The rush for the all-new Toyota Rush unveiled by Toyota Nigeria Limited in January this year to bridge the gap between the demand for SUV and saloon models by the buying public appears to be looking gaining traction according to the pulse gauged by our reporter from the dealer networks of the brand across the country.
Recall that Toyota Nigeria Limited last January moved to quench the apetite of new car enthusiasts and especially Toyota faithfuls looking for an elegant but affordable small sport utility vehicle with the unveiling of the Toyota Rush to the nation’s automobile market.
Bringing it into the market to tackle rivals like the Huyndai Creta and Ford Edge was aimed at meeting the aspirations of individuals that love the comfort of the status of an SUV with excellent drive and an affordable price. The latest model was the third generation with an overall length of 4435mm and overall width of 1705mm
Barely 90 days after that historic, market indicators as to the request for the the new entrant with a sales projection of between 200 and 300 units this year appears to be looking bullish. Authorities at TNL say it expects the new Rush compact SUV to be ab instant success.
Managing Director of TNL, Kunle Ade-Ojo had said during the product launch in Lagos that the introduction of the vehicle was born out of an extensive research and the persistent demand for the model by lovers of the Toyota brand. The vehicle, which is available in three variants, fuses dynamic energy with sharp elegant styling.
The Rush adopts some design cues from bigger SUVs in the Toyota line-up. 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 Avanza cues.
It is larger than the Avanza at 4,435mm long (Avanza 4,140mm), 1, 695mm wide (Avanza 1,660mm), 1,705mm tall (Avanza 1,695mm), and has a 30mm longer wheelbase (2,685mm versus the Avanza’s 2,655mm).
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 (220mm) that combines effectively to give it a more purposeful and resolute stance.
In terms of the safety kit, the Rush impresses with its ‘Safe-T Plus’ package that includes six airbags, a blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, vehicle stability control and Pre-Collision System.
The last item is exclusive to the 1.5S and operates like most autonomous emergency braking systems by first alerting the driver at speeds of 4-100 km/h (vehicles)/4-50 km/h (pedestrians) when an imminent collision is ahead.
MIKE OCHONMA
