Toyota's GR SPORT lineup

Toyota Motor Corporation introduces the all new GR sports lineup of cars tweaked courtesy of GAZOO Racing. Renaming their sporty lineup from G's to GR, the new sports lineup consists of three hierarchies ranging from the GR Sport line of custom cars, the GR line of moderately tuned cars, and GRMN-tuned cars.

First, let's take a look at the first batch of Toyota GAZOO Racing's GR Sport line of cars, which are basically customized versions of your everyday Toyotas such as the Vitz, the all-new Prius PHV, the Harrier, the Mark X, and the twin vans Noah and Voxy.

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport interior

The Vitz GR Sport will be based on variants, petrol or hybrid, with the 1.5L engine on it. Starting at 2,087,640 Yen for petrol and 2,329,560 for the hybrid, the GR Sport variant not only comes with special aerodynamic design and special interior, it comes with the improved welding spot of the body as well as a sport tuned suspension. for the GR variant, it comes with Sachs low-down suspension and with the CVT, it was sportly tuned to engage a 10-speed manual mode on it. It comes with the limited slip differential to give a hot hatch feeling on a normal Vitz.

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport interior

Using the recently-launched Prius PHV as the base, the GR Sport variant, starting at 3,711,960 Yen, features a low-down suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention special Gazoo Racing cosmetic treatments inside and out to add some sportiness on this eco car.

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport interior

Based on the recently facelifted Harrier crossover, the GR Sport variant is available only for variants with a 2.0L petrol engine, NA or turbo, and apart from the sporty treatment on the exterior and the interior, the number of spot welds have increased on the body as well as a reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention the use of sport-tuned suspension. Prices start at 3,398,760 Yen.

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport interior

The GR Sport variant of the recently facelifted Mark X saloon is available to order starting at 3,809,160 Yen and based on the 250S and 350RDS variants, it comes with added spot welds on the body, reinforced brace to the under floor, and sport-tuned suspension.

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport interior

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport interior

Adding sportiness to the recently facelifted Noah and Voxy minivans, the GR Sport variants, starting at 3,257,280 Yen, uses only the normal 2.0L FF variants and apart from the cosmetic treatments to make minivans look great on the roads, it comes with sport-tuned suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor.

Later in the winter, the Prius α hybrid MPV and the recently facelifted Aqua hybrid compact will receive the GR Sport treatment using the same stuff mentioned above. The Toyota 86 will receive a GR variant later in the end of the year as well with improved dynamics, Sachs suspension and Torsen-type LSD. Later in the spring, the Vitz will gain a more powerful 3-door GRMN variant with a supercharged 1.8L petrol engine producing 212PS of power.

Enjoy with these new Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup of cars at your nearest Toyota dealerships across Japan!

Third-Generation Toyota Vitz (2017 minor change) and Vitz Hybrid

2017 Toyota Vitz

So, the current-generation Toyota Vitz has been around since December 2010 and while the sharper looks captures most baby boomers and millennials alike, its driving can be somewhat "regular". It's been on the block for about seven years and for the second time, the third-generation Vitz has been given a minor change for the 2017 model year.

2017 Toyota Vitz

2017 Toyota Vitz interior

For the 2017 minor change, the Vitz now features a brand new exterior design that keeps it edgier than the previous facelift. First, there's a new, sleeker, front nose that makes it very sleek for a compact hatchback made for baby boomers and millennials alike, and then the rear view has been drastically altered to resemble more of its big brother, the Auris. Although not much has changed on the interior, the lineup is what gets you noticed. You still have a choice of either a 1.0L or a 1.3L 1NR-FKE engine mated with a Super CVT-i gearbox but there's bad news for speedo boys in the world; the RS variant has been sadly deleted from the lineup, which is very disappointing for the speedo boys despite hearing the news that the Vitz will be ready for the World Rally Championship for the first time after 18 years. Sure is sad to see the hotter Vitz go away for the 2017 model year but there's one major addition in the 2017 Vitz range that will get you noticed also and let's cut to the chase; there's a hybrid variant.

You heard it right. There's now a hybrid variant on the Vitz and while it can be questionable to sell it alongside its relative, the Aqua, because both of them are hybrid compacts, it's undeniable proof that no car in Japan is safe from being turned into a hybrid. That's political climate for you. Anyway, the hybrid variant features a 1.5L 1NZ-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery, which Toyota keeps on using it on their hybrids rather than the Li-ion batteries most carmakers are using right now. Taking advantage of the THS II and the CVT mated on it, the Vitz Hybrid produces a total power output of 100PS and fuel efficiency of 34.4km/L. In general, that's about 2.6km/L less than the Aqua relative.

Although it isn't as enjoyable as the Vitz you are familiar with seven years ago, its compact sizing makes it good for a daily driver for work and play. The 4.5m turning radius makes it easier to park and easier to get in and out in the narrowest of situations. As for safety, the Vitz offers the Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

2017 Toyota Vitz

The Vitz Hybrid starts at 1,819,800 Japanese Yen while the regular Vitz lineup starts at 1,181,520 Yen. Needless to say, while the new exterior design is a major improvement for the aging third-generation Vitz, the fun factor as a compact is already gone and in return, it's still a regular compact with regular tastes that is somewhat too normal for its own kind and with the addition of the hybrid variant, resistance is futile because as Japan keeps on selling more and more hybrids, the definition of "fun" will soon be wiped out from their vocabulary and who can blame them?

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Third-Generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris Minor Change

2015 Toyota Vitz

It's the new Toyota Vitz (Yaris)! Sort of. The latest minor change for the third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris brings a keen look to Toyota's compact hatchback which, in this third-generation, has been with us four years ago since its December 2010 debut, and even though it has a new Auris-styled nose as well as an updated exterior and a slightly updated interior, this minor change feels as fresh as a tangerine on a sunrise.

2015 Toyota Vitz interior

Like the pre-facelift, the 2015 Vitz/Yaris still offers three petrol engine configurations ranging from a 1.0L, 1.3L, and the 1.5L engine but for the 2015 model year, the biggest change is the addition of a brand new 1NR-FKE engine.

1NR-FKE

What is 1NR-FKE? This brand new 1.3L engine uses the Atkinson Cycle commonly used in their hybrid cars. With this, the new 1.3L petrol engine provides and enhanced expansion ration and reduces waste heat through a high compression ratio of 13.5:1. It can be utilized with the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR, and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Electric) technology.

With this brand new engine, the fuel economy is now 25.0km/L, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards, which is 15% more than the old 1.3L engine and it's more fuel efficient than the 1.0L petrol engine, which provides 24.0km/L when paired with Smart Stop technology, as well. Well, I'm glad we cleared that up.

2015 Toyota Vitz

2015 Toyota Vitz

2015 Toyota Vitz

The new model is now priced from 1,155,600 to 1,994,073 Japanese Yen (estimated $12,000 to $20,000) and it's available in the entry level F, mid-range U, ladies-favorite Jewela and the sporty RS model. But wait...

2015 Toyota Vitz RS G's

2015 Toyota Vitz RS G's

For 2,044,145 Japanese Yen (estimated $20,450). you can opt in for a more sportier G's model and for the RS G's model, the RS model that was sporty-ish has been made even sportier with the help of some stylish aerokits, sport-tuned suspension, and a sporty dark interior that suits its sporty character.

Available colors (depending on the model): Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Cherry Pearl Crystal Shine, Super Red V, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Beige Mica Metallic, Copper Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Brown Mica Metallic, Luminous Yellow, Jade Green Metallic, Cool Soda Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Gran Turismo 6: Let's compare new JDM hatches!

At Gran Turismo, we're always in the forefront of all things JDM but for Gran Turismo 6, I'll be personally testing not one, not three, but four brand new JDM compacts on sale on the market and compare which one is the best. Am I worried? Am I?



First of all, I need some decent racing gear...hmmm...maybe some Simpson Diamondback helmet and some white Alpinestars suit should do but I'm starting to think I remind myself of a certain racing driver. Some say he poops like a dog and he will vomit three times. All we know is...well, you know that guy.

Anyway, here are GT6's newest compacts offered for low prices but only if you're just a casual player like me because hardcore racers go for something more powerful than those eco-boxes...





These are the eco-boxes in question. Four brand new JDM casual hatchbacks for the masses. There's the third-generation Mazda Demio, the pre-facelifted model. Then, there's the Honda Fit RS, the second-generation model. Next, the Toyota Vitz, the third-generation of Toyota's compact hatchback for the global public. And last, the Toyota Aqua, cheaper and more economical than the Prius and the undisputed leader of hybrids' fuel economies.

To find out which of these four new JDM hatches on GT6 is the better, I need to find a track. I might be go for Goodwood but since Toyota Aqua don't sold in Europe as of now, I need something else...



Yes, it's Tsukuba Circuit. Since the days of Best Motoring, it has been the proving ground for cars, domestic or import, sold in Japan and they sent Japan's professional drivers to do the comparison. Ah yes, I do miss Best Motoring and this place holds some memories. Anyway, enough history lesson, onto the comparo test.

The tires will be using for each cars will be default. It's a similar to the one the first time I bought. Then, I turned off their traction control just to let it loose in the track. And finally, I had to inspect that their specs are the same as the day it was bought. Now, time for the comparo!



First up, the third-generation Demio, the one with the tagline "NEW TARGET, NEW DEMIO" but can it set a good target here? This Demio I drove is the Sport model, it comes with a 1.5L engine developing 111HP of power and it's mated with a CVT gearbox, which theoretically, is the compact you may not want to have fun because of its annoying belt-and-pulley nonsense in this car.

The CVT gearbox isn't the least of the problem for the new Demio but understeer it is. You can try fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It maybe more of a sportier drive but it's not as sportier as its European rivals. Still, it manages to set a kickstarting lap time of 1:15.151 round Tsukuba.



Now it's time for the second-generation Honda Fit RS, the only beginner car in GT6 you're only allowed to start your GT6 legacy anew. In my past topic, I said that it's not half-bad but not half-good when you take a spin on it but can the second-generation Fit redeem itself?

This JDM compact is promising because despite it's 30kg more than the Demio, this comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, making my life a little more joyful when I drove it round Tsukuba. I told that this car tend to understeer but turns out, you can fight it. You can fight the understeer of a FWD compact if you have the right footwork (if you're playing on steering wheels) and the right technique to handle with precision.

Having manage to counter-steer through the corners of Tsukuba, the second-generation Honda Fit RS impressed me with a lap time of 1:14.890. Almost a second quicker than the Demio!



Now, how about this? The latest Toyota Vitz? Finally, I got my hands on the only Vitz to admit the Thais that they've picked the wrong Yaris. Why? Short story. Toyota launched third-generation model of Vitz in December 2010, Toyota Thailand forgot the memo, stuck on second-generation model until now, and here we are, on a fateful day, me driving the third-generation Vitz or Yaris. That made me happy to drive the latest version of the Vitz. Toyota Thailand, if you're reading this, you picked up the wrong Yaris because this is the Yaris it supposed to be! Handsome and well known globally.

Anyway, how does the new Vitz stack up? First of all, this Vitz comes with the 1.3L engine generating 93HP of power and it's connected to a CVT gearbox. It maybe sluggish in the acceleration stakes but the thing is, the new Vitz weighs around 990kg, lighter than the Demio and the Fit.

However, despite being lighter than the competition, the new Vitz, in its entry-level F form, tends to understeer and trying to fight it feels like I'm in a Robot Rodeo until my hair gets a bit frizzy because of the humidity. Where did I get that line?

After one lap, the Vitz scored a lap time of 1:16.062 round Tsukuba, which is pathetically slower than the Demio despite its light packaging.



Lastly, the baby Prius in the Toyota hybrid lineup, the Aqua. This hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. You might be expecting seeing most of these while you're on a walk in downtown Tokyo. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. This year, it's now up to 37kmpl. No wonder Toyota wanted to update the Aqua in the name of fuel economy against the competitors vying to snag its fuel economy crown but anyway, enough of the blah blah blah, onto the Tsukuba lap with the Aqua.

The 1.5L engine is connected to an electric motor and a nickel-metal battery. Combined power output is below 100PS and it's mated with the CVT gearbox like most hybrids had. Even though acceleration is sluggish, just like any other hybrids, it's handling is a so-so. I may get some understeer on it like the other compacts I'm comparing but still, not as dull as the Prius.

As for the laptime, even though the combined power is more than the Vitz I used in this comparo, its lap time is a sluggish 1:17.127.

Let's check the results again...

Mazda Demio Sport '10 - 1:15.151
Honda Fit RS '10 - 1:14.890
Toyota Vitz F '12 - 1:16.062
Toyota Aqua S '11 - 1:17.127

So, there you have it. In my GT6 comparo round Tsukuba, the Aqua came dead last, the Vitz came 3rd, Demio come 2nd and the winner, amazingly, is the Honda Fit RS.



For now, time for the Fit RS to enjoy its Goodwood break.

Toyota Philippines launched the 2013MY LC200 but they launched the wrong Yaris...

Okay, it seems that Toyota Motor Philippines launched the facelifted 2013 Land Cruiser 200 which is right, but apparently, Toyota launched the wrong Toyota Yaris for the 2012 model year...

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

2012 Toyota Yaris? No that can't be right

Now if you would probably why did we get the old 2nd Generation Yaris, which got some minor change for the Thai market earlier, rather than the 3rd Generation Yaris which done a full model change in Japan since December 2010 is because my friend told me about Thailand's Eco Car program and only Honda and Nissan got that memo. Mitsubishi's next for their new Mirage and it seems Thailand's waiting for Toyota to approve eco car production. No wonder Thailand still remain production of the 2nd generation Yaris.

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/toyota-launches-updated-land-cruiser-and-yaris.html

A Toyota Vitz modified for B-Spec Club Racing

2011 Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer

At the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, there was a Toyota Vitz/Yaris modified into a B-Spec Club Racer. I've never seen that this Vitz is modified into a boy racer for the SCCA B-Spec races and wow, IT'S A CAR!

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/toyota-yaris-b-spec-club-racer/

MY OH MY! IDOLM@STER itashas of Toyota's Prius α (Alpha) and Vitz!

2012 Toyota Prius Alpha with IDOLM@STER itasha
(credit: DENGEKI ONLINE)

2012 Toyota Vitz 1.3F Smart Stop Package itasha edition
with IDOLM@STER's Makoto Kikuchi
(credit: DENGEKI ONLINE)

Auto Salon AMLUX Tokyo, the biggest shopping mall for all things Toyota, had showcased two IDOLM@STER itasha versions of the Toyota Prius α (Alpha) MPV and the third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatchback from October 22 to November 30, 2011.

For the IDOLM@STER itasha Prius Alpha, all the 765PRO girls are featured, but on the IDOLMASTER itasha Vitz, it only feautred Makoto Kikuchi, which is nice. These IDOLM@STER itasha versions of both the Prius Alpha and the Vitz really has hopes to reach the demographics between otakus and car enthusiasts alike.

Because the launch date of the Playstation3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 draws near, this title will stop at nothing to capture the biggest slice of it. We like these itashas...

Scoop: http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/419/419111/

Toyota Vitz RS G's (G Sports)

2012 Toyota Vitz RS G's

The latest addition of Toyota's Sport Conversion Series, known as G's (G Sports), is the Vitz RS G's, using the NCP131 Toyota Vitz RS as the base to create the ultimate Vitz that no other Japanese car enthusiasts never seen before since its preview at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Vitz RS G's features an impressive exterior design that is highly attractive in the eyes of Japanese car enthusiasts. With all that aero kit attached, this souped up Vitz RS is one heck of a monster. Imagine driving at the Hakone with that one! On the interior, red stitching is applied on the steering wheel, shift knob, and leather seats and the paneling is covered mostly with Carbon Fiber. The dark interior really makes it up for those who put on their leather-scented perfume. This has been proven to be manly enough to drive through the Shutokou and the touge. The all new Vitz RS G's is all about impression.

It is equipped with the 1NZ-FE (1.5L DOHC) engine that produces 80kW (109PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power output, 138N・m (14.1kgf・m) /4,400r.p.m. of torque output, and they can be outfitted with either a 5-speed manual or a Super CVT-i with Manual Mode. A specially tuned suspension and sports brake pads are equipped because this was engineered to be more of a "Fuji Speedway" material.

The Vitz RS G's is available in seven exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Super White II, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, and Turquoise Mica Metallic.

My Comment:
You can't resist such a wild temptation on the new Toyota Vitz RS G's because of such aggressive exterior design. Once you're in, there's no way to forget about this car. With G Sports slogan "Control As You Like", you can have fun with the new Vitz RS G's as long as you like. This will be the envy of everyone at the Daikoku Parking Area.

Available at Netz dealerships this early October.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

A little "Smart Stop Package" for something "Prime" and "Precious"

2011 Toyota Vitz

For the 2012 Model Year, the Toyota Vitz receives new grades to fill on its lineup. If the entry-level Vitz F has "Smart Stop Package", well the Vitz U and the Vitz Jewela gets also the "Smart Stop Package" as well!

Toyota Smart Stop
Emblem

Now, as I'm sure you know, the Smart Stop Package implements Toyota's idling stop system equipped on the 1NR-FE engine, allowing the engine to shut off automatically when stopped, providing an enhanced fuel economy of 26.5km/L on 10-15 Mode cycle (21.8km/L on JC08 Mode cycle). It pays to be a fuel efficient vehicle.

Also, three new colors are added but they are exclusive to the Vitz Jewela grade such as Yellow, Copper Metallic, and Sky Blue Mica Metallic.

2012 Toyota Vitz RS G's

Coming this October 3, 2011, is the all new 2012 Toyota Vitz RS G's (G Sports), a souped up Toyota Vitz RS courtesy of Gazoo Racing. This is now the production version of the concept model as seen on the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon and customers can now take advantage of its sleek and aggressive exterior design, red stitching on the interior, suspension courtesy of Gazoo Racng, Brake Pads courtesy of Gazoo Racing, and the 1NZ-FE engine.

Be sure to check them out on your nearest Netz dealerships!

Scoop: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/11/09/nt11_031.html

Ｇスポーツ - １００のヴィ学

2011 Toyota Vitz G Sports Concept

Apologizes for why I typed this title in Japanese because １００のヴィ学 (hyaku no vi gaku) was the term used on promoting Toyota's third-generation Vitz/Yaris, and probably because of the awesome commercial starring Takao Osawa and Toma Ikuta.

Anyway, the two detectives has something to add this to the １００のヴィ学, its the Vitz modified by Toyota G Sports.

The Toyota Vitz G Sports Concept uses the Vitz 1.5 RS as its base and if went to production, this is perfect to hunt some teddy bears.

What would Takao Osawa and Toma Ikuta think when they see the Vitz G Sports face to face?

HEART UP! VITZ G'S!

Photo: Carview

The Three Kings of Low Fuel Consumption

Once upon a time, in the Land of the Rising Sun, there were three kings of fuel economy. First there was the fourth-generation Nissan March (known in other markets as the Micra), second was the new third-generation Toyota Vitz (Yaris), and third is the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move.

I know. Three non-hybrid cars were reigned as the three kings of low fuel consumption thanks to its idling stop technology and CVT. These two gifts that powered the Three Kings. There were like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and King Kong. Come to think of it, the leader was none other than the new 5th-generation Daihatsu Move because of the fuel economy of 27.0km/L. The second best is the Toyota Vitz that has the fuel economy of 26.5km/L. Third place goes to the Nissan March because of the fuel economy of 26.0km/L.

I guess fuel economy is the main reason how these Three Kings behave normally in the eyes of Japanese customers. How about the target customers? The 4th-generation March is mostly targeted to someone who want a normal car and its normal behavior is the main priority. The 3rd-generation Vitz has four various styles offered for different customers. The Vitz F is made for those who want a simple vehicle, the Vitz U is rather an improved version of the Vitz F and made for advanced customers. The Vitz Jewela is made for the most fashionable people, especially the ladies. The Vitz RS is an enthusiasts' favorite because of the sporty characteristic and the manual transmission. The 5th-generation Move has two styles; the normal Move is made for simple and the Move Custom is made for those looking for style. The best variant for the Move is not always the Move Custom but its always the Move Custom RS because of the turbo engine fit for a kei car enthusiast.

Those Three Kings of low fuel consumption stand together as one for now, and always will be...

Hana? L'epice? Jewela?

Toyota Passo 1.0 +Hana '11

Toyota Ractis 1.5 L'epice '11

Toyota Vitz 1.5 Jewela '11

The +Hana on the new Toyota Passo, the L'epice on the new Toyota Ractis Verso, and the Jewela on the new Toyota Vitz/Yaris. Those three compacts were made for the feminine drivers, and if I were a Japanese female driver comparing those three feminine-type compacts, what should it be?

In my opinion, the +Hana on the new Passo provides its "genki" characteristic, perfect for the genki girl type. The Ractis Verso L'epice has a stylish grille that made female buyers want to buy this kind of Ractis, but looks somewhat a simplicity. The new Vitz Jewela has a different face that looks like the Ractis L'epice and it has a bunch of fancy colors, especially the Jewela exclusive colors such as Cherry Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Brown Mica Metallic, Reddish Purple Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica, Turquoise Metallic, Green Mica Metallic, and Blue Mica Metallic. Some Jewela exclusive colors have a silver side mirror on it to add a hint of glamor on the Vitz Jewela.

These feminine type Toyota compacts were a greater deal for Japanese women... 

Third-Generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris (NSP130/KSP130/NCP131/NSP135)

When the Vitz debuted in Japan since January 1999, Toyota ushered in the new age of compact cars, then it was exported in other parts of the world by the names of Yaris and Echo (not to be confused with the Echo sedan in the North American market that is the Platz). In 2005, the Vitz garnered a full redesign and exported globally as the Yaris. That is the point because the Toyota Vitz is a true global compact that targets the likelihood of the Suzuki Swift and the Honda Fit (Jazz).

2011 Toyota Vitz

Brace yourself and the near end of 2010 marks the beginning of the Vitz's full model change as it reaches its third generation. The new, third-generation, Toyota Vitz is now evolved to become the most fuel efficient compact in its class, outwitting the likes of the Nissan March K13 and the Honda Fit (Jazz) in this category. The new third-generation Toyota Vitz comes in four various variants starting from the Vitz U and the Vitz F

2011 Toyota Vitz

the stylish Vitz Jewela for the ladies

2011 Toyota Vitz Jewela

and the aggressive Vitz RS for those who want to taste the extreme.

2011 Toyota Vitz RS

Depending on the variant, the new Vitz has three engine types available. First is the 1KR-FE VVTi engine (1.0-litre engine) that is the entry level for the new Vitz. This engine has the power output of a frugal 69PS and the fuel economy of 23.0km/L. Second is the 1NR-FE Dual VVTi engine (1.3-litre engine) which has the power output of 95PS and the fuel economy of 24.0km/L (2WD). Last but truly an enthusiasts' favorite was the high-performance 1NZ-FE Dual VVTi engine (1.5-litre engine) that has the power output of 109PS and the fuel economy of 20km/L (CVT). Most Vitz variants are equipped with the Super CVT-i for optimized fuel efficiency but only the extreme Vitz RS is equipped with the 5-speed manual. The RS also comes with the Super CVT-i but what differs is the sporty paddle shifters.

Now, here's the real catch; the Vitz Smart Stop Package has one secret weapon to become the most opulent gas-miser such is the Toyota Stop & Start System (an idling stop system found in the Toyota iQ Go 6MT). The Toyota Stop & Start System allows the 1NR-FE Dual VVTi engine to shut off automatically when not in use. This also applies when your Vitz goes on a brake during a traffic. With the Smart Stop combined, the Vitz has the maximum fuel economy of 26.5km/L! This fuel economy is bound to be the most fuel efficient among compacts with 1.3-litre engines.

2011 Toyota Vitz interior

With the Vitz now has a new exterior, the change of the Vitz's interior sounds puzzling. The new interior seems to be somewhat complexing and I still like the interior of the second-generation Vitz. However, the new Vitz is covered with the special windows that has a 99% protection against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When summer comes, you'll be glad to have the Vitz ready.

My thoughts about the Vitz:
Now on sale in Japan and soon; the rest of the world including the Philippines as the new Yaris! The case is now open for those who want to see the new king of compacts such is the new Toyota Vitz. With the Smart Stop equipped, the new Vitz really puts the Nissan March K13 to shame because of its class no.1 fuel economy of 26.5km/L. The Vitz Jewela is somewhat a feminine type, more like the Ractis (Verso-S) L'epice and the Passo +Hana, because of the attractive front and fancy colors. The Vitz RS is an enthusiasts' favorite because of its extreme attitude but 5 gears wasn't enough to outrun against the Honda Fit RS, now with a 6-speed manual. I'm sure they're ready to get their hands on the new Vitz. Are you ready?

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation