The all-new Toyota Raize small SUV
has gone on sale in Japan. Built on Daihatsu’s new DNGA platform, which is essentially a budget
version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, the Raize is smaller than the C-HR,
measuring just 3,995 millimeters in length, 1,695 millimeters in width, and 1,620 millimeters in height.
Despite the small footprint, it’s said to offer
class-leading luggage capacity and interior space. The boot volume is 369
liters with all seats in place, but can expand when the rear seats
are folded down. In addition, the Raize features numerous storage spaces across
the cabin.
Toyota says the new platform contributes to a
lightweight and highly rigid body and suspension, resulting in “outstanding
handling stability and ride comfort.” Power comes from a turbocharged 1.0-liter
three-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a D-CVT (Dual mode Continuously
Variable Transmission), marking the first time a Toyota vehicle uses Daihatsu’s
gearbox which uses both belt and gear drives at high speeds for improved
transmission efficiency.
Rated at 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 2,400 – 4,000 rpm, the engine is said to provide “powerful
and smooth acceleration at low speeds and fuel-efficient and quiet performance
at high speeds.”
The average fuel consumption is rated as low as 18.6
km/l (5.4 l/100 km / 43.7 mpg US) on the WLTC test cycle for 2WD models while
4WD models achieve 17.4 km/l (5.7 l/100 km / 41 mpg US). Yes, the Toyota Raize
also offers an optional four-wheel-drive system called Dynamic Torque Control
4WD. It distributes torque to the rear wheels when accelerating from a start or
when driving on slippery road surfaces.
When it comes to driving assistance systems, the
Toyota Raize is available with Smart Assist safety features including Crash
Avoidance Braking Function, Erroneous Start Prevention Function with braking
control (forward and backward), Adaptive Cruise Control with All Speed
Tracking, and Smart Panorama Parking Assist.
Offered in three grades priced from 1,679,000 yen
(US$ 14,425), the Toyota Raize is also available with a subscription service in
Japan for a monthly fee starting at 39,820 yen (US$ 366).
