Toyota Ractis Review: 2005-2011 Model Features Improvement

The Toyota Ractis features a unique combination of space, power, and fuel-efficiency. Its spacious interior can comfortably fit a small-to-medium sized family—ideal for a two-box compact car. Immensely popular across the world thanks to its smaller size, fuel-efficient engine, and overall range of added features, the Toyota Ractis is a favorite among drivers from all walks of life. Its exterior gives off a sense of movement and activeness, in part due to its polished contours, distinct wheel arches, and cat eye headlights. At the same time its well-designed interior boasts spaciousness in addition to a variety of convenient bells and whistles.

But there is so much more to the Toyota Ractis that meets the eye. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the Ractis has evolved over key years 2005 to 2011.


2005 Toyota Ractis

2005 toyota ractis review

The 2005 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-SCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

The Ractis is Toyota’s high-quality compact car built for high-speed and high-capacity driving. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. You have a choice between a super intelligent 4-speed 4WD automatic transmission or 2WD Super CVT-i. Some models include the L Package, which is a smart entry and start system, CD player with an AM/FM multi-electronic radio, a 6-speaker sound system, and anti-theft system. Advanced G grade models include a front spoiler and side mudguard. The Sporty S Package includes a rear bumper spoiler, front fog lamp, and special seats. Models built with the Panorama Package come with a panorama roof that emphasizes the open and spacious feel. The interior is equipped with an optitron meter that displays a shift position, odometer on a large LCD, and a rear center multi-tray function that rotates the rear center cushion a full 180 degrees.

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2006 Toyota Ractis

2006 toyota ractis review

The 2006 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-NCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

The Ractis is Toyota’s high capacity yet compact hatchback, with a design that focuses on driving performance, packaging, and styling. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. The newly-developed active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i that promotes low fuel consumption and smooth driving, while the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic with paddle shift enhances your driving pleasure. In addition to the L Package and Panorama Package options from the previous year’s model, there are more special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID, which feature discharge headlamps (complete with auto-leveling function) and light blue mica metallic for outer panel color. This Ractis also packs a powerful sound system, adding two tweeters to the front for a full 6 speakers audio system.


2007 Toyota Ractis

2007 toyota ractis review

The 2007 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-NCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

This Ractis takes the compact concept and combines it with high utility for the utmost convenient and comfortable driving experience. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. As with previous model years, the active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i that promotes low fuel consumption and smooth driving, while the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic with paddle shift enhances your driving pleasure. The L Package, Panorama Package options are all included, as are the special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID.

This model year includes a minor design change. The front headlamp, rear combination lamp, and wheel cap have all been updated, as have the front grille, rear license garnish colors, and all eight body colors including the new metallic cobalt blue. The interior leaves a bright and elegant impression in addition to the conventional dark gray seat and door trim color, and the driver’s armrest come standard.


2008 Toyota Ractis

The 2008 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code CBA-NCP105, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine, the active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i, and it comes with the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic. This Ractis runs on petrol with a 42L total tank capacity. It packs a powerful-for-its-size 87-110 hp on top of 16” wheels that makes this vehicle practical as well as fun to drive. It seats up to 5 adult passengers.

The L Package, Panorama Package options are all included in this model, as are the special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID. It features minor cosmetic updates based on the X and G packages for HID Selections. These updates include specially equipped discharge headlamps and driver’s armrest and warm silver paint. The door’s switch base and the plated inside door handle were both revised in comparison with previous model years. In addition to the powerful 6-speaker sound system, there are all of nine new body colors to choose from, including a beautiful deep metallic amethyst mica.

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2009 Toyota Ractis

2009 toyota ractis review

The 2009 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-SCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.6 km/l.

This model year features more than just cosmetic improvements. While all the basic specs and special features of the previous years still apply, Toyota also made the Ractis more environmentally friendly and cheaper to drive. In the 2WD vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine, Toyota increased the 10/15 mode fuel efficiency to 18.6 km/l (a +0.4-0.6 km/l improvement on average compared to conventional models) by improving the way the engine handles, the transmission, alternator, and more. You can feel good about owning one of these vehicles, as these improvements also mean the Ractis complies with the tax system for promoting environmentally friendly vehicles.

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2010 Toyota Ractis

2010 toyota ractis review

The 2010 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s second (XP120; 2010–2017) generation, with the model code DBA-NSP120, and an average fuel economy of 18.6 km/l.

This year’s Ractis takes comfort above and beyond while maintaining the charm of the first Ractis model. While the 5-number size remains the same, the width of the interior is expanded by 40 mm. The rear packs a large amount of luggage space that can be further expanded by folding down the rear seat with a remote tiltable lever. This type of lever is the first in the compact car class with its 6:4 split-down mechanism. The 1.3L and 1.5L engines are the same great quality as the previous years, with a 4WD option for 1.5L model. The 2010 Ractis comes with the standard/basic X grade, the fully equipped G grade front bumper and grill, or the luxurious L’epice model with upgraded interior colors. The S sport version with a dedicated euro suspension and paddle shift is also available. X and G grade models are wheelchair-specification vehicles (Type I). The rear passenger’s side seat is set for wheelchair compatibility, making it the first wheelchair type-designated vehicle in Japan. Panoramic moonroof options are also available to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and freedom when you drive.


2011 Toyota Ractis

2011 toyota ractis review

The 2011 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s second (XP120; 2010–2017) generation, with the model code DBA-NSP120, and an average fuel economy of 18.6-21.5 km/l.

This Ractis includes all the changes that came about with the second generation models—the expanded interior space, luggage space that expands with the foldable second row seats, basic X grade with G grade front bumper and grill, and the L’epice with interior colors, and the S sports grade model with a dedicated euro suspension and paddle shift. G and X grades are also considered welfare, or Type I wheelchair compatible, vehicles with a special setting in the rear passenger-side seat. As with the 2010 model, this car comes with the envied panoramic roof.

Changes for some models include a soft UV padding on the instrument panel and upper front door, and super UV cut glass that blocks about 99% of UV rays on the front doors. This Ractis is equipped to maximize your indoor comfort.

Special models are equipped with the G Smart Stop Selection and the Toyota Stop & Start System, which is an idling stop function. It achieves an even higher fuel efficiency than the previous year’s base model by about +2.9 km/l. Additionally, it adopts S-VSC & TRC to heighten driving stability, rear LED combination lamps, and attractive specifications with enhanced environmental and safety performance.


Is the Toyota Ractis the Best Hatchback on the Market?

As we’ve outlined above, the Toyota Ractis is a great option in terms of convenience, fuel economy and performance. How does it match up against the competition? One compact car that often gets compared with the Toyota Ractis is the Nissan Note. See how they stack against one another in our comparison below.

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