There’s going to be a ‘new’ Toyota Rush coming our way soon, as previewed on UMW Toyota’s website, which has the car’s specs and expected pricing. Like the current car, there will be three variants available – 1.5G Manual, 1.5G Auto and the highest spec 1.5S, which can only be had as an auto.
The drivetrain will be unchanged. The Rush is powered by the 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre VVT-i engine with 109 PS and 141 Nm of torque made at 4,400 rpm. The auto ‘box it’s mated to is a gated four-speed unit and drive goes to the rear wheels – the Rush is a 2WD. Despite the SUV looks, this seven-seater’s underpinnings are adapted from the Avanza. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear lateral rod while brakes are front discs and rear drums. All variants ride on 215/65 R16 tyres.
Spec wise, the 1.5G (RM88,190 for manual, RM91,190 for auto, OTR with insurance) models makes do with just a driver’s airbag. For ABS, EBD and passenger’s airbag one needs to look at the RM96,990 1.5S model. The ‘S’ also comes with leather steering and gear knob, power retractable wing mirrors, rear spoiler with LED brake light, fog lamps and projector headlamps.
It looks like they’ve upgraded the stereo as it’s now a 2-DIN unit with MP3/USB/AUX functions (current car’s head unit still has a cassette player!) with steering wheel controls. The interior colour scheme will be changed to “dark” from the current brown/beige. These are standard across the range.
Exterior changes should be subtle and follow that of the 2009 model year JDM Toyota Rush. The prices are slightly increased from the January 2008 launch price of RM85,888, RM88,888 and RM94,888 for the three variants.
