The Toyota Rush offers the advantages of a Mutli- Purpose Vehicle (7 seating capacity) with those of a SUV such as the high seating position and greater ground clearance. Since its launch in 2008, this Toyota model has proven popular for those who require a versatile vehicle that can accommodate the family in comfort and also take the ‘rough stuff’.
The latest Rush has cosmetic changes which give it a tougher yet sporty image while retaining its modern and distinct form.
New 16-inch polished alloy rims are installed on the latest Rush and their 2-tone design projects a sporty image. The tyre size has been widened to 235/60 from 215/65 to provide a larger footprint for better grip and stability, as well as enhancing braking.
The Rush interior design is clean and functional with a bold dark grey colour theme. The seat covers have red stitching which gives a sporty ambience to the cabin. The red stitching complements the red and white theme of the new combination meter panel.
The Rush is the only SUV in its class with three rows of seats, providing extra versatility. The divided backrest for the third row allows for partial folding so that one person can be seated while extra luggage can be carried on one side. 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.
Besides the third row, the Rush is also the only SUV in its class with a dual air-conditioning system, just like bigger SUVs. Additional vents on the ceiling deliver cool air to the occupants in the rear and have separate blower controls.
The Rush is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC petrol engine (3SZ-VE) with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). Though small in displacement, the engine delivers up to 109 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 141 Nm is available at 4,400 rpm.
New for the 2015 model is the switch to electrically-assisted power steering (EPS) which is now common in passenger cars. Assistance from the electric motor is only provided when it is needed and from the environmental point of view, it is better since no oil is used for the system. The amount of assistance varies according to the speed, greater at lower speeds for easier manoeuvring and less at higher speeds to give the driver a firmer feel.
Providing the best possible protection to occupants is a top priority for Toyota’s engineers and every model must meet 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 and for the 2015 model, there is better resistance to side impacts with anti-intrusion beams in the doors and body reinforcement.
All three variants have a SRS airbags for the driver and front occupant. The steering column is collapsible so that it will not be pushed against the driver during severe frontal collision. A reverse sensor also makes reversing safe and easy.
Of course, avoiding an accident in the first place is much better and the Rush 1.5G has effective Active Safety Systems to help the driver. The brake system has ABS (anti-lock brakes) 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.
Additional safety features in the Rush include two ISOFIX points in the second row for easy and secure fitment of compatible childseats. The power windows also have jam protection which prevents injuries if there are fingers on the window glass as it rises to close.
The new upgraded Toyota Rush launched today is available in three variants with the following on-the-road prices including GST with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia:
Rush 1.5S Automatic – RM103,300
Rush 1.5G Automatic – RM 100,300
Rush 1.5G Manual – RM98,000
Five body colour choices are available, one of which is new to the range. The colour choices are Grey Metallic (new), Champagne Metallic, White, Black Metallic and Silver Mica Metallic.
As with most models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the new Toyota Rush comes with a 36-month/100,000 kms (whichever occurs earlier after first registration) warranty, subject to conditions stated in the Owner’s Handbook. This reflects the superior build quality of Toyota vehicles wherever they are made in the world because they are all built to the same high standard.
