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.
‘Ractis’? That sounds bad.
“Doctor, what is it?”
“I’m afraid it’s Ractis. I know you’ve heard about it, but it is treatable, and with the right antibiotics the swelling and redness will go down in a few days.”
“Doc, how will it affect my sex life??”
Matthew 5:22 “Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court.”
Ractis is the past participle of Raca in Japanese.
Ractis makes erfect.
A guy leaves Pittsburgh in his Ractis. He’s driving to Harrisburg, where, oddly enough, another guy in another Ractis is leaving at the same time, at the same speed, on a one-lane road! At what point will the two Ractii become one Rectum?
Bravo, sir. Bravo.
Rebadging as a Subaru in the US would help Subaru meet new CAFE standards. An AWD Fit fighter would be a cool car.
It’s much bigger than Fit. The picture is deceptive. It’s more like a Scion xB and Chevy HHR fighter.
“Don’t laugh, it’s the wave of the future.”
Yup. These are for old and decrepit people, and little cars generally are for poor people. We in our North American society will collectively be both, and sooner than we think.
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.