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 1,068,000 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. 

 

Toyota Raize Launch

The Toyota Raize Philippines is a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Rocky. It was first unveiled at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019. 

Development on this model, however, started as far back as 2017. From the get-go, it was based on Daihatsu’s DNGA platform, which primarily focuses on Kei cars and city car models. 

It was then introduced to the Philippine market in January 2022.

Toyota Raize Exterior

When it comes to size, the Toyota Raize is 4,030mm long, 1,710mm wide, and 1,605mm in height. It then has a wheelbase length of 2,525mm. It then offers a ground clearance of 200mm. 

For the top-spec variant and the G variant, these come standard with a pair of split-type LED headlamps. All trims though, are equipped with daytime running lights, and halogen fog lamps. 

Other exterior features present on the top-spec Raize and the Raize G include auto-folding side mirrors, and a sharkfin antenna, among others. This subcompact crossover will then ride on a set of 16-inch or 17-inch wheels depending on the trim. 

Toyota Raize Interior

Inside, the Toyota Raize can seat up to five occupants. Depending on the trim, it either gets leather-clad seats or fabric-covered seats. The rear seats are also split folding. Moreover, it also offers a tilt-adjustable steering column. Some trims also have a push-to-start button, as well as automatic climate control. 

Technology and Safety Features

For tech, the Toyota Raize has a nine-inch headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has two USB charging ports. The said headunit is then linked up to a six-piece speaker system. 

Safety-wise, this Toyota crossover also features stability control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and hill-start assist.  

The top-spec variant adds to those with a rear camera, front, and rear parking sensors, as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. 

Platform and Chassis

The Toyota Raize is built upon the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNHA) platform. This means that it is a unibody vehicle. 

For suspensions, it uses MacPherson struts for the front, and a torsion beam for the rear. Braking is then handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. 

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Raize is getting two engine options for the Philippine market. For the E and G trims, these are powered by a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine capable of making up to 87 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. 

The top-spec variant comes with a more powerful 1.0-liter inline-3 turbocharged engine. At maximum, this motor can produce 97 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque.  

The 1.2-liter versions are either paired with a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-liter turbo version meanwhile, is getting a CVT with paddle shifters. 

Locally, the Toyota Raize comes in six different color options. These include Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Red 2. For the 1.0 Turbo CVT variant, its two-tone paint job can either come in White Pearl/Black, Turquoise Mica Metallic/Black, or Yellow SE/Black.

In the Philippine subcompact crossover segment, the Toyota Raize sits high up the totem pole when it comes to offering features. Then again, there are some models from Chinese brands that can beat it in terms of driver-assist tech. The Raize also sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to engine outputs, and it is on-par with its competitors when it comes to interior space.

Toyota Raize Pros & Cons

 Pros  Cons
 
  • Attractive styling

  • Affordable

  • Decent power for its size

  • Well-equipped

  •  Rear seats might not comfortably fit larger/wider folks

Toyota Raize Q&A

1. Is Toyota Raize 2024 available in the Philippines?

Yes, it is. The Raize was introduced to the Philippines market in January 2022.

2. What are the Dimensions of Raize 2024?

The Dimensions of Raize are 4,030mm long, 1,710mm wide, and 1,605mm high.

3. Is Toyota Raize an SUV?

Yes, it is an SUV.

4. Which is cheaper Raize or SsangYong Tivoli?

It is Raize. The price of Toyota Raize Philippines ranges from 751,000 PHP to 1,068,000 PHP, while the price of SsangYong Tivoli range from 1,130,000 PHP to 1,290,000 PHP.

 
 

₱ 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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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