Toyota Raum

Dimensions:
4045mm X 1690mm X 1535mm
(159.3in X 66.5in X 60.4in)

Wheelbase: 2,500mm   -   98.4in.
Curb Weight: 1235kg   -   2720lbs.
Turning Circle: 4.9m   -   193in.

Engine: 1.495 liter I-4 (1NZ-FE)
Power: 80kW / 6000rpms
   (107hp / 6000rps)
Torque: 141Nm / 4200rpms
   (104 ft-lbs / 4200rps)
Economy: 16.7 km/liter   (39.3 m/g)

Price Range: 1,633,000yen - 2,358,000yen
Price as pictured: 1,978,000 yen

This is the Toyota Raum, a family car. Its not quite big enough to be a minivan, not is it small enough to be a car. There are mini-SUVs (like the Suzuki Sidekick) and this seems to be a mini-minivan. Toyota claims a 5 person capacity, and that is not unreasonable. The interior is comfortable, and the car is designed for that: family comfort. One of the first things I noted was the dash mounted shifter. The latest trend for family vehicles is simplify and consolidate. This vehicle exemplifies that well: all the controls are grouped together in one place. When driving, you can use your left hand to control pretty much everything. Navigation, climate control, shifter, and radio are all right there. Note the knobs on the climate control: the outside sleeve rotates white the center remains stationary (with indicator lights). For those not familiar with navigation systems, the black screen in the center of the console is a map/media access terminal. Some are equipped with voice control and can play DVDs and TV.

Finally, the center-mounted gauges are noteworthy. By moving the gauges to the center, it increases visibility directly ahead. The gauges are friendly on the eyes, but not sporty.

Indeed, this is not a sport vehicle, nor does it have any aspiration to become one. The engine is a 1.5-liter, producing 107 hp. It is sufficient as the vehicle is not terribly heavy at 2720 lbs, but not good as a Broad Street domination machine. Interesting to note the plastic intake manifold. This would cool the incoming charge for better performance and save weight at the same time. Be careful if you want to put a turbo on it though! Raum get you where you want to go without too much thirst: it gets about 39.3 mpg, which I would assume is highway mileage.

The body is a five door, 2 of which are sliding. Note how the handles push just a little above the door-line. The wheels are good 'ol press on Toyota plastic caps. The factory tires are Bridgestone B391s (175/65R14).

The Raum goes for between 1,633,000 to 2,358,000 yen. This particular one was listed at 1,978,000 yen (about $23,700 (US)), but I bet you could ask for a discount since it has been handled by the public.

Overall, a good family vehicle for the small driveway.

Click here for crazy performance action shots!