Toyota recently unveiled their upcoming compact SUV, the Rise. This vehicle is derived from Toyota’s DN Tree concept, seen during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. It will employ the Daihatsu-Toyota developed TNGA platform, which is available on most of the automaker’s line-up globally.
Engine-wise, the Rise is powered by an 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, petrol motor. This compact SUV will also be offered in an all-wheel drive option. Toyota will look to introduce the Rise to global markets sometime next year.
The Japanese automaker has not revealed whether the model will be coming for India. So, here let us discuss on why Toyota must seriously consider the Rise for our market. For starters, Toyota said a couple of years ago that they may not be entering any flexible segments, like the compact hatchback and compact SUV, anytime soon.
They said that they had planned to take this decision before entering the Indian market. But due to recent trends in the market, Toyota bit the bullet and introduced the Glanza, a compact hatchback. Albeit a badge engineered model, the Glanza did manage to bring home decent sales numbers for the automaker here.
There are also rumours regarding Toyota looking to borrow the Vitara Brezza from Maruti Suzuki, to launch their own version of it. This comes under the partnership between Toyota and Suzuki, made official last year. We reckon Toyota should instead try their luck and bring the Rise here.
This comes under the point in which the compact SUV segment here is flooded with capable competitors and is a big-selling one as well. The Vitara Brezza, which was the segment leader for a long time in sales, was recently overthrown by the Hyundai Venue. It seems that the public may be ready to accept something new from the segment, which Toyota should cash in on.
Toyota, unlike most automakers here, does have a great record in the UV segment over the years. Right from the Qualis, the baton was passed to the Innova, with the Fortuner creating a niche for itself here. Even the CBU-imported Land Cruiser managed to find a few takers, thus topping its segment in sales.
These points lead to why the Rise will be a suitable product for Toyota to revive their Indian operations a bit. The Rise will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and of course, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Toyota could do with pricing the Rise affordably, if they do plan on bringing it here.
NOTE: Image of Daihatsu DN Trec used for representational purpose only.
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Also see: Toyota C-HR-based Creta rival being developed, to be revealed next-year
Image Credit: Autos Segredos
