The big and bold Toyota IST

Aimed at younger motorists, the Toyota IST is big and bold, in its tiny little way. Looking like a traditional hatchback with more than a passing resemblance to the Vitz, the IST is powered by a sweet 1.3 litre engine. It is quite better than the Vitz in many ways. The IST uses its small footprint well, but you cannot get around the fact that it does have a very small footprint. It is convenient for parking and storage. Depending on your garage size, you can use half of your garage for all your other stuff, and still park in the other half. Fact is while some like the feel of a small car, others may find the IST a bit too small.

Interior
The interior is surprisingly big. When you fold the back seats, you have an absolutely massive amount of space. You can fit a 40 inch flat screen in it. The interior is inexpensive, but not cheap. The dashboard is made of textured black plastic. The seats look good, with good durable fabric. The trim is chrome coloured plastic, emulating brushed aluminium, for a modern silver and black look.

The IST features a centrally located instrument panel on top of the dashboard which is strange and even odder is that you know when the engine is cold from a blue light, and when it’s hot from a red one. The rear seats do fold down so you can carry a good amount of stuff, albeit with no more than two people.

There is plenty of room for adults in the front. However the rear seats might not be comfortable for longer journeys as the leg and headroom is restricted.

Exterior
IST looks a bit like a stylish Vitz brother who spends a lot of time in the salon. The wind shield inclines down into a more sharply angled bonnet. I always love character lines on cars and the IST doesn’t disappoint. It has one from the top of the rear lights along the door handles to the front. Unless the IST has a very flamboyant colour, it shall almost always pass for just another funky small car from Toyota.

Ride and handling
The ride and handling are very different from the Vitz as a natural comparison, providing much more road feel and a busier, firmer ride, with considerably better handling and a nimble feel.

It’s not the sportiest car, but it does take to being pushed around sharp turns nicely, and the small size works to its advantage. There is some body roll, but not too much. The suspension is firm but not unforgiving, able to deal well with road imperfections without shocking the driver. This is the kind of car that is fun to drive when you are in the mood and hassle-free.

Engine
The IST is powered by usual Toyota 1.3 litre 4-cylinder engine. As you would expect, Toyota’s engineers have done everything they can to give the IST adequate power for its size. The popular fuel saving tech Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence aka VVT-i is in tow. There are 1.5 Litre engines available too.

Maintenance
With its several underpinnings from Toyota’s small car stable, the IST will likely be highly reliable and serviceable pretty much anywhere that you could take a Toyota, and I can bet on a strong resale value over time. All its serviceable parts are readily available and the none-serviceable ones can still be easily found.

The Bad Stuff
It is small and that is it.

Value
For young buyers, the IST can be a great first car with far more personality than what you can get elsewhere in its price bracket. Because of its fuel sipping ways, its resale value and maintenance shall always be in Vitz, Corolla, Spacio, Premio category, a fact that many Ugandan car buyers love.

The IST is not for everyone, though, it’s small, no doubt about it, and some people might and will find it cramped. Sometimes, the small size is a real plus, sometimes, you just want a little more space.

Common small cars

Mazda 2

It has a nimble chassis, chiseled good looks and upscale interior. It has a 1.5-liter capacity and is has curver corners.

THE 2008 SUV
The 2008 SUV is spacious, high-quality cabin, economical engines and a comfortable ride. It is however, also important to note that it has a dull petrol engines, less fun to drive as per reviews and no four-wheel-drive option