Compact, Stylish, and Practical: Toyota IST is built for city life

The Toyota IST is a popular choice in the market due to its compact size, spacious interior, and affordability. Used models are priced between TZS 8-12 million, offering quality without compromising quality. The 1.3L or 1.5L engine offers impressive fuel economy of up to 18-20 km/L, making it an attractive choice for drivers. The Toyota IST is known for its foldable rear seats, reliable air conditioning, and optional tech like infotainment screens. It’s no wonder it is a popular choice due to its easy handling, low maintenance, and strong resale value. 

Best Suited for

The Toyota IST is ideal for busy cities due to its compact size and light steering, making it easy to navigate traffic and fit into tight parking spaces, and its excellent fuel efficiency of 18-20 km/L. The IST is a compact hatchback that is popular among small families due to its spacious cabin with foldable rear seats, low maintenance costs, and wide availability of spare parts. It shares popularity with compact hatchbacks like the Honda Fit for urban practicality and efficiency.

Interior

The Toyota IST is a compact hatchback that offers comfort, practicality, and city convenience. It seats five passengers and has a foldable rear bench for extra luggage space. This makes it suitable for urban commuters and small families, making it ideal for school runs, shopping, or weekend trips. The car offers convenient storage with compartments, cup holders, and side pockets, and can be folded for easy cargo. It also features reliable AC systems, making it suitable for cities with hot weather. The Toyota IST offers a comfortable, spacious, and practical interior that balances comfort, space, and practicality, making it an excellent daily driver suitable for city traffic and family needs, with features like a touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and quality speakers.

Driving & Handling

The Toyota IST is a popular choice for city drivers due to its comfortable ride and responsive handling. Its compact size and light steering make it easy to maneuver in traffic jams and tight parking spaces. The IST's suspension absorbs bumps well, and its 1.5L and 1.8L engines provide steady cruising power while maintaining fuel efficiency. The IST hatchback is suitable for rough roads with decent ground clearance, but is best for paved or semi-urban routes. It offers a comfortable, reliable, and practical driving experience, compared to compact hatchbacks like the Toyota IST and Toyota Vitz.

Fuel Consumption & Engine

The Toyota IST offers practical engine options that strike a balance between power, efficiency, and reliability. The 1.3L Inline-4 (2NZ-FE) engine produces 84 hp, while the 1.5L Inline-4 (1NZ-FE) delivers 109 hp for highway driving and 132 hp for stronger performance. The IST offers fuel economy between 14-16 km/L in city traffic and 18-20 km/L on highways, depending on driving style and engine choice. Its low maintenance costs and durability make it popular for mixed road conditions, with small yet efficient engines, such as the 2025 Suzuki Swift. 

Finally

The Toyota IST is a trusted car due to its compact size, easy handling, and spacious cabin. Its fuel efficiency of up to 20 km/L keeps running costs low, and Toyota's engineering ensures long-term reliability and affordable maintenance. The IST is a smart investment for drivers seeking a reliable, economical, and easy-to-live-with car. It adapts seamlessly to roads and lifestyles, making it a top choice for first-time buyers, families, and commuters. You can now check the Toyota IST stock list for more available models.