Toyota Raize 1.2 G CVT

The Toyota Raize has been a big hit in the Philippines. As an entry-level crossover from the Japanese automobile major, the Toyota Raize has a lot to prove to the market, particularly when most of its competitors have already been in the Philippines for many years. The 1.2G CVT is the mid-level variant, while the 1.0 Turbo CVT tops the line.

Pros

• Easy to drive
• Fuel efficient engine
• Nice set of tech features

Cons

• Engine vibration is a bit annoying
• No device charging points for rear passengers
• No telescoping steering

Specs and Powertrain

The Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT is equipped with a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 87PS maximum power and 112Nm peak torque. Since it's a 3-cylinder engine, there's a bit of vibration. The car is mounted on MacPherson strut suspension in the front and Torson beam absorbers at the back. The engine of the Raize 1.2G CVT is decently responsive. The CVT comes especially helpful in city traffic.

Can the car be used for off-road driving?

No. Despite its faux-SUV looks, the Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT is purely meant for on-road driving?

Is there any diesel option?

No, the entire Toyota Raize range has petrol-only engines.

Interior

A lot of cheap plastics have been abundantly used in the cabin to keep the car's price low. But the mid-level trim comes pretty loaded with amenities and features. The fabric seats have accent stitching and the color is matched to the car's exterior paint scheme. The driver's seat has 6-way manual adjustability. The front passenger’s seat gets 4-way manual adjustment. The Raize's interior leans more toward the practical side instead of being premium. The plastic is durable to withstand daily rigorous use. The cabin is far from plush.

Exterior

The Raize's overall appearance forges an SUV-type look because of the car's boxy design. The large front grille is flanked on both sides by sleek LED headlights. These lights also get LED sequential turn signals.  The LED DRLs are mounted on the bumper which also gets a plastic chin. The side gets clean, all-around black plastic body cladding. The Raize 1.2G CVT runs on 16-inch alloy wheels. The tailgate is rather unique. It has black plastic which runs across the entire length with LED taillights on both sides. There's cladding on bumper's lower section. The bumper also gets black accents while the tailgate itself has a small spoiler. Overall, the Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT looks rugged and sporty, though it's not an attention grabber. Its compact dimensions are meant for urban driving.

Drive and performance

The Toyota Raize drives pretty much like other compact crossovers. It's nimble at a lower speed and revs quickly during city sprints. The CVT unit rather tames down the 90PS maximum power and that robs a bit of the driving experience. Accelerate hard and the CVT struggles to find the perfect gear ratio. Gently revving the engine serves the purpose better. That's also the reason why smaller powertrains are best driven with a manual transmission. Unlike the 1.0 turbocharged model which offers plenty of mid-range torque, the 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated variant takes time to deliver the torque you need. Handling is pretty easy and turning corners on packed streets is no problem at all, given the car's compact dimensions.

Passenger and boot space

Space in the front row with captain seats is just about okay. You can stretch your legs and travel. The adjustable seats help in getting a comfortable ride position. The ride quality isn't supple though. The front suspension fails to absorb all that comes beneath the wheels. That becomes more apparent while going over road humps and potholed roads. With all five seats occupied, the suspension may feel under-equipped. Maybe Toyota intentionally made the suspension stiffer to compensate for load carrying. It’s a bit cramped on the rear seat of the Toyota Raize. But the car still manages to offer decent headroom and legroom.  At 369 liters, the Raize has a large boot for its size which can be further increased by folding down the rear seat.

Comfort and entertainment

The Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's a six-speaker sound system. The car gets a push-start system, paired with smart entry. The automatic air conditioning is strong and cools the cabin pretty fast. Other features include bottle holders, rear reading lamp, central console armrest, and front cup holders. Amenities-wise the Raize is quite well-equipped.

Safety features

With most manufacturers going that extra mile to equip even their entry-level cars with exhaustive safety features, the Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT's equipment list is pretty impressive. The car comes with dual front airbags, antilock braking with EBD, hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, and an engine immobilizer with alarm. Parking is aided by rear-bumper-mounted sensors and a reverse camera with guidelines. The safety kit is standard across the Raize range and most of its competitors have identical safety features. The kit works well and helps the driver to maneuver the car and park it in tight spaces.

Fuel consumption

The Toyota Raize 1.2G returns a fuel economy of 10kmpl and 25kmpl in the city and on the highway respectively. The CVT helps in keeping the revs low in city traffic. Between the turbocharged 1.0-litre and naturally-aspirated G variant, the latter is more frugal.

Is the Toyota Raize fuel efficient?

Yes. The Raize 1.2G CVT is one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class. 

Value for money

The Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT has a starting price of ₱926,000. The car comes with a 3-year (100,000 km) warranty. Toyota has an extensive service network and spares are affordably priced. This makes the maintenance cost low. The Raize 1.2G CVT is a value for money, practical car.

What other versions are available?

The 1.2E CVT and the 1.0 Turbo CVT priced at ₱831,000 and ₱1.051 million respectively are also available. 

Verdict

The Toyota Raize 1.2G CVT ticks all the right boxes with its competitive pricing and features in offer. It comes with plenty of tech expected from a modern car. That the compact crossover is small in size, makes it easy to park and maneuver. The 1.0-turbocharged model gives a better driving experience, whereas the 1.2G CVT is more value for money. The latter is a more value for money product with better fuel efficiency and the features it provide. That aside, Toyota is one of the most trusted automobile brands anywhere in the world.