Toyota Rush-ing for the new year
Toyota has launched the Rush, an Avanza based Sports Utility vehicle which offers the utility of soft road use and the practicality of seven seats.
Powered by a 1.5-litre VVT-i engine, the new vehicle is a good combination of value, style and usability and should find a lot of new buyers.
Although the vehicle is rather basic in its G-spec, the S-Spec does get twin airbags and anti-lock brakes which makes it the more sophisticated offering.
Prices start at RM85,888 for the Manual G-spec and it goes up to RM88,888 for the Auto G-Spec and finally topping out at RM94,888 for the fully specified auto S-spec.
Although the top of the line model is the most expensive, I believe it gives the best value for money because for the extra RM9,000 from the basic model you get an automatic transmission, two airbags, anti-lock brakes and bodykits which not only makes it look better but also safer.
The only nagging doubt about the car is the lack of an all-wheel drive system to make it a competent and believable off-roader but Toyota claims that most of theri buyers are not keen on a 4WD drive system and the additional cost and complexities involved.
They are planning to sell 600 units per month but there is every likelihood that demand will oversubscribe their initial projections.
After all this is the only seven-seat SUV priced below the RM100,000 mark. The closest competitor it will have is the upcoming Kembara (Daihatsu Terios pictured above) replacement model from Perodua but all indications point to a five-seat vehicle with permanenet all wheel drive.
The question now is whether Malaysian buyers feel that the all-wheel drive system is more important than two extra seats.
The Rush is imported fully built from Indonesia whereas the new Kembara is probably going to be sourced directly from Japan.
Quality of the Rush is typically Toyota with everything well screwed together and designed to be hard wearing. Although the platform is shared with the Avanza, it would be difficult to trace its roots back to the entry-level compact MPV the Rush feels more substantial and solid.
It is also interesting to note that the Rush comes with an option of two interior trim colour, light grey and beige. Both are a few shades too light for heavy duty work so one can imagine that Toyota never intended it to be a serious mud plugger.
For those who need a bit of extra ground clearance for drives onto unpaved roads but would nto need any serious off-roading capabilities, the Rush is a very good compromise package.
My suggestion is to visit a nearby showroom and book early to avoid the waiting list which will probably grow faster than you expect it.
