Do you own a Toyota Raize? Do you like a slice of Americana but without the bulk? Is the Raize your only car? If you said yes to all three, then you might want to check this out.
Over in Japan, there’s a thing for giving humble, everyday cars an old-school look. A prime example of that is a company called Mitsuoka. We’ve featured a few of their cars before, but there are other specialists out there.
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Cal’s Motor is yet another company that does such jobs. Their lineup includes Hiaces and Jimny’s, but it’s the Raize conversion that caught our attention.
This retrofied Toyota Raize is officially called the Cal’s Motor Havana. The Havana takes cues from classic American SUVs with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer likely being the biggest inspiration.
At the front, it gets a pointier front end, an ‘egg-crate grille’, and a chrome bumper. Mind you, we doubt the chrome bumper is made of solid steel, but it does add to the nostalgia. There are more than enough changes made to the nose that one no longer sees any resemblance to the little Raize.
It’s not just the front end that gets an extensive makeover. Because of all the changes, it’s a little bit longer than the subcompact crossover. The front fenders are bespoke to the Havana, while the steel wheels bring in a more retro vibe.
For the rear, it gains a pair of square tail lights and wood effect trim on the tailgate. Like the front, there’s a chrome bumper that’s also been extensively redesigned. Okay, the end result might be polarizing, but one can’t deny its uniqueness.
Changes inside aren’t as retro. The cabin should be familiar to Raize owners, from the dashboard, buttons, and even steering wheel. The only notable differences in there are a unique touchscreen, the Cal’s Motor badge on the steering wheel, special seat trims and carpets, and an upgraded audio system. Mechanically, it's unchanged so it's a choice of 1.0 turbo or 1.2-liter.
The company didn’t mention how much it would cost to turn the Raize into the Havana. However, it does sell it as a complete model with prices ranging from ¥3,980,000 to ¥4,240,000. At local conversion rates, you’re looking at around P1,500,000 to P1,600,000.
