Toyota Vitz (XP90) RS 2007

[tankuroded]

Once a commonly sighted subcompact in some-if-not-many parts of the world, but tend to be forgotten by even the "everyday cars" side of the GT community in favor of the XP10 series (through its GT3 special color), the XP90 Vitz/Yaris - nicknamed the "Bakpao" (Chinese filled bun) in Indonesia - is a worthy rival for any Fit/Jazz.

Engine: 1NZ-FE 1500cc Inline-4 VVT-i
Power: 110 PS (108 BHP)
Weight: 1070 kg/2359 lbs

An all-new Toyota Vitz bowed in February of 2005 as the successor to the original model (XP10) that was developed on a worldwide strategic platform for Toyota. In the U.S. and Europe, the car was called the Yaris.

Body size for the new Vitz was increased in order to improve safety, but it also inherited many of the positive characteristics of the previous model, including a rigid body structure, good handling and a peppy engine.

The sporty edition of the car, the Vitz RS 1.5, was powered by a 1496-cc DOHC inline-4 with VVT-i (Toyota's variable valve timing technology) and produced 107 HP. The base Vitz came with 1.0- or 1.3-liter engines. The sporty RS came equipped with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT transmission with paddle shifters.

Despite the modest power output, the Vitz RS was surprisingly quick off the line, thanks in part to its lean 1040 kg curb weight (1070 kg for the CVT). And when confronted with a twisty road, the car delivered good steering and cornering stability.

Other changes for the new Vitz included 4-wheel disc brakes (ventilated discs up front) and more comfortable front seats. The bumper was also given a more aerodynamically-sculpted look, while a rear spoiler was added to provide some flair.

The car became even sportier in August 2007 when Toyota updated various mechanical components to improve the car's driving performance.