The Toyota Century has been the brand’s most luxurious car for a long time. It is the sedan that Japanese aristocrats, politicians, and the well-off business elite choose to drive. By making the Century SUV, Toyota shows it is current with the times. It also used the chance to suggest the car’s party-friendliness and the potential for a cabriolet type. During Motor1’s coverage of the world premiere of the Toyota Century SUV, hints were given about the new drop-top car. Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries, said there are “endless possibilities” for customization as a picture of a convertible Century SUV showed up in the background. Toyota is trying to copy the benefits of the well-known Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. When it goes on sale in Japan, the Century SUV with a hard top is expected to cost the same $170,000. Usually, only Japanese people have been called Century, but that could change for this age. Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima told The Wall Street Journal that the SUV “will be available to customers in all parts of the world.” However, details about when it will be available in the US are still unknown. In any case, a hypothetical convertible type would be much more expensive than a regular SUV, especially if it were part of a customization program like the one Rolls-Royce has for its cars. When you go to Japan on your next trip, expect to avoid Century convertibles driving around the streets. Toyota says the ultra-luxury SUV with a standard roof will only sell about 360 units a year. A model with a convertible top would be a lot more unique. Along with the sedans already being made, a new SUV called the Century will be made. Notably, Toyota had already made a Century designed to be fun with the top down. In 2019, when Emperor Naruhito took over in Japan, the car company was known for making a Century sedan without a roof. In the last ten years or so, more SUVs with tops can be opened. Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque convertible got much attention, and Volkswagen’s T-Roc tried out the style. But if we’re being honest, we’d like to see what Toyota could do with a Century SUV that folds down. At the very least, it’s unlikely that Toyota won’t be the best Japanese luxury brand. Let’s hope it happens.
