Long-term test Tazz tantalises
2005-03-08 07:00
Author: Gerry and May Gericke
The TT (Toyota Tazz) entered our lives early in 2004 and has become a well respected and reliable member of our family.
The Tazz comes with the title of "South Africa?s top selling Hatchback" even though it is basically the same model as introduced in 1988 as the Conquest.
The latest generation of the Toyota Hatchback introduced to the entry level market as the Tazz in 1996, is blessed with a 1300 cc 4-cylinder 12-valve engine.
Although this power unit only develops 55 kW it has a huge heart with a maximum torque of 103 Nm at 4 200 r/min.
Now, you ladies out there will say, "so what"!
High torque
A high torque figure means that you do not have to keep on changing the gears in the standard 5-speed gearbox. The little Tazz can pull happily at low revs without any fuss, and if you need to exceed the national speed limit in an emergency, of course, it will reach the magic ton, 160 km/h.
Not bad for a carbureted overhead cam engine.
What's a cam? Well it's the device that opens the valves which let the fuel and air in and the burnt gases out, ensuring that the TT does not drink too much fuel which is becoming more expensive by the day.
The TT is equipped with three valves per cylinder which ensures improved fuel consumption and performance over the conventional two valves per cylinder.
Fuel consumption is one of the main factors affecting the buyer's choice of vehicle today.
This is of course restricted to those unfortunate people who have to foot the bill for their own fuel.
Consumption
We have monitored the TT over 8 000 km and it will comfortably return an average figure of 8. 5 litres/100 km consumption in suburban conditions.
On the open road, depending on how you treat the accelerator, you can better this figure with ease - which will bring down your running costs considerably.
The newest top of the range version of the popular Tazz XE comes with an aircon, lock, alloy 14 inch wheels and remote control alarm/immobiliser.
All Tazz models are now fitted with a fuel cut off solenoid to elevate these vehicles to a level "A" security rating, in accordance with VESA requirements. Also standard is a four- speaker radio CD system.
The Tazz range is covered by a 3 year/100 000 km warranty. Corrosion perforation is also covered for 3 years, as is roadside assistance.
We have looked at the statistics of the most popular car in South Africa, but how does it go?
Firm seats
I have always found the little Toyota's seats a little on the firm side personally, but lateral support is excellent and the upholstery with patterned inserts promises good longevity.
We commenced driving the Tazz with only 3 km showing and were incredibly impressed by the slick feeling to the gearshift. A brand new car with the smoothest gear change ever!
The aircon and ventilation are excellent, as in all Toyota models. Starting is first class even though the engine is fed through a carburettor as opposed to the modern fuel injection of other models.
Oops, no rev counter, oh well, torque is so good, revving the engine to pieces is unnecessary!
At high revs the motor emits a business-like roar giving ample warning. Also missing is a grab handle for the front passenger.
The optional extra which we really miss most is the remote cable to open the boot. Provision has been made for the fitment of this handy device but alas, the agents warned us of an additional cost in excess of R1 000 for a 2 metre cable. Wow! Rather pricey.
The hydraulically operated clutch is feather light along with the brakes which are very effective.
Brakes
Again a major safety specification missing was anti-lock (ABS) brakes. We are of the opinion that this is the most important safety feature on any car today, and even more necessary than air bags.
The central locking is fuss free, but was the only hassle experienced to date with the TT. A visit to the agents quickly rectified the problem. The agents in question were Buffalo Toyota in East London and we were very impressed with their service and attitude.
The hatchback type of vehicle has always been preferred by us due to the versatility that enables the boot to be extended when required. The boot normally houses the spare wheel of which the Tazz has a full size wheel, another plus for this model.
In conclusion the little Toyota Tazz fulfills its obligation as a second vehicle that can also be used not only for suburban use but also for extended trips into the country.
A delightful no nonsense, economical, fun car that will provide good resale value at the end of its term.