Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) on Tuesday launched into the nation’s market the all-new Toyota Rush, which is available in three variants, including 1.5G and 1.5S – with prices estimated to start from N12Million.
Addressing journalists at a press launch held at TNL showroom, Lekki, Lagos, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo said the launch of the new Rush was his company’s response to customers’ desire for a vehicle that would bridge the gap between the upper class SUVs and salon category.
“A beauty to behold,” he explained, “it favourably competes within its segment on the platform of elegance, price and the enviable Toyota family heritage. A heritage built on trust, the will to continually satisfy customers and customer safety which is paramount.
According to Ade-Ojo, the nation’s inclement economic landscape, rather than deterring TNL, has positively impacted on its creativity in responding to the demands of its customers all over Nigeria.
“And we will continue to push the frontiers of technology to keep our customers satisfied and also uphold our culture of excellence,” he assured
Models available in Nigeria include 1.5 Automatic Fabric mid Grade, 1.5 Automatic Fabric High Grade and 1.5 Automatic Leather High Grade.
Styling
Known for its bold yet fresh design language that never fails to make an impression, the Rush comes with impressive features like projector headlamps, dual-tone grille, LED taillights and more that makes the machine a head turner.
Designers of the new car adopted Stylish aluminium wheels suitable for SUV as well as low rotational resistance tires, which is bound to contribute to good fuel efficiency
While the two mid-grade come with 16-inch alloy rim wrapped with 215/65 profile tyres, the Automatic High Grade variant rides on 17-inch alloy rim wrapped with 215/60profile tyres. The 1.5 S version of the new Rush shows off a segmented lower apron with faux inlet and circular fog lamps located in the corners, just as the middle segment accommodates the actual intake.
Towards the rear end of the car is a wraparound LED taillight which touches part of the roof spoiler, that is the black window trim.
Redesigned with long cabin and robust body to enhance dynamic styling, the new Toyota Rush is bigger than its predecessor, measuring 4435 mm in length, 1695mm in width and 1705mm in height. It also comes with a ground clearance of 220mm.
Prospective buyers of the car are presented with colour options, including: R54 DARK RED MC, 3Q3 DARK RED M.M. , W09 WHITE , 4T3 BRONZE M.M, 1E7 SILVER M.M., X12 BLACK ME.
Comfort and Space
The Rush’s interior has received an overhaul. Compared to the previous model, it comes with bold and high quality interior, spotting a more contemporary and symmetrical design. It offers great boot space and grants impressive headroom and legroom, allowing occupants to take long journeys at ease. Behind the wheel, Rush provides good Visibility, as it is designed in such a way that it gives the driver a great view of the road ahead.
Similar to the version it replaced, the new Rush comfortably seats seven with a layout of two in front, three in the middle and two at the rear. While the second row follows a 60:40 split; third row is 50:50. When third row backrest is folded down, you have 217 litres of storage space. And when tumbled up, the space increases to 514 litres.
Safety
The new Rush’s brake is equipped with the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) functions.
The essence of ABS is, in an event of sudden braking, the maximum braking power is produced without locking tires. This system helps prevent a lateral slip of the vehicle, secure steerability, and maintain tire grip.
While VSC suppresses deflecting or spinning of the vehicle in cornering, or unstable behaviour caused by a rapid change of road surface.
The car also provides a three-point seat belt for the center seat in the first row of rear seat to ensure safety for all passengers
To ensure high level of passenger safety, the nw generation Toyota Rush is equipped with front, side and curtain shield air bags.
While the body structure features a high level of safety in the event of a side impact as well as a frontal impact, considering pedestrian protection.
For pedestrian protection, the vehicle already complies with the pedestrian protection law UN-R127 planned to be introduced in 2020.
Enough distance between high solid parts (e.g. engine) and hood panel is secured to keep a stroke required for energy absorption in order to protect heads of pedestrians (adult/child).
The optimum shape of each part and use of foamed polystyrene protect legs of pedestrians from injury.
Equipment
The car comes with push Start, Keyless entry, Touch Screen Audio (Display Audio), Bluetooth, Reverse Camera, Rear sensor, Rear AC control and vents and Collapsible side mirrors. It is also equipped with Air conditioning with Rear AC controls.
Power
The new Rush is powered by a 1.5L in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) provides enough power and good fuel efficiency.
Dual VVT-i is a system that continuously optimizes the timing of intake and exhaust valve operation in accordance with driving conditions to provide a high level of engine performance in every operation area. This technology ensures engine performance as well as contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency and lowered emissions.
Finale
According to TNL boss the new generation Toyota Rush is targeted at inspirational individuals that love the comfort and status of an SUV with excellent drive and affordable price.
“It is no exaggeration that the rich pedigree of this model already imbues it with outstanding attributes peculiar only to all its siblings in our model line-up,” he added
The Rush is being pitched against the likes of Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and others in that category, which had been on sale in Nigeria.
