Toyota Raize Modified: Beef up your small crossover

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially launched the Raize in the country earlier this year. It is positioned as a subcompact crossover that aims to be a volume seller for the Japanese marque. One can say that this ambitious sales feat is possible as car buyers around the world are starting to choose larger vehicles than a sedan in a form of crossovers.

Toyota Raize

Considering the expectation on the Toyota Raize becoming a top performer in sales locally, the subcompact crossover could end up looking like a common sight on the road. 

If you still want your vehicle to stand out, you can try adding a few modifications to set it apart from the rest. The Toyota Raize itself already possesses a stylish boxy crossover look so a huge amount of modification shouldn’t be necessary.

With that being said, here are some modified Toyota Raize concepts you can consider if you are planning to visit an aftermarket shop. Take note, since the Raize is an all-new model in the local market, installing modifications will most likely void warranties. As such, you can consult your preferred Toyota dealership first before making changes to your vehicle.

Toyota Raize Modified: Lowered suspension

As a subcompact crossover, the Toyota Raize comes with small dimensions that give the model its character. Lowering the suspension could further enhance its style as one can say that it sticks up with the vehicle’s small size. This will inevitably alter the Raize’s standard ground clearance rated at 200mm.

The decision is up to you as to how far you want your vehicle to be lowered. Sure, this type of modification creates an appealing finish to the overall design, adding sporty aesthetics. But this can be an issue as well especially if you use the crossover as a family vehicle that brings loads of cargoes on weekly trips.

Low-riding Raize [Photo: automacha]

While you’re at it, you can add body kits to complement the lowered stance. Usually, wide-body kits work well with a lowered suspension. This modification can make your Raize look even boxier, which exudes a muscular appearance. If you have the budget, consider installing air suspension so you can adjust the ride height on the go.

A modified Toyota Raize with a lowered suspension is ideal for city driving where speed humps are minimal. If you are a city person who has an outgoing personality, this modification can certainly be part of your shortlist. But if you visit provinces frequently, then maybe this isn’t the one for you.

Toyota Raize Modified: Blitz

If you have been keeping up with the global car scene, you have probably heard of the Japanese car tuning company called Blitz Co. Ltd. One of the models the company modified is the Toyota Raize. This time, the modifications focus on improving the performance and driving experience of the subcompact crossover.

Improve the performance with Blitz [Photo: Car Watch]

Most of the performance modifications are applied only to the Raize with the 1.0-liter 1KR-VET 3-cylinder gasoline engine, which makes 97 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. This engine is available locally in the top-spec 1.0 Turbo CVT which is priced at Php 1,031,000 as of this writing. Other PH-spec variants use 1.2-liter WA-VE 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine.

One of the Blitz products you should eye on is the ‘Power Con’ which is said to add around 12 horsepower and 12 Nm of torque to the engine power. Although the increase in performance number is not a lot, you will surely appreciate the fact that your Raize unit makes more than most owners’ units.

Few performance upgrades won't hurt [Photo: Car Watch]

To fully maximize the turbocharger on the 1KR-VET, Blitz will be offering a blow-off valve called ‘Super Sound Blow Off Valve BR’. This makes an aggressive sound whenever you are climbing up the rev range. You might as well consider getting the company's dedicated radiator to ensure engine cooling.

Blitz offers a wide array of performance upgrades such as on the suspension system, exhaust system, and throttle controller. It even made a set of 17-inch all-black wheels available for grabs. However, the Japanese car tuner company doesn’t have an official distributor in the Philippines. You can try availing of shipping deliveries or inquire at local automotive shops to get the kits.

Toyota Raize: In-house GR-S accessories

Last but not the least, the modified Toyota Raize with Gazoo Racing (GR) Sport accessories. Unlike Toyota Indonesia which offers the Toyota Raize GR Sport as one variant, our local distributors allow one-accessory purchases. This provides flexibility as to which GR-S accessories you want to install on your crossover only.

The PH-spec Toyota Raize GR-S accessories include a GR front skirt, GR side visors, GR side skirt set, GR side stripe, and GR rear skirt. With these accessories, your Raize can blend well with top-of-the-line GR-S variants of some models in the local market including the Vios, Fortuner, Hilux, and Corolla Cross.

Toyota Raize GR-S

You don’t have to burden yourself anymore whether aftermarket modifications will look good on your subcompact crossover as the GR-S accessories naturally go well with the vehicle. The important thing to note is that the GR-S accessories are available across the PH-spec model’s range including the base 1.2 E MT variant.

Plus, installing dedicated GR-S accessories shouldn’t void the warranty coverage as compared to availing of modification kits from the aftermarket. Also, you get to support the growing market of GR which has produced some of the most refined Toyotas we have seen lately.

It is safe to say that the GR-S accessories are relatively expensive. However, the quality and fit of the in-house kits are ensured. Here is the list of prices for the modified Toyota Raize GR-S accessories:

• GR front skirt – Php 17,800
• GR side visor – Php 6,400
• GR side skirt set – Php 20,500
• GR side stripe – Php 4,600
• GR rear skirt – Php 21,500

See more car mod tips here at Philkotse.com.