Toyota, Daihatsu found lapses in Raize HEV crash tests

Updated May 29, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

To prove its safety, the company re-tested the SUV model. 

Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu has re-tested the Raize Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Rocky HEV to prove their crashworthiness. This was deemed necessary as an investigation carried out by the car maker found lapses in the previous side impact collision tests for the said models.

A picture of the Raize SUV for the Japanese market

The Japanese-spec Toyota Raize

Note that this follows the Toyota-Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd crash test fiasco. To refresh your memories, this particular case involves rigged crash test procedures for several Daihatsu-produced models like the next-generation Toyota Yaris (Vios), Axia (Wigo), etc.

In light of the aforementioned, the Toyota subsidiary voluntarily conducted an in-house collision test to assure its customers that the Toyota Raize HEV and the Rocky HEV meet current regulatory safety standards. 

Specifically, the company performed the UN-R135, otherwise known as the side collision test. This involves crashing a test unit into a utility-type pole at a speed of 32 km/h. The tests were conducted at the Daihatsu Shiga Technical Center in Japan.

The brand says that the re-test results indicate that the Raize HEV and the Rocky HEV meet legal safety standards for occupant protection from side impacts. The model’s doors did not dislodge or release, and they did not leak any more fuel than the legal standards indicated. 

A picture of how the side impact test is carried out.

How the side impact tests were carried out.

As mentioned above though, the tests were performed in-house by Daihatsu and are yet to be confirmed by a third party. As such, Toyota said that sales and shipments for the Raize HEV and Rocky HEV models will only resume after testing the models once again in the presence of certification authorities. 

Toyota went on to say that it is solving the problem by listening to front-line workers and re-evaluating its own governance structure. The company likewise shared that this was not the fault of an individual. Rather, this is a company-wide issue wherein someone or an entire workplace was “forced to commit a wrongdoing.”

For the Philippine-spec Toyota Raize and the Malaysian-spec Perodua Ativa however, no statements were provided by the company. So keep it here on Philkotse for more updates on this issue.  

Know more about Toyota Raize 2024

Toyota Raize

The Toyota Raize is a subcompact crossover for the Philippine market. It is a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Rocky, which was first introduced back in 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show. 

For the Philippines, the Raize is offered in four variants. Toyota Raize price range starts at Php 751,000 for the entry-level Raize E MT variant, to Php 1,063,000 for the top-spec Raize Turbo CVT variant. 

The Raize has two engine options. Under the hood of the E and G trims is a 1.2-liter inline-3 engine capable of making up to 87 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a continuously variable transmission, or a five-speed manual gearbox. The top-spec version then uses a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine making 97 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a CVT. For all variants, power is then sent to its front wheels. 

Size-wise, the Toyota Raize is 4,030mm long, 1,710mm wide, and 1,605mm high. It then has a wheelbase length of 2,525mm, and a ground clearance of 200mm. 

Locally, the Toyota Raize competes against the likes of the MG ZS, Ford EcoSport, Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-3, Geely Coolray, among others. 

₱ 751,000 - ₱ 1,068,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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