Toyota Vitz: История и возрождение для африканского рынка.

the Suzuki Celerio based model sold in Africa since 2023

The Toyota Vitz (トヨタ・ヴィッツ) is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota from 1999 to 2019 in a three or five door hatchback body styles. 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's Netz 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 no longer used in Japan due to faltering sales and the unification of Toyota sales network in Japan, and the vehicle was replaced by the XP210 series Yaris. Since 2023, the nameplate is reused for a rebadged third generation Suzuki Celerio for African markets.

The Japanese launch of the Vitz occurred on 13 January 1999, and along with the related Platz, was retailed through the Netz Stores. 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 also available in a turbocharged version modified by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) 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.

The XP10 series was introduced to Australia on 8 October 1999 as the "Echo", replacing the Starlet. 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. 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.

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 hot hatch "T Sport" (equivalent to the Vitz "RS" in Japan), 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. From 31 January 2001, the Yaris was produced in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), in Onnaing, to supplement Japanese made units.

The Vitz hatchback was not sold in North America until 2003, when it launched only 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 (three and five doors) was introduced in Canada only due to the higher sales achieved by the sedan and coupé compared to the United States, where they have failed due to low demand. 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 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.

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.

The XP90 series Yaris continued to be built in China and Thailand until it was replaced by the XP150 model in November 2013. In China, the Yaris received a second facelift in 2011, which has an extended front body which brings the car to measure in length and a new chrome grille. in February 2012 the Yaris received front and rear bumpers, rear LED tail lights from the facelifted Vitz RS/Yaris TS, and updated steering wheel.

From 2011 to 2013, Daihatsu sold the five door XP90 Yaris in Europe as the Daihatsu Charade. Imported from Thailand, powertrains comprised a 1.3 litre engine and six speed manual or optional automatic. The Charade was sold alongside the XP130 series Yaris.

In Japan, the second generation model is sold as the Vitz. It is available in B, F, I and 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. In September 2008, Toyota Modellista International launched three special editions of the Vitz RS with a number of cosmetic and TRD performance parts for the Japanese market. These models were known as "Vitz TRD Racing", "Vitz TRD Sport M" and turbocharged "Vitz TRD Turbo M". Available for sale through Toyota Netz Store dealerships, same as the regular Vitz.

The 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. The XP90 continued to be built in China until it was replaced by the newer model in November 2013.

The Yaris was launched in Indonesia on 10 February 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 new base model J was added into the lineup in 2008. Limited edition TRD Sportivo model were added, based from J trim with body kit and lowered springs, only 10 units were made. The Yaris received its facelift on 16 March 2009 with new bumpers, grille, tail lights and revised interior. The mid level E got aero style mudguards and roof spoiler, while full body kits are remained on the S and S Limited. The second TRD Sportivo model based from S Limited trim with extreme body kit and lowered springs was offered in small numbers in 2010. The Yaris received a facelift again on 14 March 2012 with the Vitz RS look but with fog lamp covers, body kit and spoiler, updated 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 (previously available in automatic transmission only), a 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.

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 1.5 S trim comes with 15" solid disc brakes for the front wheels, front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirt and rear roof mounted spoiler, amber Optitron meter, a black center cluster, leather wrapped gearshift.

The Yaris was first launched in Singapore in 2006 by the local dealer Borneo Motors with 3 variants, namely the E (Manual and Automatic) and G (Automatic). It is powered by a 1NZ FE 4 cylinder DOHC engine with VVT i. The G model has a 60:40 split rear seat, an additional tray under the driver's seat and side door mouldings which the E model does not. It features an Optitron speedometer across the lineup. Optional body kits are also available featuring a front and rear lip, side skirts and a rear roof mounted spoiler. After its facelift in 2010, the 1.5 E automatic was the only variant available.

In Thailand, which manufactured the Yaris for the Asian market, was available in 4 trim levels namely the J, E, G and RS. 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, 16 inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and blackened headlamp tint. It also features Smart Entry and Push Start ignition. Both the G and RS trim has multifunction controls on the steering wheel.

In Australia, the Yaris is available in hatchback and sedan forms. It comes with either a 1.3 litre (2NZ FE) or 1.5 litre (1NZ FE) powered petrol engine. Models sold are the basic 1.3 YR with 14" steel wheels; the mid range 1.5 YRS with 15" steel wheels and a leather bound steering wheel and gearshift knob; and the sportier 1.5 YRX which features front fog lights, a bodykit consisting of front lip, side skirts and a rear spoiler, and 15" alloy wheels. The "Rush" model was a base 1.3 YR with front fog lights and alloy wheels from the YRX. All Australian delivered models have ventilated front discs and rear drums. Across the model lineup, a seven airbag package is available as part of the Enhanced Safety Pack option.

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 would 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 was 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 (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). 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. The Yaris has been praised by the automotive press for its extremely high fuel economy, but criticized for its excessive body roll (due to a soft suspension and high ride height) 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 (VSC) + Traction Control (TRAC), Anti lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

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.

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 was 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.

On 10 October 2012, Toyota recalled 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, including certain Vitz, 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.

In 2014, a facelift version was introduced. This version was marketed in North America, Europe and Australia. This version was also sold in Japan as the Vitz RS. North America and Australia variations include a 1.5 litre, engine with a five speed manual or a four speed automatic. In Europe, the largest displacement version available was offered with a 1.33 litre engine, coupled with a six speed manual or a CVT automatic. The facelift has been led by Toyota Europe, as opposed to all previous generations that had been designed so far in Japan. Toyota claims to have improved ride comfort, quietness at high speed, and the feeling of the interior, among other changes.

On 12 January 2017, a second facelift version of the Vitz was launched in Japan. It was also offered with a hybrid drivetrain. The second facelift version of the Yaris has been available in Europe and Australia since March 2017 and in South Africa and North America since June 2017. The North American version was revealed at the April 2017 New York International Auto Show. The South African models were later replaced by the facelifted XP150 series Yaris hatchback.

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 Vitz came with "Toyota Safety Sense C" package including features Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Pre crash safety system. Pre crash safety system alarm will work when vehicle is between 15km/h to 140km/h, whereas automatic brakes will apply when vehicle is between 10km/h to 80km/h. 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 was 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. On 6 September 2011, new RS G's sport trim based from the regular RS was launched. This model has new aero bodykit, tuned suspensions, lightweight 17 inch aluminium wheels and high performance tires. The Vitz received its facelift on 21 April 2014. The F, U and Jewela models received the updated front fascia that was only marketed in Japan, while the RS model shares the front fascia with the facelifted Yaris in export markets, but with different headlamps and tail lamps (also marketed as the Yaris ZR in Australia). 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 on 19 September 2017, as part of the Gazoo Racing series lineup, replacing both RS and RS G's trims. 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. The Yaris Hybrid assembly started in April 2012. Toyota Motor Manufacturing France started to build the Yaris for export to the US, Canadian and Puerto Rican markets from May 2013 until 2019. 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. The production of the third generation Yaris in TMMF was stopped in June 2020.

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, instead, the XP150 series Yaris is based on the EFC 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 outside Japan and Hong Kong to source the Vitz based Yaris.

The XP130 series 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 (auto high beam, lane departure alert and autonomous braking) became an option on Ascent and SX and standard on ZR.

For the North American market, the XP130 series Yaris was released in the fourth quarter of 2011, for the 2012 model year, under the Yaris Liftback name. Offered in both three and five door hatchback styles, the Yaris Liftback offered only the previous generation's 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 (CE in Canada), 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 Liftback had nine standard airbags. For the 2015 model year, it was given a facelift. The Yaris Liftback was discontinued in the United States for the 2019 model year but remained available in Canada. In early 2019, the Mazda2 based Yaris hatchback debuted at the 2019 New York International Auto Show and replaced the Yaris Liftback in both countries. In the US, the previous XP90 Yaris sedan was replaced by the Scion iA, a rebadged Mazda2 sedan, from the 2016 model year until the Scion marque was dropped. The iA was later renamed to the Yaris iA, and then back to the Yaris sedan. However, the Scion iA was marketed as the Yaris sedan in Canada since its introduction. The second variant was launched in September 2017. This version is powered by a Lotus tuned, supercharged 1.8 litre 2ZR FE engine (shared with the Series 3 Elise) that produces at 6,800 rpm and of torque at 5,000 rpm. It has a claimed acceleration in around 6.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 150 units were built for Japan and 400 units were built for Europe. It was later succeeded by the mass produced, four wheel drive variant of the GR Yaris.

The "Vitz" nameplate is reused in 2023 for a rebadged third generation Suzuki Celerio for African markets.