Toyota Rush updated for 2015
UMW Toyota Motor has announced a raft of updates for its 2015 model year Rush compact SUV available for sale immediately. Sporting considerable aesthetic and even minor technical improvements, the new 2015 Rush is offered with a total of three variants priced around the RM100k ball park.
Significant alterations take place on the outside to give the vehicle a refreshed appearance. Redesigned headlights complement its redesigned bumper, grille, and bonnet. The bumper itself incorporates bits of carbon fibre (fake, no doubt) and two-tone finishing. The higher-specced 1.5S model additionally features front fog lamps and LED position lamps.
The sheet metal is left untouched at the rear, although tail lights now sport a new design complete with LED illumination and smoked lens housing. New design two-tone 16-inch alloys adorn the four corners, and tyres are widened from 215/65 previously to 235/60.
Inside, the Rush continues to sport three rows of seats good to legally fit seven passengers at once. The third row of seats usefully allows split folding, thereby giving added flexibility in configuring. Rear passengers are kept cool by a second air-conditioning system blowing cooled air through roof-mounted vents. Aesthetically, the cabin is finished in a dark grey theme complete with contrast red stitching on its seats.
Mechanically, the Rush retains its shared underpinnings with the Avanza, powered by tried and tested 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE four-cylinder powerplant producing 108hp @ 6,000rpm and 141Nm @ 4,400rpm. Transmission options consist of a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic, both of which send drive power astern. A significant technical update comes in the form of a switch from traditional hydraulic power steering to electric assist. Side impact beams have also been added for better crash protection, although its certainly worth asking why such a basic safety feature was introduced seven years into the model’s life cycle.
Safety kit is standardized across the board, with all variants getting dual airbags, reverse sensors, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX anchors, and anti-pinch power windows. A portable tyre pump is also given as standard with every car.
As before, the Rush is offered with a choice between two trim levels, 1.5G and 1.5S – the former available in both manual and automatic transmissions, whilst the latter is an auto only offering. Prices start at RM98,000 OTR for the 1.5G manual increasing to RM100,300 for the 1.5G automatic and RM103,300 for the 1.5S automatic.
Prices: Official Toyota release.
