The demand for people movers has reached silly levels in Malaysia and the rest of Asia. Asians are generally sociable animals with strong family ties. The family unit is never neglected. This is why people movers are popular. The average Malaysian wants a vehicle to transport their extended family. They buy a vehicle so that probably one day in the week or even one day in the month or even on occasion when family visits from across local borders or arrive via a budget airline, they have a vehicle to cater for all. And so, 3 rows of seating is needed for that trip or outing. Surprisingly even single adults are buying people movers for the above-mentioned reasons.
Here we present to you some possible options.
Will a regular 5 seater SUV work just a well as a compact 7 seater SUV? Here goes!
The Toyota RUSH is a compact 7 seater that entered the segment with a lot of excitement which slowly diminished. First it does not come with an expensive 4×4 system for off road abuse. Instead it has a 2×4 drive but with a bush bashing stance. Toyota have been rather smart to do away with a 4×4 system with the RUSH as this reduces its selling price as well as running costs for the owner over the years. Over the last few years, it has been common knowledge that most SUV owners never venture off-road in their 4×4 engineered vehicles and they still end up having to pay for its high maintenance and also replacement parts costs. Inside you get 3 rows of seats and a separate rear air-conditioning system to keep the 2 rear rows cool in our humid climate.
Suzuki has never been in the limelight with their SUV’s. The current Vitara is a 3rd generation model and it comes to us in a 2×4 mode. That means it is purely an urban SUV like the RUSH. However Suzuki product planners have not installed a 3rd row seat. It however a wide spacious vehicle and 5 full sized adults will fit with some shoulder pinching. 4 adults will be best and with absolute executive comfort. Powering this Vitara is a 2.0-liter DOHC engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 183Nm of torque, which propels this SUV along at brisk pace. Highway speeds under full load is effortless and easy. Luggage room plentiful and on road dynamics good with its wider stance.
The RUSH interior width is narrow thus leaving only 2 full sized adults to enjoy the back two rows. This means that in reality this is a 6 seater. Also with all seats in use luggage room is minimal. Sigh. The RUSH is equipped with a proven 1.5-liter VVT-I engine, which does a decent job in hauling 6 adults along in the city. However on the highway it will need some encouragement to get beyond legal speeds and if a short holiday break is planned, where will the luggage for 6 people go? In between the seats, under the feet and piled up against the rear door.
The Suzuki Vitara is some RM10k less in the used car lot with less seating but more features. The Toyota RUSH has a 3rd row seat, rear air-conditioning and a fuel sipping 1.5 VVT-I engine. However when both a fully loaded, the Vitara delivers a better drive, comfort and handling while the RUSH will not be able to rush up to the Vitara. Also on a long distance run, the Vitara might produce better fuel consumption.
When deciding between the two vehicles, one must look hard at their daily needs and not for the occasionally need when purchasing a vehicle. The RUSH makes sense if you understand its limitations and the Vitara is best enjoyed with 4 to 5 passengers inside. The final sensible choice is yours.
Toyota RUSH 2008 Model Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC VVT-i
Displacement: 1495cc
Max power: 109bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 141Nm @ 4400rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed, Gate Shifter
USED Selling Price: RM40.000-RM46,000
Suzuki VITARA 2006 Model Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve
Displacement: 1995cc
Max power: 140bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 183Nm @ 4300rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed auto
Selling Price: RM36,000 to RM45,000
