As if Toyota Motor Philippines didn’t have enough vehicle models to perennially dominate the local automotive market, it officially launched another one—a subcompact crossover that will further allow the Japanese carmaker to convincingly own 40% of the pie. The new entrant, the Raize, is expected by TMP to sell 1,000 units a month. Or 12,000 cute pieces over a year.

Last year, the company moved 12,982 Fortuner and 12,564 Rush units. That means TMP has reason to believe that the Raize is as desirable or sellable than the two aforementioned models. And the firm could be right.

According to TMP’s market research, the Raize’s category (or the so-called “SUV entry”) is the dominant SUV classification right now—owning 49% of all crossovers/sport-utes sold by December 2021. With prices starting at P746,000, Toyota could indeed have another ace in its possession.

First-time owner? Check. College student? Check. Single office worker? Check. With fun colors to offer, the Raize has almost unlimited target buyers helping to make the 1,000-units-a-month goal a reality.

We don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the Raize will contribute to our bad traffic situation in the coming months. If it’s any consolation, at least, this car looks pleasing to the eye.