Updated Toyota Rush for 2011

Like the Vios, the Rush is a unique model in the Toyota world, having been developed mainly for Asian markets. Like the RAV4 which created the new generation of compact SUVs in the mid-1990s, the Rush is also a cleverly designed product which shares many parts with other models. This has kept its production cost down and made it affordable in markets which are price-sensitive.

Conceived as a ‘Recreational Urban SUV’, the Rush offers the advantages of a small passenger car (fuel economy and maneuverability) with those of a SUV such as the high seating position and greater ground clearance. It doesn’t
have 4WD but that seems to be less relevant to buyers of such vehicles nowadays anyway.

After a couple of years in the market, it’s time for an update and the latest version now in the showrooms comes with a choice of five body colours, of which three are new (Champagne Metallic, White and Grey Metallic). Black Mica and Silver Mica Metallic are the other two.

The latest Rush, still imported in CBU form from Toyota’s Indonesian factory, has cosmetic changes to emphasize its tough and rugged image while retaining the modern and distinct form which is somewhat curvaceous. The noticeable difference is in the new grille complemented by a new front bumper with restyled integrated foglamp housings (1.5S variant). The overall looks of the rear end of the Rush, with its wraparound glass, remain the same but there is now a new bumper with a restyled protector plate and newly-designed combination lights.

In keeping with the SUV image, the spare wheel is hung on the rear door and protected by a custom-designed cover that has a lock. Having the spare wheel on the door is more convenient than being slung underneath where it also gets dirty. The door is side-hinged, a rare feature these days, but which has its benefits as you can still open it slightly in tight spots to put things in. With a top-hinged rear door, you might be unable to lift it open if you are parked too close to a wall.

The Rush has a clean and functional cabin which now adopts a dark grey colour theme in place of the previous light ivory colour. Apparently, this change was prompted by feedback from owners who probably found it hard to keep the light-coloured upholstery clean, especially if they used the Rush for recreational activities.

With the change in the interior colour theme, items such as the door trim, carpet mats, teh tarik hook (still the best design offered by a carmaker) and centre console box have also had their colour changed to match. Likewise, the instrument panel has also received some changes to better coordinate with the new cabin colour. The gearknob is also new, both in colour and design.

On the centre part of the dashboard, the console panel has been redesigned and now has an analogue-styled presentation for the audio system area. The audio system has also been upgraded to a 2-DIN type and is compatible with mp3 and WMA music formats. Portable music players and USB thumbdrives can now be connected to the unit so that personal selections of music can be played.

Responding to customer requests for more flexibility, the new Rush now has a 50:50 split backrest for the third row of seats. This allows for partial folding of the third row backrest so that one person can be seated while extra luggage (or long items) 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.

The new Rush also comes with Toyota Standard Solar Film. This film, approved by the JPJ, is said to cut ultraviolet transmission into the cabin by 99% while hot infra-red radiation is cut by up to 40%. UMW Toyota Motor gives assurance that the film does not interfere with signals from Smartag devices so you don’t have to stick your hand out of the window at the toll plaza. The film is installed by UMW Toyota Motor’s accessories division so a high quality of workmanship is assured.

The suspension of the Rush comprises independent MacPherson struts in front (with a stabilizer bar) and a live axle located by 4 links at the rear with coil springs. For the latest model, the suspension is said to be slightly improved for better shock absorption, increasing ride comfort for the occupants.
 

The Rush continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC VVT-i petrol engine. It produces 109 ps of power at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 141 Nm is available at 4400 rpm. A marginal improvement has been made to fuel efficiency through optimization of the air-conditioning system while noise levels have been reduced at high speeds (100 – 120 km/h range). For the latter improvement, insulation has been added in the dashboard area and a resonator has also been fitted to the air-cleaner.

Though lower-cost in production, the Rush still has to meet Toyota’s stringent in-house safety standards which are collectively known as GOA – for Global Outstanding Assessment. GOA primarily relates to the body structure which must be able to prevent the impact forces of an accident from harming the occupants. The Rush bodyshell is fully GOA-certified, a requirement before any model can be offered for sale. Pedestrian safety is also considered and the exterior of the front end is shaped to minimize the impact to a pedestrian’s head and legs, reducing serious injuries in many cases. An SRS airbag for the driver is standard with the Rush 1.5S having an additional one for the front passenger as well. Active Safety Systems in Rush 1.5S include ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)

A 36-month/100,000 kms (whichever occurs earlier after first registration) warranty is provided for the Rush which has the following prices in Peninsular Malaysia:

 

Downloadable pricelists for East Malaysia in PDF format: 

Sabah     |   Sarawak

More information on the latest Rush can be obtained from Toyota showrooms nationwide, by calling the Toyota Freephone 1-800-8-TOYOTA (1-800-8-869682) or visiting www.toyota.com.my .

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