Toyota Considering Sub-Compact SUV Below Rav4
Toyota is reportedly considering adding a subcompact SUV model to its lineup, a vehicle that would slot under the current RAV4.
The city SUV appears to be high on the Japanese automaker’s to-do list, and it’s not really a surprise given how booming the subcompact crossover market has become in certain markets. “Everybody needs to be there,” said Mark Dobson, Toyota Australia product planning manager. “It’s a market for all players. And Toyota is interested in any market that is growing.”
SEE ALSO: 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs 2013 Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s sub-brand Daihatsu previously sold a Terios compact SUV in Australia (the source of this new report), and a second-generation model would be fitting for that market. A replacement for the Terios could come within 12 months in order to fill the niche market of subcompact SUVs.
Toyota’s domestic rival Honda is already selling a new sub-compact crossover called the Vezel in Japan with plans to export the Fit-based utility vehicle to North America soon.
GALLERY: 2014 Toyota RAV4
[Source: Caradvice.com.au]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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So much for this report... someone is losing a bet. http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/12/toyota-wont-build-sub-compact-crossover-matrix-likely-axed.html
This might not be a bad idea, actually. Jeep is doing a similar thing with the Renegade subcompact SUV, and people are buying those. A lot of people want the image of a truck / cargo space but prefer the economy of a smaller 4-cylinder engine. The name, price, and design all have to be on-point though if it's going to work.