Toyota Launches Redesigned 'Vitz'; Models with Idling-stop Boast Fuel Efficiency of 26.5 km/L
SEE ALSO: Toyota Buyers Guide
Tokyo, Dec 22, 2010; Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the
launch in Japan today of the redesigned "Vitz" compact car.
Since
the launch of the first-generation in 1999, the Vitz has achieved
cumulative sales in more than 70 countries and regions around the world -
including many European countries - exceeding 3.5 million units(1). With
more than 1.4 million of those units(2) having been sold in Japan, the Vitz
is truly a core model of the Toyota brand.
The new,
third-generation Vitz, developed based on a new definition of the ideal
compact car to meet consumers' diversifying compact-car needs, features
sharper styling as well as a compact exterior but roomy, refined interior;
abundant utility; and outstanding fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L - made
possible by the Toyota Stop & Start idling-stop system - in the 10-15 test
cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism (MLIT). The result is a distinctive compact car that achieves
performance equivalent to a vehicle one class higher in terms of quality,
comfort, ease of use and affordability.
With four grades that
emphasize unique individuality, 17 body colors and four interior colors
available, the Vitz is a highly appealing next-generation compact that
enhances the enjoyment of choosing the perfect car and the pride of
ownership.
Vehicle Outline
I. Exterior symbolizes innovation
united with a high-quality interior
The exterior has been completely
redesigned under the key design concept words of agility and
sophistication. The result is a dynamism conveying the car's brisk and
responsive handling as well as a sophistication expressing compact-car
elegance and presence.
The exterior design achieves high
aerodynamic performance (coefficient drag value of 0.285), contributing to
high fuel efficiency and stable high-speed cruising.
The interior
strives to create a form both sporty and comfortable. For example, padding
that extends horizontally from the instrument panel to the door trim
conveys roominess and creates a sophisticated feel.
II. New package
provides both easy driving and a roomy interior
The compact length,
just 3,885 mm, enables a turning radius of 4.5 m.
The interior
length has been extended by 35 mm to 1,915 mm, creating a roomier space.
The front seats use a new frame that enhances seating comfort, and
the rear seats have 35 mm more legroom to create a comfortable and relaxing
space in the rear.
The rear seats fold in a 6:4 split, enabling
flexible arrangement.
The vertical adjustment range of the driver's
seat is now 60 mm (15 mm more than the previous model) and the seat slide
adjustment range is 10 mm with 24 steps (8 steps more than the previous
model), allowing the driver to achieve an optimal driving
position.
III. Utility and enhanced performance ideal for a range of
driving situations
The cargo space has been made 145 mm deeper,
providing ample storage capacity. Also, a new adjustable deck board can be
set at two heights: When set in the upper position small objects can be
placed below, and folding down the rear seats can create an almost-flat
luggage space.
A discreet sub compartment for storing the owner's
manual is located at the top of the glove compartment, expanding storage
space.
The passenger seat has a special plastic barrier that can be
used to prevent handbags or other items from falling forward off the seat.
Shopping bags and such can be hooked to the top of the barrier, which can
also be used to keep an umbrella in place.
The new Vitz is the
first vehicle in the world to use UV-reducing glass in the front-door glass
that reduces 99%(3) of ultraviolet light, providing the same level of UV
protection as wearing gloves(4).
The single windshield wiper works
with an integrated washer nozzle that improves wiping performance.
The headlights automatically turn on and off according to exterior
brightness.
The new Vitz is equipped with a color, rearview monitor
that enhances visibility when parking, as well as an HDD navigation system
that incorporates steering-wheel-mounted audio-system-control
switches.
IV. Comfortable cruising, due consideration to safety and
the environment
The Smart Stop package, featuring a new idling-stop
function, mounts a 1.3-liter engine on a two-wheel drive model to achieve
class-leading(5) fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L. The engine restarts in just
0.35 seconds to ensure smooth and immediate acceleration from a stop.
The 1.3-liter models are now equipped with a 1NR-FE engine with
Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). Pairing with a Super
CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission
achieves outstanding fuel efficiency of 24.0 km/L (two-wheel drive models)
and powerful cruising. The four-wheel drive models are also equipped with
Super CVT-i for smooth cruising and higher fuel efficiency.
The
front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) surpass the existing Japanese 2010 fuel
efficiency standards by 25% and the four-wheel-drive models surpass the
standards by 15%. All models in the series achieve emission levels 75%
lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission
Vehicles, qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government's
taxation system for environment friendly vehicles. As a result, the
front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) qualify for a 75% reduction in the
automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, while the
four-wheel-drive models qualify for 50% reductions.
A
multi-information display located within the instrument cluster shows
information including fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and possible
cruising distance. Further, an Eco Driving Indicator that turns on when
the accelerator is operated in an environmentally friendly manner supports
eco-driving.
EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ABS are
standard on all models.
The Vitz features an omni-directional
compatibility structure to provide outstanding collision safety performance
in the event of a collision from the front, side or rear.
All
vehicles come equipped with SRS airbags for both the driver and
front-passenger seats. SRS side airbags also provide chest protection,
while SRS curtain-shield airbags aim to reduce head injuries.
The
WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept has been adopted for the front
seats, adding backrest-give and head and back support for more protection
in the event of a rear-end collision.
A pedestrian-injury-lessening
body has been adopted to minimize impact to the head and legs of
pedestrians in the unfortunate event of a collision.
V. Four grades
emphasize individuality and boost the joy of selection
The new and distinctive Jewela grade features exclusive body and
interior colors and interior and exterior ornamentation with a plated
finish to convey vibrancy. The Jewela also offers a selectable
sophisticated silver-finish for the door mirrors and door handles.
The F grade has specifications designed to meet a wide range of
needs including price, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
On the U
grade, a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats
that warm the shoulders and back are standard equipment to enhance comfort
and sophistication.
The sporty RS grade has exclusive designs on
the front and rear, including the bumpers and a roof spoiler. Various
other equipment, including exclusive sports car style seats, a steering
wheel wrapped in leather with dimple stitching, and a fun-to-drive
five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic
transmission with a paddle shift-type shift lever that provides
manual-transmission feel.
VI. Welcabs: Vehicles with
factory-installed features for the disabled
The Lift-up Front
Passenger Seat model is equipped with a front passenger seat that rotates
and slides down and to the outside of the vehicle. The B type comes with a
motorized device for loading and unloading a wheelchair as standard
equipment.
A Welcab Friendmatic model allowing for the installation
of a specialized driver's seat and devices is also available. This vehicle
has special power steering as a standard feature that reduces the force
needed for operation compared to the base vehicle, making the steering
wheel easier to turn during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.
Monthly sales target for Japan: 10,000 units
Assembly Plant:
Nagakusa Plant, Toyota Industries Corporation
Additional details and
specifications: HERE
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world,
Toyota Motor Corporation , has endeavored since its establishment in 1937
to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of March 2010,
Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 51 overseas manufacturing
companies in 26 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more
than 170 countries and regions.