By Otsile Kadiege

Toyota South Africa added a new grade to the budget-beating Vitz range called the Vitz X-cite. The new derivative adds ‘exciting’ exterior and interior cosmetic upgrades. Apart from it being solely available with a manual transmission, everything else remains unchanged.

Stylish orange hues

On the outside, the new Vitz X-cite spots orange hues on the front and back ends as well as on the side. Up front, the orange accents serve as a garnish for the lower grille on either side. On the side, the mirrors are wrapped in black, grey and orange decorative detail. The same colour palette is further replicated with the distinctive X-cite badging and the flash of orange on the protective black side moulding. The Vitz X-cite further sets itself apart with a bold, bright rear spoiler.

More orange touches inside

Once inside, touches of orange do great justice in balancing the predominantly black- hued interior. In the cockpit, it is the air-vent cowls and the gear frame bracket that sport the orange tone. Other interior highlights include remote central locking, air conditioning, steering wheel controls for telephony and audio functions, electric mirrors/windows, 295L of boot space, Bluetooth, Aux and USB connectivity, a four-speaker sound system, and a touchscreen infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

Powertrain

The Vitz X-cite is still powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine developing 49 kW and 89 Nm. Unlike the rest of the Vitz range, the X-cite derivative is only available with the five-speed manual transmission. Toyota claims the Vitz X-cite will sip as low as 4.4l/100km.

Pricing and warranty

Toyota Vitz 1.0 5MT X-Cite – R189,900
Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR X-Cite 5MT – R219,900

All Vitz models are sold with a 2-year/30 000 km Service Plan. A 3-year/100 000km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000km. Customers can also purchase additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive 220-strong dealer network.