Toyota Rush

Instead of looking dated, the updated interior looks more symmetrical and is of contemporary design. Majorly black in colour, the cabin is very well complemented by silver and chrome accents. Moreover, the leather upholstery adds to the premium touch.  

The cabin is stretched across a 2,685 mm long wheelbase that can accommodate three-row configuration quite comfortably. Though the boot space is a bit tight with the third row in place, it could be expanded to 514 litres by folding it completely. The headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are comfortable at both ends; however, the third is good enough for teenagers.

Toyota has loaded the SUV with a number of convenient bits, including a single-zone air-con with vents for the front as well as rear passengers, 13 cup-holders, and electric sockets for charging electrical devices. For entertainment, the SUV incorporates a 6.8-inch display with USB, AUX, Bluetooth, and USB mirroring. Other technical bits include Toyota AutoTag built-in SmartTAG, and digital video recorder and keyless entry, and start. The 3-spoke steering wheel houses audio controls, while the instrument console comes with analogue speedometer, tachometer and digital indicators for fuel and other important information. 

Toyota Rush carries an aggressive exterior design theme with a front end inspired by the bigger sibling, the Toyota Fortuner. Upfront, there is a tapered, four-slat grille edged by slim LED headlamps along with LED DRLs. Below that, there are fog lights, faux inlets, and intake in the centre. The square-like bonnet gives it a meaner stance, while the bold creases are completely matched with its bold looks. 

On the sides, the body cladding adds to its MPV-SUV look. A crease starts from the front and goes all way to the back before converging near the tail lamps. The SUV rides on 17-inch alloy rims fitted with 215/60 tyres further enhance its rugged appearance. At the rear end, wrap-around taillights integrate with black window trims; there is black cladding and also a skid-plate present like the front. 

Dimension-wise, Toyota Rush measures 4,435 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, 1,705 mm tall, and has a wheelbase measuring 2,685 mm. The five different colours choices include Blue, White, Titanium Silver, Dark Grey, and Metallic Green. 

At the front, the suspension system of the Toyota Rush carries MacPherson struts with stabilizer and coil spring, while at the rear there is axle type with 5-link along with lateral od and coil spring. For braking, the automaker equipped the SUV with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Moreover, the all-electric power steering ensures that there are no hiccups while maneuvering the crossover. It sits 220 mm above the surface, which indicates smooth handling even on a bumpy road.  

Under the hood, Toyota Rush gets a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an automatic start/stop function. The same powertrain can also find under the bonnets of the Avanza and the Perodua Myvi. It produces 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. A four-speed torque converter automatic transmission is there to transfer the power to the rear wheels. 

The added dual VVT-i results in better fuel efficiency, the SUV claimed to deliver 15.6 kmpl, which is quite impressive by the standards of three-row SUVs.

Toyota and safety go hand-in-hand. With a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, Toyota Rush safety features include 6 SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, emergency stop signal, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, and a pre-collision system. Adding to all these features are front and rear parking sensors, auto door locks, ISOFIX Child safety mounts, immobiliser, cabin sensor, and a Siren with a backup battery.

With all these exquisite features and attractive design, Toyota Rush has a certain buzz that's not going to fade anytime soon. Plus, a fuel-efficient engine suited for all kinds of roads is a cherry on the cake. Whether it is shopping stint in the city or an adventure in the countryside, Toyota Rush is the mate you would love to have along.