Remember the Terios? Just to jog your memory some, that was the compact SUV from Daihatsu that was available here up until March 2015 when the Japanese brand pulled out of South Africa. Something you might not remember, though, is that the compact SUV was available overseas as a Toyota derivative, named Rush.
Well, the Terios is on its way back to South Africa, but this time in that abovementioned Rush guise and priced competitively from just over R300,000.
The local launch of the new Rush is set for early next month — underlining a distinct change in strategy from Toyota South Africa as it’s increasingly looking towards Southeast Asia for a supply of more affordable products.
This was verified by the recent launch of the Indonesian built XP150 Yaris, the Avanza, a Toyota product also badged as a Daihatsu (Xenia) and produced in Karawang, Indonesia, and the Etios that’s sourced from India.
The Indonesian connection, however, is important, as the new Rush appears to share quite a few major components with the Avanza, albeit in a more SUV-like form, and is built in the same factory. Sourcing product from the same plant should help Toyota South Africa in its quest to be more price-competitive.
The compact crossover/SUV with 7-seater practicality has apparently been under consideration for local introduction since the second-generation Rush (and the third generation Terios) was launched in Indonesia late last year.
Both models are based on the Daihatsu FT Concept, first shown at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, and the DN Multisix concept car displayed at the same show in 2017. Since then it has already been made available (in both Daihatsu and Toyota guise) in Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei and the United Arab Emirates.
SUV-STYLING FOR TOYOTA RUSH
The Rush adopts some design cues from bigger SUVs in the Toyota line-up, and while the earlier first-generation model looked like a scaled-down version of the RAV4, the new addition has a definite “mini-Fortuner” look to it, entwined with some distinctive Avanza cues.
It is larger than the Avanza at 4,435 mm long (Avanza 4,140 mm), 1,695 mm wide (1,660 mm), 1,705 mm tall (1,695 mm), and has a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2685 mm versus the Avanza’s 2655 mm).
Interestingly, the Rush (like its Daihatsu counterpart) was offered with four-wheel drive in its previous incarnation, but the latest model, even while mooted as an SUV, will only be available with two-wheel drive.
Yet, unlike most of its competitors like the Honda BR-V, the Mahindra TUV300, Haval H1 and Suzuki Ertiga which are front-wheel driven, the Rush (like the Avanza) is rear-wheel driven. Also, unlike its Terios predecessor, the spare wheel on the latest Rush has been moved from the tailgate to the undercarriage.
FIVE-SEAT, HIGH SPEC
The first-generation Toyota Rush was initially only available as a five-seater, but after a facelift in 2008, it gained a long-wheelbase seven-seat version – and the latest model is only available with long wheelbase, but indications are it will locally only be available (well, initially, at least) in 5-seater guise.
The new Rush’s front is dictated by a large grille flanked by LED daytime running lamps and a high-set bonnet. The side view has considerable Avanza influence, but flared wheel arches and a slightly higher ride height (220 mm) gives it a more purposeful and resolute stance.
In normal trim (as specified for Indonesia) the Rush comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill-start assist, emergency brake signal, an engine start/stop button, 2 DIN 7-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers and an air-conditioning system with memory function.
In top-line TRD Sportivo trim (this nomenclature will not be used locally) the Rush gains sporty body cladding, unique LED tail lamp clusters, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, auto climate control air-con (in the auto version), a leather steering wheel, shift knob, dashboard and door trim, a coloured instrument panel and an eight-speaker audio system.
A “High” spec level that includes most of the TRD Sportivo trim, except the sporty body cladding, is expected for local release.
The interior is predominantly black, but there is a sprinkle of beige trim and faux stitching on the dashboard with silver accents as it shares some minor traits with its Fortuner sibling. The fascia is classic Toyota, and a strong Avanza connection is reflected by the three-row seating arrangement.
There are 12V power sockets for each of the three rows, and as in the Avanza, the blower vents for the rear passengers are located on the ceiling just above the front seats.
FAMILIAR ENGINE FOR TOYOTA RUSH
All derivatives of the Rush are powered by the same dual VVT-i 1.5-litre 2NR-VE four-cylinder petrol engine as in the Avanza. This mill, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, develops 77 kW at 6,000 r/min and 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 r/min. Unfortunately, however, no torque(y) diesel models are on the cards.
According to dealer-bulletin pricing for the five-speed manual, it will set you back R302 900, while the four-speed automatic model will cost R316 600.
As a compact family crossover, this newcomer will surely offer more practicality and versatility at a lower price than the C-HR and RAV4, and it could prove even more popular than the evergreen Avanza…Report by FERDI DE VOS
