Toyota Readies Ractis
Toyota launched the second generation of its Ractis subcompact in Japan. Never heard of a Ractis? No wonder: The first generation Ractis, introduced in 2005, was available only in Japan (and maybe a few in Hong Kong.) This one will receive wider distribution. Also, Subaru has been itching for its release.
As reported a few months ago, Toyota will make small Subarus for Fuji Heavy, so that Fuji Heavy and Subaru can focus on midsize cars. The first of them is said Ractis. According to The Nikkei [sub], “Toyota is also supplying the new subcompact on an OEM basis to Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.”
Europeans should also be able to get their hands on the Ractis, albeit under a different name. The car had been shown at the Paris Motor Show as the “Verso S.” U.S.? No mention.
The Ractis is a shortie. Less than 4m (13 ft) long, it should fit where other cars can’t park.
In Japan, the car will be available with either a 1.3 Liter or 1.5 Liter enginelet, coupled to the wheels by what Toyota calls a “Super CVT-I” transmission. 4WD available. Prices in Japan start at 1.44 million Yen (approx. $17,000) and go all the way up to 1,958,000 yen (approx $23,500).
Having their eyes on the ageing Japanese population, the Ractis is the first car in Japan that can be bought wheelchair-ready ex factory. The rear wheel air suspension can lower the car for a gentler slope of the wheelchair ramp. Don’t laugh, it’s the wave of the future.
Want to know more? All the Ractis you can eat here.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Damn near killed us!
That'll be the VERSO-S in Europe. B-MPV seg.
I rented Ractis in Japan, but before the redesign, obviously. One thing to note: it definitely was bigger than Scion xD, and closer to 2G xB. I doubt it could shrink in the redesign.
that's not very ractical.