Toyota Vitz

First generation (XP10; 1999–2005)

The first generation XP10 series Toyota Vitz was designed by Sotiris Kovos at Toyota's ED2 studio in Europe. Production began in late 1998, with a Japanese on-sale date of January 1999; European sales commenced two months later as the "Toyota Yaris". When introduced to Australasia in October 1999, the "Toyota Echo" name was used, as was the case in Canada when released there in 2003 for the 2004 model year. The "Echo" and "Yaris" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Toyota Platz sedan, also available as a coupe in North America. Often sold alongside the hatchback and marketed as a single line of vehicles, exterior panels common between the Vitz and Platz were restricted to the front doors. However, as Vitz and Platz were designed using the same platform, the mechanicals are largely identical and both share a common dashboard module. There was also a "Yaris Verso" or "Echo Verso" variant sold in some export markets from late 1999, based on the Japanese "Toyota Fun Cargo". The Verso MPV utilizes the same running gear as the Vitz, but features a more spacious interior.

At its introduction in 1998, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award.

What became the XP10 series was shown earlier in concept form at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept, titled "Funtime" was developed under the leadership of Shuhei Toyoda, who also commissioned two additional models based on the same platform: the "Funcoupe" and the "Funcargo", the predecessor to the forthcoming production model Fun Cargo. Styled in Brussels by Toyota's European Office of Creation (EPOC), the "Fun project" as it was known, was envisaged to underline the versatility of shared platform engineering. These concept vehicles morphed into the New Basic Car (NBC) program, with each separate NBC model designated a number, NBC1 in the case of the Vitz three-door. The name Vitz is the phonetic Anglicized spelling of the German word Witz which means "wit" (however, its principal meaning in contemporary German is "joke"). Toyota claims the contrived name Yaris is "intended to convey a European impression", while Echo "is intended to Echo nothing."

Instead of conventional analogue instruments, the Vitz utilized digital instruments which were mounted in a "pod" in the center of the dashboard. When sales commenced in the Canadian market this was not the case, with Toyota opting to fit a conventional speedometer, still mounted in the center of the dashboard.

In 2003 the facelifted 'Phase 2' Vitz was released with different bumpers and 'teardrop' front lights.

Euro NCAP crash tested the dual-airbag equipped XP10 series in 2000, rating the car 29 out of 37 for adult occupant protection, or four out of five stars. The pedestrian rating (pre-2002) is 13 points or two of out of four stars. In July 2004, ANCAP tested the XP10 with only a driver's airbag fitted, resulting in a 23.64 out of 37 grading, or three out of five stars. The 2010 edition of Monash University's Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR), found that the XP10 provides a "poor" (two out of five stars) level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.

Market

The Japanese launch of the Vitz occurred on 13 January 1999, and along with the related Platz, was retailed through the Netz dealership channel.

The Vitz "RS" was introduced in 2001. The "RS" featured revised front and rear bumpers, a mesh grille, black-tinted headlamps, front fog lamps, side skirts, and alloy wheels. 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 84 horsepower (63 kW) 2NZ-FE and the 1.5-litre 110 horsepower (82 kW) 1NZ-FE. More powerful brakes and a firmer suspension calibration were also fitted to the "RS".

The Phase 2 Vitz RS was modified by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) mainly for the domestic Japanese market, and outfitted with an IHI Rhf4 turbocharger with 0.5 bars (7.3 psi) boost. Produced in limited numbers, the TRD-tuned "RS" sported the 1.5-litre engine, and produced 148 horsepower (110 kW) and offered a 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) time of 7.9 seconds.

The Yaris was also sold in China as the Xiali Vizi, but only facelifted versions were offered.

The XP10 series was introduced to Australia on 8 October 1999 as the "Echo", replacing the Starlet. Both the three- and five-door hatchback variants were available, which sold alongside the four-door Toyota Platz-derived Echo sedan. 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. The base model was fitted with a driver's airbag and cassette player, although the optional safety pack added a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Power steering was made standard equipment in October 2002. The Echo "Sportivo" was introduced in March 2001, fitted with the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine with manual transmission only. Compared to the models equivalent to the Echo "Sportivo" in other markets (the Vitz "RS" in Japan, and Yaris "T-Sport" in Europe), the Australian variant is distinguishable with its locally developed T-CAM (Toyota Conversions, Accessories and Motorsport) body kit and downgraded 14-inch alloy wheels.

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 70 horsepower (52 kW) 1.0-litre engine, while maintaining low fuel consumption and emissions. In 2001, the range was expanded via the addition of the warm 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 56 kilowatts (75 hp) 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.

European-market Yaris was also exported to Israel as well as in Morocco.

The Vitz was not sold in North America until 2003 when it launched in Canada under the "Echo" name for the 2004 model year. Prior to this, only the Platz-based Echo sedan and coupe were available in Canada. The hatchback (three and five door) was introduced in Canada only due to the higher sales achieved by the sedan and coupe compared to the United States. 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 is not sportier than the other Canadian variations as it consisted of cosmetic changes only. All Canadian-bound Echo hatches were sold with the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine and rated at 108HP (80kW).

In 2004, for the 2005 model year, a tachometer was added.

Yaris Cabrio Concept (2000)

Toyota 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.

Second generation (XP90; 2005–2010)

Toyota redesigned the Vitz in early 2005, going on sale in Japan that February. The Toyota Belta sedan, shares underpinnings with the Vitz. However, while the Vitz was designed at Toyota's European ED² design studios, the Belta was designed at their Japanese design studios. While the outgoing Vitz hatchback and Platz sedan look and feel virtually alike, the redesigned Vitz and Belta are more subtly related. The two cars share a frame and the drivetrain components however the sheet metal is different.

The European, Australian, Canadian, Mexican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican markets saw the second generation Vitz near the end of 2005. In the Australian and North American markets, the car was sold as the "Yaris" for the first time. The production Yaris for the US market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. The XP90 series Yaris is built in Japan, France, and Thailand.

The previous 4-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i engine was replaced by the 3-cylinder engine also found in the Toyota Aygo. The 1.3-litre engine was revised to offer slightly more power, and the 1.4 D-4D got a 15 PS (11 kW; 15 hp) boost to 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp), the former engine allowing it to achieve exceptional fuel economy. For the European market in early 2009 the Yaris added a 1.33-litre engine with Stop & Start technology. The Yaris became the first car in its class to offer nine airbags.

It also received a minor facelift in 2010 with slight subtle revisions to its bumper with in-built cornering protectors, air dams and an orange tinted signal on its tail lamps.

From 2011 to 2013, Daihatsu sold the XP90 generation Yaris under the "Daihatsu Charade" name as a Thai-produced five-door hatchback. Powertrains will comprise a 1.3-litre engine and six-speed manual or optional automatic. The Charade will be sold alongside the newer-generation Yaris (XP130) series.

The XP90 continued to be built in China and Thailand until it was replaced in November 2013.

Vitz RS

The Toyota Yaris RS was launched in 2007. It was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show and is powered 1.5 L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine rated 107 bhp (80 kW) and 140 N·m (100 lb·ft). The RS features 16 inch alloy wheels, a RS badged mesh grille, a redesigned front and rear bumper, redesigned taillamps, deep side skirts and a tail spoiler. It also features sports tuned steering and suspension as well as disc rear brakes.

The Vitz RS is sold in North American and Europe markets as the Yaris TS. As with the previous T-Sport, there are extra rear reflectors on the bumper. Essentially, it is a JDM Vitz RS fitted with a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE engine rated 130 hp (97 kW) and 173 N·m (128 lb·ft), which can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 10 seconds.

For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option.

The facelifted Vitz RS/Yaris TS was also a basis for the 2012 Yaris facelift for Indonesian, Thai and Philippine markets.

Safety

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.

Market

In Japan, the 2nd generation model is still sold as the Vitz. It is available in B, F, I, 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 Australia, the Yaris is available in hatchback and sedan forms. It comes in a 1.5-litre powered petrol engine. Models sold are the basic YR, the mid-range YRS, and the sportier YRX which features a sporty bumper with bodykit. Across the model lineup, a seven airbag package is available as part of the Enhanced Safety Pack option.

The 2nd 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 will 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 106 hp (79 kW) and 103 lb·ft (140 N·m) and five-speed manual transmission C54, the four-speed automatic U340E being optional. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg_‑US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 36 mpg_‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg_‑imp) 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.

The Canadian Yaris hatchback is 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 106 bhp (79 kW) and 103 lb·ft (140 N·m). The 2006 Yaris with the 1.5-litre engine can achieve fuel economy ratings of 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_‑imp) during highway driving and 34 mpg_‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg_‑imp) 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. In addition to the new 5-door liftback, all 2009 Yaris models come standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags. For 2009, Toyota also added cruise control as an option on liftback models, and has added a few more colour choices.

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.

Third generation (XP130; 2010–present)

The third generation Toyota 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 is 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 given to the driver to select a predefined gear ratio among 7 available, emulating a 7-speed sequential gearbox, with steering wheel levers.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing France started to build Toyota Yaris for export to the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico markets.

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

Market

The third generation Yaris/Vitz was launched in 2011. 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 third generation Vitz was launched on 22 December 2010 in Yokohama, Japan, and it was launched in other countries by the end of 2011. 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 26.5 km/L (3.8 L/100 km; 62.3 mpg_‑US) for the Japanese streets. The XP130 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.

Toyota Vitz is 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. 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.

In many South East Asian regions since 2013, a unique XP150 series Yaris based on the Toyota Vios (XP150) launched in Asian markets, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam. This version is not related to the Yaris sold elsewhere (based on the Vitz).

In Singapore, the local dealer launched the 3rd gen Yaris in 1.33-litre variant in the first quarter of 2013. It is currently the only Asian country to source the Vitz-based Yaris.

The Toyota 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 bodykit. The basic YR model features 7 SRS airbags and Multi-Information Display as standard.

For North America, the XP130 series was released in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a 2012 model under the Toyota Yaris name. Offered in both three- and five-door hatchback styles, Toyota Yaris offers only the previous generation 1.5-litre engine with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 model year North American Yaris three- and five-door hatchbacks are available in the base L (CE in Canada), mid-range LE and sport-tuned SE trim levels. The SE is available only as a five-door and comes with larger 16-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and disk brakes on all four wheels. For 2012, the Yaris hatchback has nine standard airbags.

Hybrid

The Yaris HSD Concept was introduced at the March 2011 Geneva Motor Show featuring a hybrid powertrain. The production version was presented at the March 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Yaris Hybrid shares the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius c sold in North America and as Toyota Aqua in Japan. The Prius c will not be available in Europe.

The Yaris Hybrid went on sale in June 2012, and sold 23,692 units during 2012. Cumulative sales reached 35,151 units through March 2013.

Facelift (2014)

In 2014, a facelift version was introduced. This version is marketed in North America, Europe and Australia. North America and Australia variations include a 1.5-litre, 77 kW (103 hp) engine with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In Europe, the largest displacement version available is 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.

Facelift (2017)

On 12 January 2017, a second facelift version of the Vitz was launched in Japan. It is now also offered with a hybrid drivetrain. The second facelift version of the Yaris will be available in Europe, Australia and North America later in 2017.. The high-performance variant, called Yaris GRMN (Gazoo Racing, Masters of the Nurburgring) with a supercharged 1.8-liter engine that produces 205 hp will also follow later.