adminmuch excitement and still delivers.
This car packs a 1,8-litre VVTL-I four-cylinder 16-valve engine that churns out 141kW at 7800r/min and a power to weight ratio of 115,57 kW/ton. That’s powerful right?
It has a six speed close ration gearbox . . . I am sure I have just triggered an adrenaline rush in a few of your petrol heads out there.
With a take-off of 0-100km/hour at 9,10 seconds, you literally stand out in this car.
It has surely stood the test of time, having been around for the last decade and still counting.
Even after the introduction of the replacements in the form of the Auris and Yaris, this still stands out as a legend.
On the streets of Harare, many youngsters and a few who are still young at heart are driving these babies.
The fact that they are fuel savers makes them one of the best buys on the market at the moment.
Many individuals are going for the used models which they are buying online straight from Japan, Singapore and South Africa at a cost lower than most used vehicles at
affordable prices of under US$10 000 with duties and taxes included.
The engine performs at its best in a very narrow power band that lies between 6 700r/min and 8 000r/min.
The handling of this baby is very good and this vehicle definitely enjoys being driven with gusto and responds eagerly to enthusiast input from the driver.
In typical Japanese car tradition, the steering feels light and is easy to manoeuvre.
It is easy to drive the car hard through a series of bends with little or no fuss. Even when you push this vehicle hard, its handling and response is great.
When I drove one, I noticed that there is some trace of mid corner over steer if you happen to suddenly lift your foot off the throttle, but it’s hardly anything to be concerned about.
In fact, those who enjoy the odd bit of drifting from corner to corner will find this a compelling talent in this vehicle.
Just by looking at its outward appearance, one might just understate it but it is still very sporty, with its fancy rear roof mounted spoiler giving it that sporty appeal.
The standard fit 16-inch alloy wheels look a bit small in the wheel arches but the car has great ground clearance.
This is good news for those wanting to buy this vehicle in Zimbabwe since at the moment with the rains and poor maintenance of our roads, one needs a vehicle with decent ground clearance to soak up the bumps and grinds. Inside, the RunX looks pretty much like any other new generation Corolla model with the exception of full leather upholstery, electronic climate control air-conditioning, a special gear knob, just to mention a few.
Standard equipment includes items such as power steering, electrically operated windows, and side mirrors, a CD-based sound system, trip computer, dual front airbags, ABS assistance for the brakes and remote central locking.
There is plenty of space for four occupants and even a fifth one over shorter distances.
No need to cramp if it’s long distance travel. The luggage space is sufficient, although the loading floor isn’t very deep but who cares as long as an overnight suitcase fits. Its competition back then and even right now remains the Peugeot 206GTI, the Citroen Xsara and the Renault Cleo.
My pick would be the Japanese RunX because being a Toyota maintenance is lower and the service and after sales assistance is easy to get in Southern Africa.
More mechanics countrywide know and have mastered fixing Toyotas so there will be peace of mind for such car owners.
Their entire competitors produce less power and are smaller. The RunX scores in terms of handling, space and that it comes with a few extra standard features.
Overall, it’s a complete package for someone who requires a sports car which is affordable, stylish and easy to maintain.
For a first car this will be perfect so at under US$10 000, you can rev this baby up or try their replacement models, either the Auris or the Yaris, the new ones will defiantly cost you more though. So till next week, rev it up and be safe.
- Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected], or Facebook page: Torque with Fact Jeke for more information.
Online Reporter