PETALING JAYA: The Rush compact SUV has received some cosmetic changes in an effort by Toyota “to give it a tougher yet sporty image while retaining its modern and distinct form.”
Three variants are offered: Rush 1.5S Automatic at RM103,300; Rush 1.5G Automatic at RM 100,300; and Rush 1.5G Manual at RM98,000.
The bumper, radiator grille and bonnet have been revised, with a carbon fibre-like finishing and a 2-tone effect on the bumper.
Highlights in the form of a chrome lining stretches across the headlamp and radiator grille.
To differentiate the Rush 1.5S and 1.5G, the latter has a LED positioning light at the base of the headlamp. The Rush 1.5S gets integrated foglamps to provide additional illumination at night.
The rear end, with its wraparound glass, remain the same but there is now a bumper profile with restyled combination lights using LEDs and a smoked lens.
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 has 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). The engine delivers up to 108hp at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 141Nm at 4,400rpm.
New for the 2015 model is the switch to electrically-assisted power steering (EPS) which is now common in passenger cars.
The GOA-complaint chassis has been improved to better resist side impacts with anti-intrusion beams in the doors and body reinforcement.
All three variants come with two airbags, collapsible steering column and reverse sensor.
The Active Safety System in the Rush 1.5G includes ABS (anti-lock brakes) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
A portable tyre pump is included in case of punctures.
Five body colour choices are available: Champagne Metallic, White, Black Metallic and Silver Mica Metallic and a new Grey Metallic colour.
Keyword: Toyota Rush updated