Toyota’s kitsch little Vitz

Funky yellow, metallic dark blue, white, silver or red are the colours to choose from with the latest run-about from Toyota, designed to appeal to the over-18 first-time buyer looking to elevate their personal mobility to big boy status.Your first car can be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with automobiles and motoring. For the start of such a journey, Toyota brings you the Vitz, designed specifically with the entry-level buyer in mind: Fuel economy, a solid service plan and at only a little over N$3 000 a month, insurance included - ultimately affordable.This week, our own ‘Passenger Princess’ Diana Master accompanied Pupkewitz Toyota sales executive Horst Hans on a test drive to see just what the Vitz’s appeal is. This rare example of an entry-level car stacked with convenient modern technology did not disappoint. She enjoyed the ease of use of the touch-screen display, the ergonomic, compact design of the cockpit - which conveniently locates all the buttons and knobs within easy reach of the driver - and the mirror in the front passenger sunshine particularly.Parking sensor assistance is only one of the many features built in and controllable via the touch-screen, which can seamlessly communicate with your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Auto Android. Under the hood, the Vitz sports a frugal one-litre engine able to crank out 49kW of power and to generate up to 131Nm of torque. Thanks to the balanced and lightweight body, the little engine that could will accelerate up to about 160kmph, consuming only 4.4 litres of fuel per 100km. The 14-inch rims also add to the cost-saving attitude of the Vitz, allowing for cheaper tyre replacement when needed, according to Hans. The spare wheel is a space-saver for which the metal rim also helps to absorb the shock of a rear impact accident, he pointed out. Crumple zones on the Vitz are designed similarly to those on bigger Toyota vehicles, making it quite tough when it comes to saving lives, he added. Dual air bags are complemented by an ABS braking system and vehicle stability control.Students who get to own a Vitz will be ecstatic about its two-year or 30 000km service plan, eliminating mechanic costs for the initial ownership period.They are also sure to make the most of the ample 395 litres of boot space and will hopefully study the owner’s manual stored conveniently in the glove compartment. Plenty of head room and leg room belie the otherwise accurate description on this compact town car. Hans shared that Toyota asked for input from sales personnel worldwide before updating and improving the shape of the Vitz. With its soon-to-be-iconic profile, it’s bound to become a very familiar sight on local roads. Finding a bold ‘L’ stuck to the rear window may also become a common sight. For a first car, there is no doubt that the Toyota Vitz is a proper piece of art - even if the memories may one day be a little over-sentimental. Kitsch and cute.

Toyota’s kitsch little Vitz

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

Toyota’s kitsch little Vitz

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

Login