What does the new Toyota Raize have to offer?

Navana, the official distributor of Toyota in Bangladesh launched three different models on the same day—Toyota Avanza, Toyota Raize and Toyota Veloz. However, today we are going to talk about the Raize in detail. 

Toyota just released a new Raize model, which has been popular due to its added amenities. Despite being well-liked, there were many complaints about the design and its lack of creativity.

A new model from the Japanese company has been revealed earlier this year, and there are various mixed reviews on the internet. 

With a wheelbase of 2,525 mm and enormous dimensions of 4,030 x 1,710 x 1,605 mm, the Raize is a commanding SUV in this market.

Toyota Raize 2022: Exterior

The sturdy, square, and lengthy form of this new model will undoubtedly draw customers from urban areas. 

The sturdy, square, and lengthy form of this new model will undoubtedly draw customers from urban areas.  Its design conveys the impression of a more robust vehicle that can support heavier loads and larger dimensions.

The car's many straight lines from the top, body, and undercarriage give this vehicle an SUV look, which however might be a disadvantage during paying tolls. 

Its aggressive, almost robotic-looking design is also very distinctive and is sure to stand out from the crowd, unlike the Avanza. 

Stacks of LEDs and position lights with LED running lights are fitted on the front lamps and Halogen fog lamps are an alternative option.

The inverted trapezoidal form of the sheet metal grille keeps things straightforward, and its whole surface is coated black to seamlessly fit in with the rest of the car's appearance.

Interior

Its interior has straightforward, straight-lined designs, yet despite this, it has a distinctive floating appearance brought forth by the utilization of multiple edges and drawers.

To give the Toyota a more modern appearance and to provide contrast with the outside design, its black and silver interior uses dark hues. Depending on the version, the seat trim levels come in either leather or cloth.

The 7-inch driver's screen is the centrepiece of the interior in its higher variations.

The Japanese company also provides the modern conveniences that are required, including a range of peripheral connections, reminder features to keep drivers updated on their route with notifications for maintenance schedules, birthdays, and other services that can be helpful during lengthy travels.

Power and Engine

A 1L turbocharged engine and the New Direct Drive CVT transmission, or D-CVT for short, are standard on the Toyota Raize compact SUV. This combination offers the smooth acceleration, torque, and driving enjoyment of a 1.5-litre engine with the added benefit of great fuel economy.

The first one is a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with the top trim producing 140nm of torque and 97 horsepower.

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine in the base trims produces 87 horsepower and 113nm of torque.

This car performs admirably and with good sportsmanship. We liked the Raize's CVT transmission's smoothness and steadiness, which weren't abrupt or underpowered like others on severely congested roads.

But in terms of comfort, space, fuel, and pickup, this car much outperforms rival models like the Mitsubishi Attrage or even the Honda Jazz.

Speaking to a user of this car for more than a month now, he said: “When you step on the accelerator pedal, the car's D-CVT transmission works like magic, deceiving everyone who reads the modest 1L engine's specifications on paper. The CVT then engages, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 90 in under 12 seconds while travelling at a speed of 0 to 30 kmph.”

“Since I've had this car for about a month, it has never let me down in terms of performance, interior spaciousness, or general comfort,” he added.

Do not assume that this is a hot hatch because of the Turbo badge and the large alloy wheels. The spring rates are insufficient to maintain the Raize level during rapid bends, and the shock absorbers' dampening capacity is insufficient to reduce tire judder on uneven roads, which you’re bound to face in the Dhaka streets. Evasive actions during an emergency might be risky and additionally, the brake pedal has a little wooden feel to it.

Navana says the Raize needs to be preordered in order to get your hands on them and the current market price is around Tk34-35 lakh.