New Toyota Rush
Looks like UMW Toyota has picked the right time yet again, to launch another magnificent model - the New Toyota Rush, to compliment their current Malaysian line-up, and since yesterday, bookings were already taking place throughout the country. Officially the 7-seater all New Toyota Rush will be launched into the Malaysian market this coming Friday, 1st of February, 2008 and can be viewed at all UMW Toyota showrooms.
The New Toyota Rush will carry the tag-line - Define Your Lifestyle, as it begins its domination into the entry level SUV market, given the fact on the run-out of Perodua Kembara in Q2 2007. This will be a first for UMW Toyota, as the New Toyota Rush will be a completely-built-up unit (CBU) model direct from Indonesia.
If you love the thrill of city life as much as the great outdoors, the Rush is an SUV tailored just for you. Sleek enough for the cityscape’s, accommodating enough for weekend fun.
The all New Toyota Rush, will come in three variants to maximise product marketability :
- 1.5G (Manual), is priced at RM85,888.00 (Individual Private) with Insurance & Road Tax
- 1.5G (Auto), is priced at RM88,888.00 (Individual Private) with Insurance & Road Tax
- 1.5S (Auto), is priced at RM94,888.00 (Individual Private) with Insurance & Road Tax
In looking at the New Toyota Rush, I find that the model has a sophisticated look, with short overhangs and long wheelbase to emphasise the large wheels at each corner, which gives a sense of stability. It will come as no surprise if you are at any time taken-up by its eye-catching wheel flares, sturdy looks and prominent front styling, that proves it to be tough. Having dynamic features such as - curvaceous bonnet, headlamps and rear combi lamps, make the New Toyota Rush all too captivating.
This is a summary of the features found on the 3 variants :
(Rush 1.5G M/T, A/T)
- Exterior :
- Multi-reflector headlamps
- Bulb-type High Mount Stop Lamp (HMSL)
- Body-coloured wing mirrors
- Interior :
- 1-DIN Audio Unit with MP3-compatible CD player & tuner
- Urethane shift lever knob & steering wheel
- Driver SRS airbag
- Material-coloured inside door handle and lock knob
(Rush 1.5S A/T)
- Exterior
- Projector headlamps
- Fog-lamps
- Chrome wing mirrors
- Rear spoiler with LED HMSL
- Interior
- 2-DIN Audio Unit with MP3-compatible CD player, cassette player & tuner
- Leather-wrapped shift lever knob and steering wheel
- Power-retractable wing mirrors
- Chrome inside door handle and lock knob
- Dual (driver & passenger) SRS airbag
- ABS with EBD
Common Exterior Features :
- 1.5L DOHC VVT-i petrol engine
- Aerokit package (front & rear bumper spoiler, side skirting & over fender)
- 16″ alloy wheels
- Chrome grip-type door handles
- Wing mirror turn indicator
- Reverse sensor
- Rear wiper
- Pillar antenna
- Roof rail
- Spare tyre hard cover
- GOA body
Common Interior Features :
- High grade fabric seats (Ivory Colour)
- Immobiliser, siren with backup battery, auto door lock and cabin sensor
- 7-seating capacity with flexible configuration
- 4 spoke steering wheel
- Gate type shift lever (for A/T variants)
- Dual air conditioning system
- 50:50 split, reclining, double folding, sliding 2nd row seats
- Centre console box
Once seated inside the New Toyota Rush you will notice that the minimum overhangs and maximum wheelbase design has made it - comfortably spacious. One major advantage on the part of the New Toyota Rush compared to its closest competitor - Naza Citra, is in its interior height, which gives it an added convenience for passengers to access the 3rd row seats without having to contort their body, as this comparison shows :
- Interior Height (mm) - Rush 1,240 @ Citra 1,180 (-60)
Another plus point for the New Toyota Rush of having its undoubtly long wheelbase - the ability to accommodate a minimum turning radius of 5.2m beating Citra’s 5.3m turning radius :
- Wheelbase (mm) - Rush 2,685 @ Citra 2,560 (-125) @ Livina 2,600 (-85)
There’s no doubt that the New Toyota Rush will do well in the Malaysian SUV segment as it is equipped with modern features and a vigorous personality that’s ready to take on your preferred terrains.
And as with all other models under the UMW Toyota belt, the New Rush is no different as its built with an array of technologies engineered to give balance between power and control, enabling smoother acceleration. Let’s look at this comparison :
Max Output (PS/rpm) - Rush 109/6,000 @ Citra 2.0 138 (+29)/6,000 @ Livina 1.6 A/T 105 (-4)/5,200
Max Torque (Nm/rpm) - Rush 141/4,400 @ 175 (+34)/4,500 @ 150 (+9)/4,400
Kerb Weight (kg) - Rush 1,220 @ Citra 2.0 1,461 (+241) @ Livina 1.6 A/T 1,245 (+25)
Power To Weight Ratio (kg/kW) - Rush 15.0 @ Citra 14.2 (-0.8) @ Livina 1.6 A/T 15.9 (+0.9)
Looking at this, its safe to say that the New Toyota Rush has a better power-to-weight ratio against the Livina 1.6, and Citra’s power-to-weight ratio advantage over Rush is minimised by it’s 241kg weight difference.
And as always, the big question, every potential customer would want to know is its fuel consumption on these models, here’s the result :
Fuel Consumption (EEC) (L/100km) * Manufacturer’s Claim
Urban - Rush 10.2 @ Citra 11.1 @ Livina 11.1
Extra Urban - Rush 6.9 @ 7.1 @ Livina 7.1
Combined - Rush 7.9 @ Citra 8.1 @ Livina 8.1
If we analyze this further you would notice that the New Toyota Rush uses the VVT-i technology which is well excepted in the industry as an engine which provides excellent output and fuel economy, compared to Citra’s local spec engine which is not using Kia’s CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing) technology.
The all New Toyota Rush uses a timing chain, which is considered to be a modern standard requirement for variable valve timing, where-else Naza Citra still uses a timing belt, which requires interval replacement, hence adding to your maintenance costs.
Another factor for a better performing Toyota Rush is considered to be in its drivetrain layout which is a rear-wheel-drive, hence :
- Front-to rear weight distribution is more balanced, for better traction, better braking and more neutral handling.
- As the rearward load increases e.g 7-passengers, or driving up a gradient, traction does not decrease.
If style is what you’re looking for, from the little touches on the meter combination to the versatile and practical seats, the all New Toyota Rush is ready to accommodate all your needs, be it for work or play.
