6 ways the Toyota Raize will up the small crossover game

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) reckons it can sell 1,000 Raize units a month. Is that totally doable, Is Toyota Raize worth buying or overly optimistic? 

Let's look at the merits of the Raize that could, well, race Toyota's first local subcompact crossover entry to ultimate sales success. 

Reasonable pricing 

Across its four variants — 1.2 E MT, 1.2 E CVT, 1.2 G CVT, 1.0 Turbo CVT — the Raize retails from P746,000 to P1.36 million. 

Those prices are on par with Toyota's — and even the country's — best-selling vehicle, the Vios subcompact sedan. 

If that pricing coincidence is anything to go by, then Toyota's sales prediction for the Raize is likely to happen. 

Handsome looks 

Since the Raize is aimed to appeal to many, the designers likely styled the crossover to be as inoffensive and conventional as possible. 

But the end result is far from a boring design. Based on our 2022 Toyota Raize review, we think that it offers just the right amount of style without being too brash, with its triangular air dam up front, boxy posturing, and wraparound rear windscreen. 

For the Raize 1.0, the looks are jazzed up by a selection of bright paint jobs and black color combinations, as well as 17-inch black and sliver alloys. The Raize E and G variants strut 16-inch alloy rollers. 

Reliable drivetrain

Ah, yes, that R-word. Perhaps no talk about any Toyota isn't complete without saying that, well, the carmaker's engines and transmissions are virtually indestructible. 

The Raize E and G cars are powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine, which is mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Exclusive to the Raize 1.0 is a one-liter mill and CVT. 

Perhaps for many buyers, Toyota's stellar reliability record is enough reason to go for the brand. The Raize should likely hold up in the long term. 

High-performance engine

Now, that's something you rarely hear about a Toyota, let alone a possible city-dweller like the Raize. 

The Raize 1.0 Turbo variants packs exactly what its same suggests — a one-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged mill, which generates 97hp and 140Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the Raize's one-liter is borrowed from the Wigo. But with turbocharging, the hatchback's 65hp mill was given a much needed poke. Toyota said the Raize's engine output matches that of a 1.5 liter's. 

According to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the new 2022 Toyota Raize can achieve between 17-19km/L mileage in mixed conditions depending on the variant.

Practical cabin

Now this time, let's remind ourselves that the Raize is an everyday car and not a sporty one. And in an all-around driver, a practical cabin is a necessity. 

TMP said the Raize promises "utility and fun for daily use and for leisure activities." Those who want to "experience an SUV with the capacity to carry luggage, but also want a vehicle that is compact and easy to drive" are also taken care of by the Raize. 

The Raize's boxy shape, along with its split-folding rear seats, should translate to a spacious passenger cabin and cargo hold. 

Essential equipment 

It seems that consumers are high-strung when it comes to in-car tech, and so the Raize won't disappoint these buyers. 

In the equipment front, the Raize E cars carry an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled eight-inch touchscreen infotainment. Smart keyless entry, push start ignition, and nine-inch infotainment screen are reserved for the Raize G and Turbo CVT.

Meanwhile, safety features of the Raize E models consist of two airbags, immobilizer, and reversing sensors. The Raize G and Turbo CVT adds to these side airbags, an alarm, front parking sensors, and reversing camera.

Perhaps it's a little too early to say whether the 1,000-units per month target can be reached. What we can say now, however, is that the Raize appears to be one attractive buy. 

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines and Roy Robles

Watch compete 2022 Toyota Raize Review video here:

2022 Toyota Raize 1.2 G Review | Zigwheels.Ph

2022 Toyota Raize 1.2 G Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph

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