Asia
The Japanese launch of the Vitz occurred on January 13, 1999, and along with the related Platz, was retailed through the Netz dealership channel.[4]
The Vitz "RS" was introduced in 2001. The "RS" featured revised front and rear bumpers, a mesh grille, black-tinged headlamps, front fog lamps, side skirts, and alloy wheels.[13] Interior upgrades include, sports-oriented front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather and chrome gear shifter, and metallic door sill scuff plates.[14] Two engines were available in the "RS", the 1.3-liter 2NZ-FE and the 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE. More powerful brakes and a firmer suspension calibration were also fitted to the "RS", which was later modified by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and outfitted with a turbocharger. Produced in limited numbers, the TRD-tuned "RS" produced 120 kilowatts (160 hp) of power and offered a 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) time of 7.0 seconds.