" name as a Thai-produced five-door hatchback. Powertrains comprised a 1.3-litre engine and six-speed manual or optional automatic. The Charade was sold alongside the XP130 series Yaris.
The XP90 series Yaris continued to be built in China and Thailand until it was replaced by the XP150 model in November 2013.
Vitz RS
The Vitz RS was launched in 2007. It was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show and is powered 1.5 L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine rated 107 bhp and. The RS features 16 inch alloy wheels, a RS badged mesh grille, a redesigned front and rear bumper, redesigned taillamps, deep side skirts and a tail spoiler. It also features sports tuned steering and suspension as well as disc rear brakes.The Vitz RS is sold in North American market equipped with the base 1.5 engine, and in European markets as the Yaris TS. As with the previous T-Sport, there are extra rear reflectors on the bumper. Essentially, it is a Japanese market Vitz RS fitted with a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE engine rated and, which can reach in under 10 seconds.
For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option.
The facelifted Vitz RS/Yaris TS was also a basis for the 2012 Thai-built Yaris facelift.
Safety
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Recall
In January 2009, Toyota recalled 1.28 million vehicles worldwide based on the Yaris platform, such as the Vitz, Belta and the Ractis. The recall is based on a seat belt defect that, in severe front-end collisions, could cause a foam pad in the vehicle to ignite.Markets
Japan
In Japan, the second generation model is sold as the Vitz. It is available in B, F, I, RS model grades. Engine available ranges from 1 to 1.5-litres starting with the basic B variant to the sporty RS variant featuring a sports package and minor cosmetic bits on its interior and minor tweaks to its suspension. The models which have automatic transmission adopt a 4WD layout while the manual version use a standard front 2WD layout.Asia
- China: Yaris has been built and marketed in China by GAC Toyota since July 2008. Two engine options have been provided: the 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and 1.6-litre dual VVT-i 4ZR-FE. To boost sales, GAC-Toyota developed a 2011 model specifically for the Chinese market, which has an extended front body which brings the car to measure 3915 mm in length and a new chrome grille. The XP90 continued to be built in China until it was replaced by the newer model in November 2013.
- Indonesia: The Yaris was launched in Indonesia in 2006. It is powered by the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine matched to 4-speed super ECT automatic or 5-speed Manual transmission. Initially, the Yaris was offered in E, S, and S Limited trim levels. The automatic only S and S Limited came with front, side and rear spoilers. Engine Start/Stop button is for the S Limited only. The Yaris received minor changes for 2009 model year with new bumpers, grille, tail lights, and revised interior. The new base model J was added into the line up. The mid-level E got aero-style mudguards and roof spoiler, while full body kits are remained on the S and S Limited. The S Limited TRD Sportivo with extreme body kits and lowered springs was offered in small numbers. The Yaris received a facelift again in 2012 with the Vitz RS look but with different bumper, bodykit and spoiler, new steering wheel on E, S, and TRD Sportivo type, and new interior with red stitching on S and TRD Sportivo types. The S Limited type was renamed to S A/T and the TRD Sportivo variant added manual transmission, a new aggressive body kit, and no longer used TRD suspension to reduce cost. Sales terminated in October 2013 when production in Thailand was replaced by the XP150 model. In other uses, Toyota Team Indonesia built a slightly modified Yaris based on the TRD sportivo model and is used for races in the Indonesian Touring Car Championship.
- Malaysia: The Yaris was also available in Malaysia, powered by the 1NZ-FE engine with 4-cylinder DOHC with VVT-i. It comes in 2 trim levels: 1.5 G and 1.5 S, both with 4-speed automatic transmission with Super ECT and Gate Shifter, featuring an output of at 6000 rpm, and a torque of at 4200 rpm. The 1.5S variant comes with 15" solid disc brakes for the front wheels, front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirt and rear spoiler, amber Optitron meter, a black center cluster, leather wrapped gearshift.
- Singapore: The Yaris was first launched in Singapore in 2006 by the local dealer Borneo Motors with 3 variants, namely the E and G. It is powered by a 1NZ-FE 4-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT-i. The G model has a 60:40 split rear seat and an additional tray under the driver's seat which the E model does not. It features an Optitron speedometer across the lineup. After its facelift in 2010, the 1.5 E automatic was the only variant available.
- Thailand: In Thailand, which currently manufactures the Yaris for the Asian market, is available in 4 variants namely the RS, G, E and J. The Yaris is powered by a 1.5 L 1NZ-FE powerplant in Thailand. The RS model features a RS emblem sport grill, red stitching on the steering wheel and blackened headlamp tint. It also features Smart Entry and Push Start ignition. Both the RS and G variant has multifunction controls on the steering wheel.
Australia
North America
The second generation US Yaris is the successor to the previous North American Toyota Echo. In the US, the 3-door Vitz shares the Yaris name with the Toyota Belta sedan. The 3-door model is called the 'Yaris Liftback', while the 5-door model will be sold starting with the 2009 model year and competes with the similarly equipped Scion xD. The 2008 model year US Yaris comes standard with the 1.5-litre VVT-i engine producing and and five-speed manual transmission C54, the four-speed automatic U340E being optional. Fuel economy is rated at in the city and on the highway with the manual transmission. While front airbags are standard, as mandated by the law, ABS and side airbags are available only as an option. In some southern states, a special Yaris Onyx was released in January 2009 that added 17-inch wheels and a number of cosmetic items.The Canadian Yaris hatchback is available in 3 and 5-door models and is similar to the US variant, running on the Toyota NZ engine, a 1.5 L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine rated and. The 2006 Yaris with the 1.5-litre engine can achieve fuel economy ratings of during highway driving and during city driving. 3-door CE and 5-door LE versions come with 14-inch wheels, while RS models are equipped with 15-inch alloys with standard anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution. In addition, 2008 RS models include new front and rear skirts. The CE, LE, and RS packages were replaced by the more modular convenience, power, and all-weather guard packages.
For the 2009 year, the Yaris 5-door liftbacks join the lineup of the existing 4-door sedans and 3-door liftbacks because of the increased demand for fuel efficient subcompact cars. In addition to the new 5-door liftback, all 2009 Yaris models come standard with anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags. For 2009, Toyota also added cruise control as an option on liftback models, and has added a few more colour choices.
The Yaris has been praised by the automotive press for its extremely high fuel economy, but criticized for its excessive body roll and the initial lack of a manual transmission on 5-door models.
The 2010 model has a 5-speed manual option for the 5-door. It also has the Star Safety System – Vehicle Stability Control + Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist.
Gallery
Third generation (XP130; 2010)
The third generation Vitz was introduced in December 2010 featuring a sportier stance, a redesigned front and a roomier interior. The new model uses a single windshield wiper instead of a pair of wipers and has its meter cluster positioned back in front of the driver and behind the wheel compared to its previous models. In European countries, the Yaris is also offered in 6-speed manual transmission for the 1.33L engine, or a CVT transmission often marketed as "7-speed MultiDrive" or "MultiDrive S". The 7-speed refers to the possibility to select a predefined gear ratio among 7 available, emulating a 7-speed sequential gearbox, with steering wheel levers.Toyota Motor Manufacturing France started to build the Yaris for export to the U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican markets from May 2013 until 2019.
Safety
Recall
On 10 October 2012, Toyota recalled 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, including certain Vitz, Toyota Yaris and Corolla models, due to malfunctioning power windows. They include: 2.47 million in the United States, 1.4 million in China and 1.39 million in Europe.Markets
Japan
The third generation Vitz was launched on 22 December 2010 in Yokohama, Japan. Aerodynamic drag has been reduced with a coefficient drag value of 0.285.This generation introduces a new 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine which is as economical as the 1.0-litre engine, according to Toyota Japan. New features include a single windscreen wiper and an engine start-stop system with a claimed for the Japanese streets. The XP130 model comes with up to nine airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags, a knee airbag for the driver, first and second row side-curtain airbags and two front seat cushion airbags.
The Vitz is offered in F, U, Jewela and RS model grades. The engines available range from 1.0- to 1.5-litres. The 1.5-litre RS model has a CVT transmission for the automatic, sporty front fascia and taillamps. Just like the previous generation, 2WD and 4WD drivetrains are available in Japan. The different engine size choices give Japanese drivers an option as to which annual road tax obligation they wish to pay, and larger engines are installed in vehicles with higher levels of optional equipment. The Vitz received its facelift on 21 April 2014. The F, U and Jewela models received the updated front fascia that is only marketed in Japan, while the RS model shares the front fascia with the facelifted Yaris in export markets, but with sporty headlamps and taillamps. The RS model was discontinued and replaced by the Sporty package variant of the U model with the second facelift in January 2017. The GR Sport and GR variant of the Vitz was introduced in September 2017, as part of the Gazoo Racing series lineup.
In Japan, a sharp drop in sales from a height of 160,000 a year to 87,000 prompted Toyota to rebrand the Vitz as Yaris in order to expand its middle-aged customer base.
Europe
The third generation Yaris/Vitz was launched in 2011. A facelift version was introduced in 2014. Both the original and facelift share the drivetrain and transmission choices, however, the facelift claims to have improved ride comfort and interior quality among other features.Asia
In 2013, a different XP150 series Yaris which is based on the XP150 series Vios sedan was launched in some Asian markets, including many Southeast Asian regions. This version is not related to the XP130 series Vitz-based Yaris, other than sharing the same B platform.In Singapore, the local dealer launched the XP130 series Yaris in 1.33-litre variant in the first quarter of 2013 to mid-2014. It was the only Asian country to source the Vitz-based Yaris.
Australia
The Toyota Yaris for the Australian market was revealed at the July 2011 Australian International Motor Show held in Melbourne. The new Yaris has a sportier, more rounded grille and redesigned front bumper. The Australian Yaris comes in either a 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre powered petrol engine. Models sold are the basic YR, the mid-range YRS, YRX and the sportier ZR which features a sporty bumper with body kit. The basic YR model features 7 SRS airbags and Multi-Information Display as standard. Since the facelift in 2014, the range is 5-door only and has had a name change. They are now: Ascent for the base model, SX for the mid-range and ZR is the top level. In January 2017, there was another facelift and tech change, this bought a slightly different headlight/bumper/grill combination and Toyota Safety sense became an option on Ascent and SX and standard on ZR.North America
For the North American market, the XP130 series Yaris was released in the fourth quarter of 2011, for the 2012 model year, under the Toyota Yaris name. Offered in both three- and five-door hatchback styles, the Yaris offered only the previous generation 1.5-litre engine with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 model year three- and five-door hatchbacks were available in the base L, mid-range LE and sport-tuned SE trim levels. The SE was available only as a five-door and came with larger 16-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and disk brakes on all four wheels. For the 2012 model year, the Yaris hatchback had nine standard airbags. For the 2015 model year it was given more aggressive styling. In the U.S, the sedan was replaced by the Scion iA, a rebadged Mazda2 sedan, from model year 2016 until the Scion marque was dropped and the iA was renamed and became the Yaris iA. However, the Scion iA was marketed as Yaris sedan in Canada.The Yaris hatchback was discontinued in the United States for the 2019 model year but continued to be sold in Canada. The Mazda2-based Yaris sedan was still sold in both markets. In January 2019, it was confirmed that the Mazda2-based hatchback with a front fascia similar to that of the Yaris sedan would debut for the 2020 model year. The new model made its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April of that year and replaced the Yaris Liftback in the United States and Canada.
Hybrid
The Yaris HSD Concept was introduced at the March 2011 Geneva Motor Show featuring a hybrid powertrain. The production version was presented at the March 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in June 2012.The Yaris Hybrid shares the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius c sold in North America and as the Toyota Aqua in Japan. The Prius c is not available in Europe. It has a 1.5 L gasoline engine with a maximum output of and a electric motor which combine for a total output of. Its NiMH battery has a capacity of 0.9 kWh.
The Yaris Hybrid sold 23,692 units during 2012. Cumulative sales reached 35,151 units through March 2013.