Toyota Will Vi: A Unique Blast from the Past

The Toyota Will Vi is one of the most distinctive and rare vehicles ever produced by Toyota. Launched in the early 2000s as part of Toyota's WiLL brand, the car featured a retro-futuristic design that set it apart from anything else on the market. Its unique styling, compact form, and limited availability have made it a fascinating topic among car enthusiasts. In this article, we'll dive deep into the Toyota Will Vi, covering its design, specifications, features, performance, and market value today.

The Origins of Toyota Will Vi

The WiLL Project – Toyota’s Experimental Brand

Toyota introduced the WiLL brand as a collaboration between major Japanese companies, including Kao, Panasonic, and Toyota. The goal was to target young buyers with trendy, unique products. The WiLL series included three cars:

• Toyota Will Vi (2000-2001)
• Toyota Will VS (2001-2004)
• Toyota Will Cypha (2002-2005)

Among them, the Will Vi was the first and the most unusual-looking model.

Unique Retro-Inspired Design

The Toyota Will Vi took inspiration from classic European cars, featuring:

• Vertical rear windshield, reminiscent of Citroën 2CV.
• Curved body shape, giving it a vintage aesthetic.
• Compact dimensions, ideal for city driving.
• Distinctive front and rear lights, adding to its unique appearance.

Unlike traditional Toyota models, the Will Vi focused on aesthetics and exclusivity rather than mass-market appeal.

Toyota Will Vi Specifications and Features

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Will Vi was built on the Toyota Vitz (Yaris) platform, which means it shared many components with other small Toyota cars.

• Engine: 1.3L 4-cylinder petrol engine (2NZ-FE)
• Power Output: 88 HP
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
• Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
• Fuel Efficiency: Around 18-20 km/l, making it a fuel-efficient city car

The car wasn’t built for speed, but its lightweight body and efficient engine made it a practical choice for urban commuting.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Toyota Will Vi offered a quirky yet functional interior:

• Circular speedometer, placed in the center of the dashboard.
• Vintage-inspired seats with cloth upholstery.
• Compact yet spacious cabin, providing comfort for four passengers.
• Basic entertainment system, as the car was designed for simplicity.

Despite its compact size, the Will Vi had a surprisingly roomy interior, making it a fun and practical city car.

Why Was Toyota Will Vi Discontinued?

Despite its unique appeal, the Toyota Will Vi was discontinued in 2001 due to low sales. Here’s why:

1. Niche Target Audience – The design appealed to a very small market segment.
2. High Price for a Small Car – It was more expensive than similar-sized hatchbacks.
3. Limited Production Strategy – Toyota intended it as a limited-edition car from the beginning.
4. Mixed Reception – While some people loved the design, others found it too unusual.

However, its rarity has made it a collector’s item today.

Toyota Will Vi vs. Other Toyota Models

Will Vi vs. Toyota WiLL Cypha

The Toyota WiLL Cypha, which replaced the Will Vi, had a more modern look and featured Toyota’s first telematics system. However, it still struggled with low sales.

• Will Vi = More retro & niche.
• Will Cypha = More futuristic but still limited appeal.

Ultimately, both models became rare collector’s items.

Is Toyota Will Vi a Collector’s Car Today?

Yes! The Toyota Will Vi is now a rare find, and collectors appreciate it for its unique design and limited production.

• Availability: Mostly in Japan, with some exports to other markets.
• Current Price: Used models sell for $3,000 - $10,000, depending on condition.
• Demand: Growing among JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) enthusiasts.

If you can find one in good condition, it could be a fun collector’s car for retro car lovers.

FAQs About Toyota Will Vi

1. How Many Toyota Will Vi Cars Were Made?

Toyota produced around 20,000 units of the Will Vi between 2000 and 2001.

2. Can I Import a Toyota Will Vi?

Yes, but it depends on your country’s import laws. Since it's over 20 years old, many countries allow classic car imports.

3. Is Toyota Will Vi Reliable?

Yes! Since it’s based on the Toyota Vitz (Yaris) platform, it shares reliable components and an efficient engine. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly.

Conclusion

The Toyota Will Vi remains one of Toyota’s most unusual and interesting cars. Though it wasn’t a commercial success, its retro styling and rarity make it a desirable collector’s item today. If you love quirky JDM cars, the Toyota Will Vi is worth considering!