Toyota Ractis and Nissan Note are two first-generation B-Custom packages compact hatchbacks that have elicited immense interest as used Japanese export cars in Africa. The target customers of both vehicles are the same, which includes buyers focused on the practicality, efficiency, and versatility essential to driving in the city and its surroundings. The Toyota Ractis, characterized by acceptable legroom and high durability, caters to purchasers interested in comfort and dependability. On the other hand, the Nissan Note targets customers who want a modern touch and a new look on the same note. The Note has new features that make it attractive to those who are concerned with the new technology and the efficiency of the car.
Though the two vehicles come in roughly the same size and serve approximately the same purpose, there are clear differences in their performance that relate to the distinct advantages each of their manufacturers possesses. While promoting durability and low maintenance consumption, Toyota underlines such values while Nissan pays special attention to such exclusive options as high performance. This comparison shows how both vehicles cater to different market requirements and choices, thus enabling any used car buyer to choose the most appropriate hatchback to meet his or her needs. Regardless of whether you are an admirer of the Ractis’s sheer size and longevity or the Note’s state-of-the-art gizmos and fuel economy, this guide will assist you in choosing which of these two much-loved hatchbacks is the best fit for you. Stay tuned to discover more about them and find out what kind of features, performance, and considerate value for money they offer.
Toyota Ractis vs Nissan Note: Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Toyota Ractis | Nissan Note | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 Seats | 5 Seats |
| Engine | ||
| Average Fuel Economy | ~18.2 km/L | ~15.9 km/L |
| Size（Length x Width x Height） | ||
| Key Features | Spacious High ground clearance Keyless entry Fog lights | Remote central locking Cruise control Alloy Wheels |
| BE FORWARD PRICE | $1,350 – $3,350 | $1,320 – $7,203 |
Toyota Ractis
Price
| 2015 | USD 2,400 – USD 6,000 |
The Toyota Ractis, which began production in 2005, quickly gained popularity in African countries like Malawi. Designed to replace the discontinued Toyota Funcargo, the Ractis offers enhanced size, luxury, and efficiency. Its spacious interior is highlighted by a high roof and the ability to flat-fold the rear seats, significantly increasing cargo capacity. These features make the Ractis an unbeatable option for those seeking a versatile and comfortable vehicle.
Recommended Audience
- Urban Commuters: Ideal for city driving with its compact size and easy maneuverability.
- Small Families: Provides ample space and comfort for daily use and family outings.
- Business Owners: The flat-folding rear seats offer significant cargo space, useful for transporting goods.
- Environmentally Conscious Drivers: Efficient fuel consumption makes it a cost-effective choice.
Recommendations:
- Situations:Suitable for urban commutes, family trips, and small business needs.
Kenya’s Environment:
→ Well-suited for Kenya’s urban and suburban areas.
→ Handles well on both paved roads and slightly rougher terrains.
→ Efficient for navigating city traffic and longer drives between towns.
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Nissan Note
Price
| 2020 | USD 4,570 – USD 15,460 |
| 2022 | USD 9,740 – USD 59,920 |
| 2023 | USD 10,390 – USD 34,470 |
Taking some ideas from the hatchback and some from a small multipurpose van the Nissan Note looks like a perfect combination. Launched in 2006, the first generation of Note was manufactured until 2013 when it was replaced by Nissan Invitation, a revised model of the Note. According to the Nissan Tone, there was a major facelift that occurred in 2007 that focused on the European market. This update came with such features as the armrest of the driver’s seat, DVD navigation together with an enhanced door and seat trim fabrics.
Recommended Audience
- Urban Dwellers: Compact size and easy maneuverability make it ideal for city driving.
- Young Professionals: Stylish design and modern features appeal to tech-savvy individuals.
- Small Families: Practical interior space and flexible seating arrangements for daily use.
- Budget-Conscious Drivers: Efficient fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.
Recommendations:
- Situations: Best for city commutes, weekend getaways, and small family outings.
Kenya’s Environment:
- Suited for urban and suburban areas.
- Handles well on both paved roads and slightly rougher terrains.
- Efficient for navigating city traffic and longer drives between towns.
People also read:
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Interior & Exterior
Toyota Ractis
Interior
Trunk/Boot Space:
- Standard: 280 liters
- Expanded: 437 liters (with folded rear seats)
Interior Enhancements:
- Armrests for the driver’s seat
- DVD navigation system
- Upgraded door and seat trim fabrics
Target Audience:
Budget-Conscious Drivers: Efficient fuel consumption
Urban Dwellers: Compact size for city driving
Young Professionals: Modern features and stylish design
Small Families: Practical interior space
Exterior
Front Design:
- Features a sleek grille with chrome accents.
- Sharp, angular headlights with halogen or optional LED technology.
Side Profile:
- Clean lines and a high roofline for a spacious feel.
- Large windows enhance visibility and cabin brightness.
Rear Design:
- Stylish taillights that extend into the tailgate.
- The rear spoiler adds a sporty touch.
People also read:
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Nissan Note
Interior
Seating:
- Spacious and comfortable seats with ample legroom and headroom.
- Rear seats can be adjusted and folded to maximize cargo space.
Storage Facilities:
- Multiple storage compartments, including a large glove box, door pockets, and cup holders.
- Center console with additional storage space.
Infotainment:
- Advanced infotainment system with a touchscreen display.
- Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration.
- Optional navigation system and premium audio setup.
Climate Control:
Rear air vents for even air distribution.
Automatic climate control for optimal comfort.
Exterior
Front Design:
- V-motion grille with chrome accents
- LED headlights with daytime running lights
Side Profile:
- Aerodynamic lines and bold wheel arches
- Integrated turn signals in the side mirrors
Rear Design:
- LED taillights with a wrap-around design
- Rear spoiler for a sporty touch
Engine & Fuel Efficiency
Toyota Ractis
Earlier models of the Toyota Ractis typically feature two engine options: the 2SZ 1.3L engine and the 1NZ 1.5L engine. The 1.5L engine powers the 4WD models, while the 1.3L engine is used in the 2WD models, which are predominantly front-wheel drive. Both engines are 4-cylinder units with a multi-point fuel injection system, ensuring efficient fuel delivery and performance. The 2WD front-wheel drive variant remains the most popular choice among drivers.
The Toyota Ractis has a fuel tank capacity of 42L with an average fuel consumption that reaches 18.2Km/l in both highway and city mileage. This makes it suitable for both daily drives and a weekend cruiser. It has a front-wheel drive system and a 5-speed automatic transmission system. The Ractis has a maximum speed of 200 km/h, which means that the car can be useful for different purposes, including daily driving during working days as well as during weekends with the family.
The Toyota Ractis is ideal for a diverse range of drivers and situations:
Urban Commuters:
- Compact size for easy maneuverability and parking in city traffic.
- Fuel efficiency makes it cost-effective for daily commutes.
Small Families:
- Versatile interior with adjustable seats for added cargo space.
- Comfortable seating and modern infotainment for family trips.
Young Professionals:
- Stylish design and practical features suitable for daily use and weekend getaways.
African Environment:
Adequate ground clearance and efficient fuel consumption for long distances.
Reliable performance and durability on varied road conditions.
Nissan Note
The initial engine offering for the Nissan Note was a 1.4L petrol engine, which was later joined by 1.6L variants. However, the 1.4L (1386cc) CR Twin Cam engine remains a favorite among drivers. This popular 4-cylinder engine, known for its reliability, features a multi-point injection fuel system, similar to the Toyota Ractis, ensuring efficient fuel delivery and performance.
The Nissan Note has a fuel tank capacity of 46L and runs on petrol, with an average consumption of 15.9Km/l. It features a 2-wheel drive drivetrain and offers either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The Note can reach a top speed of 165 km/h.
The Nissan Note appeals to a diverse range of drivers and scenarios:
Urban Dwellers:
- Compact size for maneuvering through city traffic and parking.
- Fuel efficiency is ideal for daily commuting.
Small Families:
- Versatile interior with configurable seating for extra cargo space.
- Comfortable for family outings and weekend trips.
Young Professionals:
- Stylish design and modern features suitable for daily use.
Suitability for the African Environment:
Efficient fuel consumption for long-distance travel.
Adequate ground clearance for rough roads.
Which is Best?
So what should you buy? Based on this review, it depends on what you are looking for in a hatchback. If you are looking for more cargo space, features and performance, it seems like the Nissan Note is the ideal car for you, as it has a lot of extendable space. It also boasts good performance with the 1490cc engine, slightly more powerful than the 1300cc Ractis.
If you are looking for fuel efficiency, then the 1300cc Ractis is the better choice. The availability of spare parts in places like Africa is the same for both cars. For your budget, the Nissan Note on average is cheaper than the Ractis. Toyota prices go up because most people say they have a resale value, but you are not buying a car to sell. You are buying a car to use.
Strengths & Weaknesses in a Nutshell
| Toyota Ractis ✓ Spacious interior with versatile seating and storage options ✓ Reliable fuel efficiency and cost-effective maintenance ✓ Comfortable ride quality and user-friendly features x Limited engine options compared to competitors x Basic interior design may lack modern amenities Browse Stock Now ≫ | Nissan Note ✓ Modern design with efficient engine options ✓ Good fuel economy and agile handling for urban driving ✓ Versatile seating configurations for increased cargo space x Limited availability of higher-end features in base models x Smaller interior space compared to some rivals Browse Stock Now ≫ |
Writer’s Perspective
From the writer’s perspective, the Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatchback and Belta/Yaris sedan are believable and sensible automobiles. The Vitz is small, great on fuel and well suited for city driving and families with small children. It has reasonable maneuverability and a very commendable interior despite the compact avatar it comes with. In this regard, the Belta offers almost the same reliability as the 1st but comes with more sedan space thus recommended for those who require more interior space, but do not want to compromise on Toyota’s endurance and low price range. Altogether, both these models are the reflection of Toyota’s policy of providing high-quality cars that are also easy to use.
Final Verdict
Thus, while comparing the Toyota Ractis and Nissan Note, one may conclude that both cars meet the daily practicality and efficiency requirements of their respective owners. The Ractis shows its true colors when it comes to a well-arranged interior, comfortable and variable seating, and captivating reliability that fits perfectly families and citizens of modern megalopolises. On the other hand, the Nissan Note appears sleek, drives well, and offers some commendable engines as an answer to the fashion-forward compact car buyer encouraged by progressive motoring solutions to manage city transport. Choosing between them boils down to personal preference: the Ractis for its spaciousness and durability or, the Note because of its modern communications and polite driving.
I’m interested in RACTIS 2010 model. It seems to be a good choice for me.
I’d like to see if your pricing is favourable, and if you have a dealer/agent in Nakuru.
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Thank you!
Hay,
Is it possible to purchase toyota ractis in instalments?
For inquiries kindly send us a message, email at top@beforward.jp rest assured our sales representative will assist you.