The Toyota Raize has all the best qualities combined in one packaging; reliability, fun-to-drive atmosphere and spaciousness.
First introduced in 2019, the Raize is a subcompact crossover SUV that combines dynamic design and distinctive aesthetics aimed at youthful minds with an active lifestyle.
The name ‘Raize’ originates from the combination of ‘Rise’ and ‘Raise’ creating a memorable name for the compact SUV, with the Japanese Font symbolising the brand’s origin.
The sole distributor of Toyota is bringing in two trims powered by a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine.
Youthful and Distinctive Design
Dynamic and youthful in design, is the first impression of the all-new Toyota Raize.
The youthful character of the vehicle gets an even more dynamic look with a sportier and sleek design for better performance.
The fluid design language flows through the polarising grille which is further highlighted by sharply shaped intakes and striking LED headlights that give the crossover SUV even more character.
Moreover, the front fascia of the Raize also features daytime running lights, and front fog lights, giving it a sportier look and aggressive appearance.
Moreover, the entry-level car was designed to be easy to drive with an overall length of 4,030mm, a width of 1710mm, and a height of 1,605 mm.
The increased height over a passenger car provides excellent visibility and makes getting in and out a breeze while the body size makes it easy to manoeuver.
Apart from the dynamic body design, the sub-compact SUV also looks good wearing 17-inch alloy rims.
With a distinctive and charismatic design that would attract the younger generation, the compact crossover also comes in four colours: Turquoise, white, silver and black.
Interior: comfort and convenience
Once you step inside, the Raize exudes a relaxed and user-friendly package with a cabin that comfortably seats five passengers, where they can easily enjoy trips to any destination.
The Raize’s interior is designed to create a more driver-centered experience and a less-distracting commute.
The 5-seater gets a well-appointed cabin with a neat-looking design and a multi-layered dashboard and all-black layout with chrome highlights giving it a premium feel to the cabin.
Furthermore, the compact crossover offers plenty of technology and comfort creatures for all passengers to enjoy.
Another highlighted feature is the instrument cluster is an all-digital LED unit that comes with 7-inch TFT MID colour display and four display modes – Advanced, Exciting, Simple and Analogue
Other than that, the Raize seats five passengers comfortably. The interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact crossover. Both front and back seats provided plenty of standard legs and headroom.
Front and rear passengers will not feel claustrophobic as the Raize is a spacious car that features flexible seating arrangements and a cargo-leading luggage capacity that measures up to 390L.
Under the hood and safety features
The heart and soul of the Toyota Raize is the 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine mated to a CVT transmission and FWD delivering 140Nm of torque for better fuel consumption and a solid drive.
Not only that, but the Toyota Raize is also available in a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine with 87hp and 113Nm of torque.
When it comes to safety functions the all-new Toyota Rize has an array of innovation that keeps both drivers and passengers safe and well-protected.
The compact crossover comes equipped with innovative and safety functions that offer the ultimate confidence and maximum comfort in all journeys.
The Raize comes with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), among others.
One of the highlighted safety features is the Hill-starting Assist System, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when the brake pedal is released on a steep incline.
Driving the Toyota Raize
The Bruneian team had a chance to test out the full performance and capability of the vehicle from the Toyota Showroom in Gadong to Bandar and Seia.
The Toyota impresses further on the road, powered by a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 98 horsepower at 6,000 and 140 Nm torque mated to a CVT transmission that creates a smooth transition between drives.
The driving experience is exactly as you would expect in an entry-level crossover: light, agile and smooth.
The first thing that caught our attention is how well the Raize rides. When you sit in the driving position, it is easy to get comfortable and adjust the steering wheel and the seat.
The Raize may be compact in size, but it’s as fun to drive on the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge thanks to its sharp handling and precise, well-weighted steering for the driver to have more confidence behind the wheel.
Moreover, along with the twist and turns of the tight roads from the city to the busy Seria town, the responsive steering and handling are good and there was minimal body roll.
We were also able to drive confidently along the Tutong Highway at the speed of 80km/h.
The crossover offers great value-for-money, and not just because it’s cheap to buy. It’s comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kits.
All-in-all, the versatility of the Toyota Raize is the perfect balance of style and everyday practicality. If you are looking for a cost-effective car to meet your transportation needs, the is definitely a good choice.
Have a closer look at the Toyota Raize and book a test drive with the auto dealer NBT Brunei and follow them on Instagram @toyotabrunei for further information.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
