Nothing beats it in flexibility in the small car range

If there is a vehicle that looks set to be hot this year, it is the Toyota Raum. This oddly named mini-MPV has showed very robust performance on most online car dealerships. Although the Toyota Vitz, Rav4, and Ipsum remain hot items in the small car market, the Raum looks set to make an impression, especially its new 2^nd generation model.

The Raum’s strength comes from its design, which looks like it was designed by with the Ugandan busy working class mother in mind. This five-seat Mini-MPV is large enough for a family but small enough to swing around as a city run-about, and park easily in most harassed situation like downtown Owino or Nakasero markets.

But the real plus starts with the door arrangement. The Raum’s rear doors slide open rearward like a Kamunye (Toyota Hiace) taxi door and attach to the top and bottom of the door openings and interlock to the front doors. This is very convenient for anyone working very tight situations that demand flexibility, including dropping off children, sick relatives and delivery of items.

Although, its front doors open conventionally, there no door jamb between them and the rear doors that the doors attach to on the passenger side. Again, this is perfect for flexibility.

The seat design follows the same principle. According to the book, the passenger front seat can be folded flat upon itself, and then can be folded forward while still being attached to the floor at the front bottom of the seat. The rear seats can be folded flat with a 60:40 split or can also be folded forward individually. The benefit is obvious; more flat cargo floor at the rear.

Perhaps that explains its name. In German, Raum means a “chamber, berth, room, space, expanse, scope, area, or sphere”. It’s all about spaciousness.

But in mythology, Raum is also the name of a fierce spiritual being who “destroys” cities and dignities of men but can at the same time tell things past, present and future, reconcile friends and foes, and invoke love. The Toyota Raum evokes the same mystery and tricks.

Its automatic transmission gear selector, for example, is mounted on the dashboard making it easy to move around inside the car.

Since the Raum first appeared in May, 1997, it has undergone various modifications. In 2003 it had the first major transformation, which introduced its “multiple-purpose design” to emphasise its focus on comfortable and pleasant design without losing its manufacturer’s earlier commitment to make a “daily car”. The Raum’s interior has a modern high quality but practical finish mostly in dark grey and beige colour.

In this era of high fuel prices, the Raum’s 1.5-litre engine is a gift especially because it does not compromise power in either the front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions. All Raum versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Raum is designed to handle even high speeds with minimal noise and vibration.

Other literature on the internet shows that the first generation car was equipped with EBD brakes on top level G and E packages, with a later addition to the C package. A minor facelift was done August 1999.

A complete body change was released for sale May 12, 2003 and shared the platform with the Toyota Vitz. Side impact protection was further enhanced. The passenger side rear door can be opened electronically and by remote control key fob. The engine used in the second generation model is shared with the Toyota Prius.

On October 20, 2003, the vehicle won the Japan Good Design Award with a special mention for people with physical disabilities. The Raum is also popular with senior citizens. Its compact body has a general height limited at the 1545 mm level on 14 inch tyres designed for ease of entry and exit.

Comments (4)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment Preview