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A diesel engine in a subcompact was unheard of during the days of old. Toyota Vitz diesel engine is the talk of the supermini motoring world, and opinions abound on whether equipping the little car with a diesel engine is a practical thing to do. Let’s have a look at the plus and downsides of having Toyota’s D-4D engine in the little Vitz. When one says diesel, what immediately comes to mind is power: diesel is used to power trucks and the cars who are diesel powered are usually those that are driven over long distances. Diesel also adds to a car’s fuel efficiency. The Vitz five-door hatchback has been fitted with a 1.4-liter D4-D turbodiesel engine in its five-speed manual transmission variant, and has been known to achieve an average of 63 miles on a single gallon, emitting only 119g/km of carbon dioxide. This makes the diesel-powered Vitz one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. That sounds good, so what’s the catch? Well, while some motorists agree that the D4-D engine in the Vitz is powerful and economical, they also think that the engine makes too much noise and makes the car struggle for pace. In addition, the gasoline variants cost a lot less. This means that running costs for the diesel variant may be a lot more, and the ride may not be as comfortable and smooth. So why consider diesel in the first place? Well, for one thing the Toyota Vitz’s diesel engine makes the car go fast—it can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating Vitz ever. The all-aluminum engine produces 89bhp, makes the car go up to 109 miles per hour, and can ride the highway limit effortlessly. So what’s the problem? The diesel variant is remarkably heavier than the others, and motoring enthusiasts agree that this makes the Vitz a car that lacks in refinement, agility, balance, and the easy maneuverability expected of the vehicle models in its category. Of course, as a subcompact it is expected to zip by, avoiding traffic and accidents easily, and easing itself into the tightest of parking spaces. With a diesel engine this would feel awkward and difficult, like trying to calm down a yapping puppy in a library. Motorists would prefer the gasoline versions, particularly the 1.3-liter VVT-i engine over the Toyota Vitz diesel engine, if only for the smoothness of the ride. If fuel economy is your priority, then diesel is your best bet, especially if you don’t mind paying extra for the diesel engine. Besides, with all the fuel and gas money you’ll get to save in the long run, a diesel engine is worth it. The maneuverability isn’t that bad either: all Vitzes have superb handling from the start; the agility in the diesel variant just seems off because a diesel engine works differently from a gasoline one. If you think you’ll be bothered by engine noise, don’t be: it’s not deafening, and you can always play your favorite mash-up in your in-car entertainment system, anyway. So is the Toyota Vitz diesel engine in or out? What’s your verdict?
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