Toyota’s cheapest new car is now available in a fresh form: meet the Vitz X-Cite. Here’s how much this jazzed-up budget hatchback will cost you in South Africa…

Toyota South Africa Motors has quietly rolled out the new Vitz X-Cite, a fresh version of the Indian-built budget hatchback that features a raft of visual updates.

Of course, the Japanese firm’s “X-Cite” badge is by no means new to Mzansi, with the since-discontinued Aygo having once worn this nameplate. In that case, however, it was applied to a derivative set apart by its black canvas roof.

First spotted on Toyota’s website by IOL Motoring, the Vitz X-Cite is offered in both base and XR guise, and its arrival sees the range expand to 5 derivatives. Interestingly, the new X-Cite variants are available in a choice of 5 colours, compared with the 7 offered on the standard models.

The X-Cite is distinguished by its orange trim accents – which have been applied to the rear spoiler, black side-mirror caps, side mouldings and front foglamp surrounds (the latter in the case of the higher-spec XR) – along with black plastic trim running along the wheel arches, side skirts and lower bumpers, fore and aft. “X-Cite” decals have also been applied to the rear doors.

Inside, you’ll find yet more orange detailing (which the brand describes as a “refreshing citrus hue”), including to components around the air vents, gear-lever base, window switches and on the interior door panels. According to the specifications listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website, the Vitz 1.0 X-Cite furthermore gains a single-din audio system (a feature missing from the standard base model) that includes Bluetooth, an auxiliary port and a USB port. The XR version, though, retains its touchscreen system.

So, how much do the new X-Cite models cost? Well, back in the 2nd week of August, we noticed Toyota SA Motors had effectively cut Vitz pricing by R20 000 with a special “deal assist” offer, which remains in place today (September 2023). The X-Cite derivatives, meanwhile, are listed at the pre-deal prices: the Vitz 1.0 MT X-Cite thus costs R189900, while the Vitz 1.0 XR MT X-Cite comes in at R219900.

As with other derivatives in the Vitz line-up, the X-Cite models draw their urge from a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This motor sends 49 kW and 89 Nm to the front axle through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission with the same number of cogs (though X-Cite variants are currently offered in 3-pedal form only).

Reviving a nameplate that has roots stretching back to 1998 and was once applied to the Yaris offered in the automaker’s domestic market of Japan, the Vitz arrived in South Africa in April 2023 to replace the Agya. Built by Maruti Suzuki in India (and effectively little more than a rebadged Celerio), the Vitz is yet another result of Toyota’s collaboration with its likewise-Japanese alliance partner.

How much does the Toyota Vitz X-Cite cost in South Africa?

Toyota Vitz 1.0 MT: R169899 on special offer

Toyota Vitz 1.0 MT X-Cite: R189900

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR MT: R199900 on special offer

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR MT X-Cite: R219900

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR AMT: R214900 on special offer

The prices above include a 2-service/30 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty.

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