The Toyota Will VS, produced between 2001 and 2004, was a compact hatchback primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Positioned as a stylish and practical vehicle, the Will VS sought to appeal to younger buyers with its contemporary design and available features. While not officially sold in the United States, the Will VS represents a significant example of Toyota’s strategy to cater to specific regional preferences with unique models. It competed with other Japanese compacts like the Honda Fit and Nissan March, offering a blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and modern styling. The “VS” designation denoted a specific trim level within the Will range, typically featuring enhanced equipment and aesthetic details.
Toyota Will VS: A Detailed Overview
The Toyota Will VS was part of a broader effort by Toyota to diversify its model lineup and target niche markets. The Will series, including the VS variant, was designed to offer a more fashionable and personalized driving experience compared to Toyota’s more mainstream offerings. The VS trim specifically focused on a sporty aesthetic and a slightly more refined interior. Its relatively short production run – from April 2001 to April 2004 – makes it a relatively uncommon vehicle even within the JDM scene, contributing to its growing appeal among enthusiasts.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Toyota Will VS 1.8 i 16V is the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 136 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 171 Nm (126.12 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. The 1.8-liter displacement provides a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.4 kg/Hp, or 119.3 Hp/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm, or 150 Nm/tonne. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Will VS achieves a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 1.8-liter engine provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving.
Design & Features
The Toyota Will VS is a five-door hatchback with a relatively compact footprint. Its design emphasizes a rounded, contemporary aesthetic, typical of early 2000s automotive styling. The interior is designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers. Key features of the Will VS included a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuverability, and a comfortable interior layout. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes a spring strut setup at the front and a trailing arm configuration at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling. The exterior styling was often enhanced with alloy wheels and body-colored trim, depending on the specific package. The focus was on creating a vehicle that was both visually appealing and practical for urban driving. The tires are sized 205/55 R16.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Will |
| Generation | Will VS |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 i 16V (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2001 |
| End of production | April, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 171 Nm @ 4200 rpm (126.12 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1ZZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1794 cm3 (109.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 91.5 mm (3.6 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1140 kg (2513.27 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4385 mm (172.64 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Height | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
The Toyota Will VS, while not a mainstream model in the United States, provides a fascinating glimpse into Toyota’s diverse product strategy and its ability to cater to specific market demands. Its blend of style, practicality, and efficiency made it a popular choice among Japanese buyers, and its unique design continues to attract attention from automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
