Toyota Vitz 3rd Gen (2010-2020) Expert Review

Compact Japanese Design That Ages Well

The third-generation Toyota Vitz arrived in 2010 with a very different attitude from its predecessor. Toyota wanted it to remain small and inexpensive, but it also wanted the little hatchback to look more sophisticated. The result was a compact car with sharper headlights, a more expressive front end and a surprisingly spacious-looking cabin.

Early third-generation models measured approximately 3,885mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm high, while later facelifted versions stretched to approximately 3,945mm. The wheelbase remained 2,510mm. Toyota deliberately kept the exterior compact while increasing usable interior space.

That compactness is a major advantage in Bangladesh. In Dhaka, where a road can apparently become a parking lot without warning, the Vitz's dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre. Narrow lanes, crowded markets, apartment parking spaces and tight U-turns are much less intimidating.

The design also changed throughout the generation. Early versions had a softer appearance, while later facelifts became sharper and more aggressive. Jewela versions received additional chrome detailing, while RS, G's and GR Sport models received much sportier bumpers, grilles, wheels and spoilers.

The biggest exterior weakness is ground clearance. Depending on version, it sits around 135–145mm, which means Bangladesh's giant speed breakers deserve respect.

Still, the Vitz succeeds because it does not try too hard. It is small, clean and purposeful. In Dhaka traffic, that is often more valuable than looking expensive.

Small Car, Surprisingly Useful Cabin

The cleverest thing about the third-generation Vitz may be what Toyota did with the interior. From outside, it is clearly a small hatchback. Inside, however, Toyota made a serious effort to maximise usable space. Early versions provided around 1,915mm of interior length, 1,390mm of width and 1,250mm of height, while later cars extended interior length to around 1,920mm. The driving position is upright and easy to understand. Front-seat space is good, visibility is useful and the compact bonnet makes the car easy to place on the road. The rear is less impressive. Two adults can travel comfortably enough, but three adults across the rear bench will make everyone reconsider the meaning of friendship. For normal urban family use, however, the five-seat layout is perfectly practical. The split-folding rear seats increase flexibility, allowing you to carry larger luggage when necessary. The cabin also has useful storage areas and cupholders. Material quality varies by grade. Basic F versions are quite hard and functional, while U, Jewela and sportier versions can feel considerably more special through better upholstery, steering wheels, trim and equipment. The interior's biggest weakness is age. A late third-generation Vitz can still look smart, but its factory infotainment and cabin technology are clearly from an earlier era. Still, the fundamentals remain excellent: comfortable enough seats, sensible ergonomics, good visibility and efficient use of space.

From Basic F to Surprisingly Sophisticated Safety Editions

The third-generation Vitz has one of the widest equipment variations in its class because it remained in production for almost a decade.

The original 2010 model was offered in F, Jewela and U, alongside the sporty RS. The U grade brought equipment such as smart entry/start, automatic climate control and leather-wrapped steering equipment, while the RS introduced sportier exterior and interior equipment.

Later years expanded the lineup considerably. There were Smart Stop packages, Safety Editions, hybrid versions and eventually GR Sport models. Toyota's 2017–2018 specifications show the 1.0L, 1.3L and 1.5L hybrid powertrains continuing alongside multiple grades.

Depending on year and grade, you can find keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth, rear camera, alloy wheels, LED lighting, cruise control and advanced safety systems.

For Bangladesh, the most useful features are probably the less glamorous ones: strong AC, power windows, keyless entry, rear camera and a good automatic transmission.

The major weakness is connectivity. Factory Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not central features of this generation. An aftermarket multimedia system is therefore a sensible upgrade.

The Vitz is best understood as a car where grade matters almost as much as model year.

Safety Improved Dramatically During the Generation

The safety story of the third-generation Vitz changed considerably between 2010 and 2020.

Early cars already had conventional safety equipment such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, airbags and seat-belt systems, with Vehicle Stability Control and other equipment varying by grade. Toyota's original Vitz documentation shows the generation's focus on improving safety while retaining its compact-car character.

Later models went considerably further. Toyota introduced Toyota Safety Sense-equipped Vitz variants, adding systems such as pre-collision safety and lane-departure warning. Toyota's later catalog also shows additional safety-related equipment depending on grade.

This creates an important distinction for Bangladesh: a 2010 Vitz and a 2019 Vitz should not be assumed to have identical safety equipment.

The exact grade matters too. A basic F or M Package can be relatively simple, while a Safety Edition or higher specification can have significantly more active safety technology.

The Vitz also benefits from being easy to control. Its small dimensions, predictable steering and good visibility make it easier to manoeuvre around Dhaka traffic.

But it remains a compact hatchback. It does not provide the same physical size as a larger sedan or SUV.

Overall, later well-equipped Vitz versions offer a surprisingly comprehensive safety package for a small Japanese hatchback, while early basic versions are much more conventional.

The Third Generation Covers Almost Every Driving Style

Calling the third-generation Vitz simply “economical” would be unfair because Toyota gave it several personalities. At one end is the 996cc 1KR-FE, producing 69 hp and 92 Nm. It is light, economical and perfectly suited to city commuting. At the other end sits the 1.5L 1NZ-FE, producing 109 hp and 138 Nm, particularly in RS and sport-oriented versions. In between is the 1.3L, which became one of the most balanced versions. Then Toyota added the 1.5L hybrid, using the 1NZ-FXE petrol engine and electric motor. The hybrid system uses a 74 hp engine and 61 hp motor, with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. For Bangladesh, the 1.3L is arguably the middle ground: enough performance for city and highway driving without turning the car into a fuel-hungry machine. The 1.0L makes more sense for someone spending most of the week in Dhaka traffic, while the 1.5L and RS versions are much more interesting for drivers who value performance. Ride comfort is generally good at normal speeds, although low ground clearance can become annoying on large speed breakers. The steering is light and the car is easy to position. Parking is almost embarrassingly easy. The Vitz therefore isn't one driving experience. It is a family of them. Choose the engine and grade carefully and you can get anything from a tiny economical commuter to a genuinely entertaining little hatchback.