Toyota ist (NCP60) Test Drive Report

ReportOctober 31, 2021

With its innovative design and premium feel, it has an appeal that sets it apart from existing compact cars.

Until now, compact cars have been most famous for their economy and practicality. The clean form also emphasized the ease of handling. Toyota's latest compact car, the Ist, is a completely different direction, with a glamorous and sturdy SUV flavored style. The body size seems to be a bit larger than the concept of a compact car. As the development concept suggests, this is a compact car with a premium feel, aimed at the target audience of active young people.

Although it has large 15-inch tires and a slightly high ground clearance, the overall image of the car is "sporty. The interior, with its high-holding seats in the front, has been designed with a mature taste.

Inside, the car is an honorable student typical of Toyota vehicles. It offers a high quality driving feel in all situations.

The BEAMS engine with VVT-i is available in two versions: 1.3L and 1.5L. The BEAMS engine with VVT-i is available in two versions, 1.3L and 1.5L, and has been certified as "ultra-low emission" in consideration of the environment. As soon as I started driving, I could definitely feel the premium feel of the car. In addition to smooth acceleration and smooth gear shifting, the ride quality and quietness are all a notch higher in comfort. Cruising was also comfortable, and I felt relaxed and satisfied. From its aggressive form, you would expect a unique ride and sporty flavor, but as a compact car, it is easy to handle. The automatic transmission uses a floor shift instead of the trendy instrument panel shift. The AT uses a floor shift instead of the trendy instrument panel shift, which is said to be for a sporty atmosphere. But I guess that's one of the reasons why Toyota doesn't have an instrument panel shift in this class.

The only thing that bothers me is the speedometer and tachometer located in the center, which makes the front left side of the car difficult to see. The front pillars are slightly thicker for safety and rigidity, and depending on the driving position, there may be a blind spot when turning right.

In addition to high design and quality, the car is also practical in terms of storage and usability.

The most notable feature of the interior is the "Illuminated Multi Box," which lights up orange lights in the multi box on the center panel in conjunction with the opening and closing of the doors. It's certainly interesting and trendy, but it seems to be a mismatch with the elegantly finished metallic interior. What I liked was the way the driver's seat was handled to avoid the lumpy feeling that is often associated with center meters. As for comfort, the front and rear seats are both spacious enough. Compared to the Fit, the rear seats have less foot space, but even large men will not be dissatisfied. The luggage space is surprisingly small with a high floor and a small opening.

The seats are softly cushioned and comfortable. The bench-type rear seats are especially comfortable and seem to minimize fatigue during long drives. The thick front seats are designed to hold you in place, but the fit and driving position may not be comfortable for some body types.

A lot of effort has been put into safety, the environment, and energy conservation. Outstanding cost performance is also an attraction.

The first thing that intrigues you about the Isto is its attention-grabbing imported styling. Once you open the door, you will be fascinated by the stylish interior. On the inside, it is an honor student with no sharp edges. It may not be enough for car enthusiasts, but young people who see cars as objects will like it. It is a compact car with a different flavor from the Fit and March, which have become major hits.

Young families, the main users of this class, are absolutely practical people. The Ist's large-looking body size and sporty mood may put them off. However, the fact that the family color has completely disappeared will probably create a new user base. I am very much looking forward to the future sales trend of this car.

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