Toyota Ractis

The Ractis is a compact 5-door minivan / small MPV / hatchback-minivan — a practical small family car rather than a large sedan or SUV.

It typically seats 5 persons.

Its compact dimensions and versatile interior make it suitable for city driving, small families, or light cargo/passenger use.

📏 Dimensions & Size (for typical 2006 Ractis)

Depending on the version, approximate external dimensions are:

Spec Typical Value

Length ~ 3,995 mm (≈ 4.0 m)

Width ~ 1,695 mm

Height ~ 1,640–1,660 mm (varies by spec / 2WD vs AWD)

Wheelbase ~ 2,550 mm

Doors / Seats 5 doors, 5 seats

Because of these dimensions, Ractis is more compact than a typical sedan — making it easier to manoeuvre and park in tight city spaces, yet still offering more flexibility than a small hatchback.

🔧 Engine / Model Variants (for 2006 Ractis)

For 2006 (and surrounding years) Ractis had a few engine/trim variants. Main ones:

1.3 litre (≈ 1296 cc) 4-cylinder inline — often badged as “1.3i (87 hp)” version.

Output: ~ 87 hp at 6000 rpm, torque ~ 121 Nm at 4200 rpm.

Drive layout: Front-wheel drive.

Fuel consumption (extra-urban / economy conditions): about 5.5 L / 100 km.

1.5 litre (≈ 1496 cc) 4-cylinder inline, engine code 1NZ-FE — “1.5i / 1.5” versions, often more common especially if you need more power / load capacity.

Power: ~ 110 hp (or slightly less depending on version), torque ~ 141 Nm @ ~4400 rpm.

Transmission / drive: Many are front-wheel drive (FWD) with CVT or automatic; there are also some 4WD/automatic (4AT) variants for markets where this was offered.

⛽ Fuel Consumption & Efficiency (Realistic Expectations)

For the 1.3 L version — fuel economy is good: ~ 5.5 L/100 km (combined/extra-urban) under ideal conditions.

For the 1.5 L version (1NZ-FE) — real consumption will depend on driving style, load, and road conditions; engine is modest, so still fairly efficient compared with larger cars; expect reasonable fuel economy, though higher than the 1.3 L variant. Official spec for some 1.5-L 4WD/auto says ~ 6.8 L/100 km under “test” mode.

Because Ractis is light and compact (compared to large sedans or SUVs), it tends to be more fuel-efficient — an advantage especially in cities or for everyday commuting.

✅ What Makes Ractis a Good Choice (and What to Check)

Advantages:

Compact size + versatile body: easy to drive/park in city, while having flexibility for 5 people.

Fuel-efficient (especially with 1.3 L) — good for daily driving or as a budget-conscious choice.

Simpler mechanicals (small 4-cyl engine, modest size) — lower maintenance and easier to run compared to big cars.

Practical for small families, small-cargo, or light commuting needs; less risky on fuel costs.

Considerations / What to Check (especially if importing / buying used):

1.3 L may feel underpowered if you often carry lots of passengers/cargo or drive on steep/rough roads.

1.5 L gives more “pep” but fuel consumption will go up, especially under heavy load or in stop-go city traffic.

As with any used/imported car: check maintenance history, condition of suspension / tyres / transmission — especially if from a market with 4WD or demanding conditions.

If driving in rougher or unpaved roads (as can be common in Uganda / East Africa), the small car may be less comfortable than a high-clearance SUV — consider suspension and ground clearance carefully