With the Raize, Toyota seeks to redefine the SUV

317

Marking the entry of an exceptionally practical vehicle that is set to redefine the compact SUV segment, Al-Futtaim Toyota has unveiled the brand-new Raize in the UAE. Pairing outstanding fuel efficiency and maneuverability with distinctive design and ample interior space, the new vehicle highlights Toyota’s focus on catering to the needs of the brand’s most discerning customers and comes equipped with a host of convenient features.

The new Raize measures around four meters in length, making it ideal for customers who wish to enjoy the additional luggage space and safety associated with an SUV, while also bringing the benefits of a vehicle that is compact and easy to drive. Equally suited to weekend leisure trips and everyday use, the Raize was developed to be active, practical, and compact and provides world-class mobility for customers in every scenario. All aspects of the vehicle, including its platform and powertrain unit, have been newly developed to deliver performance, comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

The brand-new Raize ‎is available with a choice of two engine options. The 1-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine provides smooth and responsive acceleration and produces 97 hp and 140 nm of torque, while the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine option delivers an optimal balance of power and fuel economy and produces 87 hp and 113 nm of torque. Both engines come paired with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which simulates a seven-speed sequential shift transmission to deliver powerful, smooth acceleration from start-off and at low speeds, and quiet and efficient transmission at higher speeds. A newly developed lightweight, highly rigid body and suspension contribute to outstanding handling, stability, and ride comfort. The vehicle also boasts excellent maneuverability, with a 4.9-meter turning radius.

The new Toyota Raize stands out in the segment with a bold, distinctive design that combines the powerful style of an SUV with the form factor of a small passenger car. The vehicle’s front end features a robust and smart look, with angular bumper corners and a trapezoid lower grille, creating a powerful, wide appearance. Muscular wheel arches contribute to the vehicle’s assertive stance, while the use of sleek LED headlights and sequential turn lights reflect the advanced technologies within. From the side, the cabin casts a solid SUV silhouette with a low profile that gives the vehicle a sporty, agile appearance. The striking rear is framed by angular bumper corners that mirror the vehicle’s front to create a wide and planted stance.

The vehicle’s spacious cabin hosts a range of practical features, including an 8-inch multimedia screen that comes integrated with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a USB port on the head unit that allows passengers to connect external media devices, a four-speaker sound system, a powerful air conditioning system, and 60/40 split and foldable rear seats. Meanwhile, parents benefit from the added peace of mind provided by Toyota’s ISOFIX safety system, which attaches baby seats securely using specially designed tethers.

The brand-new Raize’s compact body contains a spacious luggage compartment with a wide opening and dimensions of 1,000 mm in width, 865 mm in height, and 755mm in length. It features a movable deck board that can be adjusted to provide numerous convenient storage solutions for a wide variety of customer needs. When the deck board is in its low position, the vehicle boasts a class-leading luggage capacity of 369 liters.

The new Raize comes with a comprehensive array of safety features, including dual front SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Rear fog lamps, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), among many others.

A choice of seven exciting exterior hues adds to the new Raize’s striking visual appeal, including Turquoise MM, White Pearl SE, Red, Gray ME, Black, Silver, and Yellow SE. Further personalization is made possible with the addition of several bi-tone variants – Gloss Black can be combined with Turquoise MM, White Pearl SE, Red, Gray ME, or Yellow SE. The vehicle’s interior features an equally stylish color scheme that pairs black upholstery with red piping. The new Toyota Raize also comes with a choice of 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels in two intricate designs, with the 17-inch version featuring a special machine-finished black color for an advanced look.

by Anil George

Avid follower of all things tech. In between his quest for the ultimate gizmo, Anil fiddles with light meters, collects rare books and feeds his fetish for Jap horror movies. As Managing Editor of T3 Middle East for the GCC, Anil oversees content direction across print and digital. He was a CES 2020 Innovation Awards Judge, reprising his role as an Innovation Awards Judge at CES 2018, CES 2017, 2016 and 2015. Anil is also the Middle East’s first Brand Ambassador for Ashdown Engineering. Reach him at: editor@t3me.com.