TOYOTA Avanza served as South Africa's first affordable reasonably-sized people mover. Featuring compact dimensions, a simple fuel-efficient engine line-up and seven-seat carrying capacity - the Avanza immediately found favour with Mzansi (for both business and leisure use).

Now after two generations, the trusted Avanza makes way for the Toyota Rumion. The Toyota Rumion brings with it a host of product improvements - specifically catered to the evolving needs of customers in the smaller MPV segment.

The Toyota Rumion represents the third product of the Toyota and Suzuki strategic alliance. Following the Starlet and Urban Cruiser, which have achieved significant sales success in just a short space of time, the Toyota Rumion is poised to follow in its siblings’ footsteps.

The newcomer keeps the same product concept, compact dimensions, a four-cylinder petrol engine, seven-seater layout and good ground clearance. A noteworthy change is the switch to a front-wheel-drive layout - which brings with it improved fuel economy, better packaging and reduced mechanical componentry.

The front design employs a trapezoidal radiator grille, with the familiar three-horizontal-slat design and centrally-mounted Toyota ellipse. These are flanked by large tapered headlamps with a large lower apron, which houses stylised air vents and fog lamp surrounds (where fitted).

Concept & Design

The side features a prominent crease line extending from the front fender to the rear taillamps, which is joined by an asymmetric rear window, adding a touch of visual flair. In the rear, large vertical LED taillamps with L-shaped lens extensions create a squared off look. The stylised lower bumper mimics the front design, adding a sense of cohesion and width.

A choice of five exterior colours are on offer: Mystic Pearl White, Azure Blue, Seal Grey Metallic, Autumn Blaze Red and Shadow Black Pearl.

All Toyota Rumion models employ the 1.5-litre K15B engine which delivers 77kW and 138Nm. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are offered (grade-dependant). The fuel consumption figure checks in at 6.2 l/100 km (a slight improvement over the 1.5 Avanza) for both transmission types.
CO2 emissions register as 146 and 147 g/km, while top speed is quoted as 175 and 170 km/h km, for the manual and auto respectively.

The Toyota Rumion retains the existing three grade line-up; S, SX and TX. The S-grade model is aimed at customers requiring pure functional use at a low price point, the SX offers a balance between affordability and comfort, while the TX grade is aimed at the leisure buyer requiring enhanced comfort and convenience.

The S-grade features hard-wearing black exterior mirrors and radiator grille, colour-coded bumpers and high-mounted LED brake light. The interior is finished in durable textile trim with a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, and 60/40 folding second row seating. A unique feature of the cabin are the ventilated cupholders up front (allowing beverages to retain cold or heat). A 12-volt power outlet (front), electric windows, tilt-adjustable steering column and air-conditioner are also provided.

The mid-tier SX adds colour-coded door handles, colour-coded retractable exterior mirrors with power adjustment, chrome treatment for the radiator grille and a rear-window wiper. Remote central locking, a rear-window demister, additional rear 12-volt power outlet, steering switches, park distance control (PDC) and rear air-conditioner amplify the convenience factor.

SX and TX models also boast a double-din audio system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux interfaces playing through four speakers. Toyota Connect is available across the range (even on the S-grade sold without audio) which offers telematics services, Wi-Fi hotspot (including complimentary 15Gb data) and vehicle health status. The above can be accessed via the MyToyota App on any smartphone.