By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 27, 2013

Autocar is reporting that Toyota executives are considering building a competitor for the Nissan Juke. The inspiration for this possible contender is a twelve-year old concept.

The concept in question is the Toyota RSC (Rugged Sports Coupe) shown at 2001 Chicago Auto Show. While the concept was well received at the time, Toyota didn't really do anything with it.

Why are Toyota executives looking at RSC as a possible Juke competitor? Sales. The Nissan Juke has been doing very well in global sales. In the U.S. alone, Nissan moved 36,000 Jukes in 2012.

If Toyota decides to go forward with this, expect the vehicle to use either Yaris or Auris (Corolla) platform. The Yaris platform allows Toyota to build a direct competitor to the Juke, while the Auris platform lets Toyota build a somewhat larger vehicle. Using either platform allows Toyota to offer a hybrid model.

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Interesting idea. I'll have to refresh myself on that old Toyota concept.

If only GM would not be scared of such a concept... it would have been something for Pontiac to get involved in.

EDIT: just googled a gallery of the Toyota RSC... I didn't realize it was so cool looking. It would make a nice, coupe version of the Corolla if it weren't jacked up and widened for "off road", if Toyota weren't such a stiff upper lip kind of company. If they ever let loose, they could really cement themselves.

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by ocnblu

Chevy has a Juke competitor, but is afraid to sell it in the US (probably concerned about it cutting into Equinox and Encore sales).

Well yeah, the Trax is cool, a "younger" vehicle than the Encore, but a Juke competitor? Is it funky and sporty enough? Maybe with some crazier rims and flashier colors, in and out. As it is, it is not quite there... whoa, a Pontiac version of the Trax has just entered my head, with a truly unique, Pontiac nose and taillights, complimentary (as opposed to contrasting) cladding, rims... plus 1.6T engine and a six speed manual... dammit.

The Sonic can be ordered with trendy, black painted wheels and color-themed grille surround, mirror and rear spoiler packages. If the Trax were sold here, perhaps that could be a start toward luring the yutes to this ute.

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by ocnblu

Well yeah, the Trax is cool, a "younger" vehicle than the Encore, but a Juke competitor? Is it funky and sporty enough? Maybe with some crazier rims and flashier colors, in and out. As it is, it is not quite there... whoa, a Pontiac version of the Trax has just entered my head, with a truly unique, Pontiac nose and taillights, complimentary (as opposed to contrasting) cladding, rims... plus 1.6T engine and a six speed manual... dammit.

I was thinking Juke competitor in terms of size and spec, agreed it's not as edgy styling wise...

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

True dat. The styling is fine on the Trax, imo. It should be sold here. Plus, I was looking at the 2014 Fiesta site earlier today, and the available color choices simply blow the Sonic away in vibrancy and variety. GM is just not known for being adventurous in colors... the Spark is the only GM vehicle I know of that pushes the envelope, imo, with Techno Pink, Jalapeno and Lemonade.

Juke comes in a garish, rich gold hue this year... fits the character of the vehicle perfectly.

The Ford B-Max (or a version w/ more ground clearance and mini-Escape styling) would make sense here also..the mini-CUV niche seems to be growing.. Maybe call it 'Evasion' to fit w/ the Escape naming theme..

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

I think a correction to the article is needed. Toyota is looking to build an Encore competitor because they realize Buick is about to open a can of whoopass on the segment.

I think a correction to the article is needed. Toyota is looking to build an Encore competitor because they realize Buick is about to open a can of whoopass on the segment.

Lexus will probably get a version. Toyota already has the 'xd', but it's not as out there styling wise as the Juke.

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

I think a correction to the article is needed. Toyota is looking to build an Encore competitor because they realize Buick is about to open a can of whoopass on the segment.

I agree with your thoughts.

Juke is just butt ugly with huge blind spots. Do not know what people see in it.

In my mind, the Encore is skewed way more toward sedate luxury than the Juke or any theoretical competitor for it.

Encore is a class of ONE, for sure, so far, but it is no Juke rival.

Speaking of the Encore, I was presently surprised when I checked one out at Barrett-Jackson last weekend...very nice interior, seems well put together inside and out.

In my mind, the Encore is skewed way more toward sedate luxury than the Juke or any theoretical competitor for it.

Encore is a class of ONE, for sure, so far, but it is no Juke rival.

Juke seems more targeted to the kids, who would be cross shopping the Kia Soul and Scions..

Edited January 27, 201313 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

In my mind, the Encore is skewed way more toward sedate luxury than the Juke or any theoretical competitor for it.

Encore is a class of ONE, for sure, so far, but it is no Juke rival.

In that we are agreed.. but also I am thankful. The world doesn't need another Juke.

Speaking of the Encore, I was presently surprised when I checked one out at Barrett-Jackson last weekend...very nice interior, seems well put together inside and out.

In my mind, the Encore is skewed way more toward sedate luxury than the Juke or any theoretical competitor for it.

Encore is a class of ONE, for sure, so far, but it is no Juke rival.

Juke seems more targeted to the kids, who would be cross shopping the Kia Soul and Scions..

It has a severely compromised interior. You simply cannot put 4 American sized adults in that vehicle.

I am not American sized then.

No.. you wouldn't be.

toyota should build the hi-CT instead.

Looks like Mad Max revisited.

This is butt ugly and the world does not need it!

That thing is beautiful.....are you nuts?

I'm usually all over the strange to random and crazy designs...(ie Aztek, ZDX, Pontiac REV concept) but this...not so much....

Toyota had a competitor to the Juke a few years ago, it was called the RAV-4. Not so much anymore.

Toyota had a competitor to the Juke a few years ago, it was called the RAV-4. Not so much anymore.

I would have to disagree with you as the Juke is an ugly duckling that the right person loves but the bulk do not. The RAV4 always was a bland child that seemed to sell in large amounts to people wanting a conservative bland ride.

Not if you go back to the original:

http://tractors.wikia.com/wiki/Toyota_RAV4?file=1996-1997_Toyota_RAV4.jpg

especially the two door.