Compact, Versatile, and Reliable— the Toyota IST is Built for City Living and Beyond
The Toyota IST is a subcompact car, sold in the US, Middle East, Europe, and Latin America as the Scion xD, Scion xA, Toyota xA, and Toyota Urban Cruiser. The IST is the 6th brand to use the Vitz as the standard model, it is a high-end compact car with SUV-like design and wagon-like spaciousness. The Toyota IST, a 5-door hatchback, is a Japanese automaker's supermini, B-segment, or sub-compact vehicle, derived from the suffix "-ist" referring to a passionate individual.
Toyota rebranded the Toyota IST in Japan, renaming it in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. In the USA, it was known as the Toyota Scion xA and Scion xD. The IST has been the most bought car in East Africa for three to four years due to its low initial price, reliability, efficiency, and robustness, making it a versatile and affordable investment.
Engine and Transmission
The Toyota 1NZ is a 1.5-liter inline-four petrol engine with 108 hp and 105 lb-ft torque with fuel consumption of approximately 23 km/L, produced since 1999. It's a reliable and efficient engine used in various Toyota and other brands. The Toyota 2NZ engine is a 1.3-liter inline-four petrol engine with 87 hp and 91 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption of 15km/L, used in Toyota's subcompact cars like the Yaris/Echo and Toyota Porte, offering a small, tested, and capable engine.
The 2ZR (1.8 liters) has a displacement of 1797 cc with 132 hp and fuel consumption of approximately 15 km/L. The 1NZ, 2NZ, and 2ZR are 4-cylinder Toyota engines with VVT-i technology, enhancing fuel consumption. Reliable, they can travel 100,000 km and 150,000 km without major maintenance, with recommended oil weights and oil change intervals.
Interior and Exterior
The Toyota IST is a compact SUV with economic and SUV qualities, offering sporty looks for both young and old. It has spacious seating for five, legroom, and a nice dashboard, but limited luggage space. The cabin features storage compartments for documents, smartphones, and cups, with door pockets, cup holders, glovebox, and center tray for front passengers and door pockets for rear passengers. The interior features a centralized temperature control system, power steering, and power window for smooth, efficient output, ensuring optimal performance with minimal input.
The SUV's exterior design features a wide fender aluminum arch, a large front grille, and a uniform back window design. It offers large cargo space, medium-sized luggage capacity, and sufficient boot space for a family of 5. The car's unique exterior features a wide front grille, 15-inch tires, extended wheel arches, and larger body sizes, enhancing safety in collisions with heavier vehicles through the advanced GOA process. The IST features steel or alloy wheels, an image-boosting mechanism, an optional roof rail, and LED taillights for improved visibility, making it suitable for foggy or night driving.
Other Features
The steering wheel is made of durable, soft foam covered with leather for aesthetic appeal and padded placement to prevent calluses and relieve stress. Leather seats are easy to wash, durable, and hypoallergenic. The vehicle features automatic mirrors and windows, simplifying operation with easy control via buttons on the door and dash, and an auto-climate air conditioner, reducing distraction and maintaining set temperature. The vehicle features 6 airbags for passive safety and multiple cabin storage options for easy handling of items like tissues, cups, bottles, keys, phones, and glasses.
Finally
The Toyota IST is a reliable, affordable, and comfortable car suitable for first-time buyers. Its engine is not powerful but capable of handling daily tasks, making it a good investment. You can now check the Toyota IST stocklist for more available models.
