The Evolution of Toyota Vitz Across the Generations

The Toyota Vitz is a subcompact hatchback initially offered in 1999 by Toyota. It is also known as the Toyota Yaris in many countries. It became a huge success for the Japanese automaker Toyota as 3.5 million cars were sold in the first and second generation by the Japanese automaker in 70 countries.  It attracts a large number of people thanks to its roomy interior, stylish exterior and compact size.

Toyota Vitz has become a top choice for many customers due to its excellent specifications. There are plenty of new and used car versions on the market. The buyers can choose from a variety of models out there. But, here is an overview of Toyota Vitz and its development over the generations.  

• First Generation : ( 1999 – 2005 )

The first generation was launched in 1999 and last until 2005.

The first generation Vitz was designed by a European designer at a European design studio. The car was entitled to Car of the Year Japan Award.

It came either in 3 doors or 5 door hatchback body.  The standard front-engine, front –wheel drive model had a 1-liter 4 cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive model came with a 1.3-liter engine.  

There are two types of transmissions. It was offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

Inside the cabin, it provided wide space aided by its relatively tall body.  The safety and environment-friendly features of the car were other major highlights of the car. The gauges were located at the center of the dashboard instead of across the driver’s seat.

The length of the car was 3610mm, width 1660mm and the height 1500mm. The wheelbase was measured at 2370mm.

• Second Generation:  (2005-2011)

The second generation of the car was launched in 2005.  It took design cues from the first generation and functions improved significantly. The utility of the vehicle was increased significantly as the interior space was increased and the cargo capacity was increased as well. The seating arrangements also enhanced the usability of the vehicle. The safety of the car was enhanced by introducing a new car body and the improved crashworthiness. Changes were made to lamp design and the bumper.

In April of 2015, the idle stop system was installed in the vehicle that reduced fuel consumption.

In Japan, the body was narrowed to just a 5 door hatchback.

The engines for the vehicles were DOHC 4-valve types.  1 liter 3 cylinder unit, 1 liter 4 cylinder unit, 1.3 liter unit for the 4WD and a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder unit.

The available transmissions included a CVT with the torque converter, a 5 speed manual for the RS model, a 4 speed automatic for the 4WD model.

The length of the body was extended to 3750mm, width 1695mm, height 1520mm & 1540mm and the wheelbase was increased to 2460mm.

• Third Generation: (2012-Present)

The third generation Toyota Vitz came into the market in 2010. In the new Vitz, Toyota improved its aerodynamic performance and reduced the drag coefficient value to 0.285. The car improved in terms of energy efficiency. The extended length and wheelbase gave more space to the rear cabin and the luggage room.

The instrument cluster moved from the center to directly in front of the driver’s seat.  

The available engine units were a 1.0 liter 3 cylinder engine, 1.3 liters 4 –cylinder engine, and 1.5 liters 4 cylinder engine units. That dual VVT-i mechanism within new 1.3-liter engine churned out good fuel efficiency when combined with idol stop features.

The exterior dimensions were increased with length to 3885mm, width 1695mm, and height 1500mm. the wheelbase was increased to 2510mm.