Most drivers on our roads will recognise the Toyota Avanza, the seven-seater people mover small MPV which has been on our roads for two generations. Well now the Avanza has made way for the Toyota Rumion a much-improved vehicle catering to evolving customer’s needs and a good fit for both leisure and business customers. This will be the third joint venture with Suzuki following the success of the “Starlet” and “Urban Cruiser”, both of which have achieved significant sales levels in a short space of time.
The newcomer retains the winning features, compact dimensions, four-cylinder engine and seven seat configuration. The main change is the switch from a front-wheel-drive layout bringing improved fuel economy, better packaging and reduced mechanical componentry. The front end boasts the trapezoidal radiator grille with the familiar three-horizontal-slat design and centrally mounted Toyota ellipse. Tapered headlamps flank the grille and a large lower apron houses stylish air vents and fog lamps. From the rear the large LED taillamps with L-shaped lens extensions create a squared off look. The lower rear bumper mimics the design of the front bumper adding a sense of cohesion.
Five exterior colours are available, Mystic Pearl White, Azure Blue, Seal Grey Metallic, Autumn Blaze Red and Shadow Black Pearl.
Every Rumion model is driven by the 1.5-litre K15B engine which delivers 77kW and 138Nm. You can have a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The fuel consumption is a reasonable 6.2L/100km which is a slight improvement over the Avanza. Top speed of 175km/hr for the manual and 170km/hr for the auto.
Buyers can choose between the S, SX or TX. Starting with the S this is for customers who require a pure functional vehicle and the best price point. The SX offers a balance between functionality and comfort. Lastly the TX is aimed at leisure buyers looking for enhanced comfort and convenience.
Going back to the S, the features are black exterior mirrors and black radiator grille, colour-coded bumpers, and high mounted LED brake lights. The interior is finished in durable textile trim and a three-spoke urethane steering wheel and 60/40 folding second row seating. This variant is well suited as a “Uber” vehicle or business transport.
The SX adds colour-coded door handles, colour coded retractable exterior mirrors with power adjustment. The exterior grille changes to chrome and the rear window wiper are also in chrome. Remote central locking, rear-window demister, 12-volt power outlet, steering wheel switches. Park-distance control and rear air conditioning complete the extra SX features.
SX and TX models feature double-din audio system with Bluetooth. USB, and AUX interfaces playing through four speakers. The top spec TX model offers specifications aimed at the family buyer, keyless entry, chrome door handles, fog lamps, automatic air conditioning, reverse camera, and CarPlay and Android Auto.
S-grade models have steel wheels, SX use the same wheels with stylish hubcaps and the TX models have 15’ alloy wheels. (All models have a full-size spare wheel).
Airbags, ABS, EBS, mobiliser, alarm and ISOFIX points are standard on all models.
Retail Prices
Rumion 1.5 S R245 600
Rumion 1,5 SX MT R273 500
Rumion 1.5 SX AT R289 200
Rumion 1.5 TX MT R301 600
Rumion 1.5 TX AT R317 200
Four service/60 000km service plan is standard. (Every 12 months or 15 000km). 3-year/100 000km warranty. Serviced at 220 outlets nationwide.
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