Toyota Rush

Even before the first month of 2008 has finished, UMW Toyota Motor has broadened its line-up further with the addition of the all-new Toyota Rush. If you haven’t heard about this model coming, that’s because it’s been a well-kept secret by the company although being a CBU import (from Indonesia), its impending launch was less obvious than if it were to be assembled locally.

The Rush is a variant in the ‘Under-IMV’ family of products, the other being the Avanza. The IMV (it stands for ‘Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicles’) project was conceived as an industrial project which would span the globe and includes the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova; ‘Under-IMV’ models are smaller but use the same approach which has been able to lower production costs so as to be able to offer customers more affordable vehicles. Sharing the same platform as the Avanza helps to enhance economies of scale but the bodystyle is that of a compact SUV rather than a MPV. This means it is aimed at a different target group, mainly the young and active types.

This new model is available in three variants: Rush 1.5S and Rush 1.5G with automatic transmission and Rush 1.5G with manual transmission, and four body colour choices - Blue Metallic, Black Mica, Silver Mica metallic and Champagne Mica Metallic.

The styling of the Rush seems to take cues from the first generation RAV4 as well as the Fortuner, a blend which presents a modern and distinct form with a tough image. Large 16-inch rims are positioned at each corner, giving a bold stance. Of note are the headlamps which have a sharp, 3-dimensional design. The Rush 1.5S has projector headlamps as standard as well as circular foglamps integrated with the bumper.

The door mirrors have turn indicators in their housings, making the driver’s intentions more visible and the chrome door handles are the grip-type which are easier to use. All grades come with a custom-designed spare wheel cover that has a lock to secure the full-sized spare wheel. A rear roof spoiler is fitted for the Rush 1.5S to add a sporty touch and all grades also come with an integrated low-profile roof rail.

The dashboard has some elements of the Avanza in its clean appearance. Metallic trim conveys a sporty image and a light ivory colour for the whole cabin makes it feel more spacious. Sturdy door grips with a metallic finish also give a modern ambience to the interior. The instrument panel is set within a shroud to minimise reflections and enhance legibility. The 3-meter layout has clear calibrations with white illumination for ease of viewing.

The cabin has a usable length of 2440 mm with generous spacing between each row of seats. The interior width of 1385 mm also allows for a comfortable couple distance between the front occupants and good elbow room for the other occupants. Though the exterior dimensions seem compact, the Rush offers a third row of seating for those occasions when additional passengers need to be carried on board. The second row has a 60-mm fore-aft slide adjustment and the backrest can also be reclined for a more relaxing position. This provides more legroom for the passengers in the second row or third row, as required. Access to the third row is also easy with the double-fold operation of the second row of seats. In the event that the third row of seating is not needed, it can be folded forward against the back of the second row to provide more cargo space. Access to the cargo space is through a large and wide opening with a side-hinged door (rare these days as many SUVs have top-hinged doors). The sill is also set low, makng it easy to load cargo straight onto the flat floor.

The automatics have a gate-type shift lever (with leather wrapping for the Rush 1.5S), a leather-wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel (1.5S), power retractable door mirrors (1.5S), audio system with MP3 capability and an additional ceiling mounted blower which delivers cool air all the way to the back. Being a SUV, storage spaces are plentiful around the cabin. Other standard items include a sunglass holder and personal lamp at the front. While the cheapest Rush has a basic package, the 1.5S version is comprehensively equipped and will probably attract more buyers.

Under the bonnet is the same powerplant as that used for the Avanza 1.5 - a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC petrol engine (3SZ-VE) with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). The engine delivers up to 109 ps of power at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 141 Nm is available at 4400 rpm.

Power delivery is through either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission. Like the Avanza, the driving wheels are at the rear… yes, it’s a 2WD and not a 4WD. In some markets, 4WD variants are also available but UMW Toyota Motor has decided to import the 2WD variant for now (most likely to keep the price under RM100,000). Though some will feel that a SUV should have 4WD, it is not really necessary for a model like the Rush which is expected to be used mostly in urban areas and even if venturing off the highway, conditions encountered would not be so severe that 4WD is needed. In fact, what matters more is ground clearance which is generous under the Rush. 2WD offers benefits such as lower drivetrain weight, less wear and tear on related components and generally better fuel economy than an equivalent 4WD variant.

The Rush has a sturdy suspension comprising independent MacPherson struts in front (with a stabilizer bar fitted) and a live axle located by 4 links at the rear with coil springs. A lateral rod is also fitted to maintain axle stability during fast cornering. The standard tyres are a wide 215/65 size.

Though a low-cost product, the Rush still meets high safety standards, having passed GOA – the Global Outstanding Assessment which is Toyota’s tough in-house set of safety standards. GOA primarily relates to the body structure which must be able to prevent the impact forces of an accident from harming the occupants. It achieves this by dissipating the forces into the entire body. Pedestrian safety is also considered and the exterior of the front end is shaped to minimise the impact to a pedestrian’s head and legs, reducing serious injuries in many cases.

All three variants have an airbag for the driver with the Rush 1.5S having an additional one for the front passenger as well. The steering column is collapsible so that it will not be pushed against the driver during severe frontal collision. A reverse sensor is standard.

Of course, avoiding an accident in the first place is much better and the Rush has Active Safety Systems to help the driver. The brake system has ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), the latter being very useful as it adjusts the braking force to each brake depending on load conditions and load distribution. Therefore whether there is a light load or heavy load, stopping power will always be optimum. ABS, of course, manages the brakes so that they do not lock-up in slippery conditions to cause skidding and loss of steering control.

It is surprising, though, to see that the front discs of the Rush are solid rather than ventilated, which is the norm these days. Clearly, Toyota is more focussed on engineering their models down to a cost rather than up to a higher standard.

UMW Toyota Motor expects to sell 600 units of the Rush every month, a figure which seems quite possible to achieve consistently given the price range between RM85,000 and RM95,000. With the addition of this model, the Toyota line-up is at its largest ever with 14 models offered. The variety of offerings should ensure that Toyota stays in its No. 1 position in the non-national brand segment again this year.

PRICES (inclusive of insurance, Peninsula Malaysia)
Rush 1.5S Auto: RM94,888
Rush 1.5G Auto: RM88,888
Rush 1.5G Manual: RM85,888