Toyota SA poised to launch "baby Fortuner"

[PRICE UPDATE BELOW]

Few local motorists will know that the Daihatsu Terios, a small SUV that was discontinued from the local market in 2015, was the sister product of a model named the Toyota Rush (even though Daihatsu is no longer represented in South Africa, the brand belongs in the Toyota stable).

Following the sighting of the consignment of Rushes by Cars.co.za journalist and photographer Gero Lilleike, it appears pretty certain that the Terios will make a “comeback”, but as a Toyota product, in South Africa.

#TriedAndTested: VW Tiguan Allspace 2.0TDI 4Motion Comfortline

Ilse van den Berg  8 Jun 2018

Late last year, a Toyota South Africa Motors spokesperson confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new Rush had been "earmarked for a market feasibility study”, but added, “we cannot at this stage confirm local market suitability yet.”

It appears, however, that the local introduction of the seven-seater, rear-wheel-driven, Rush is now inevitable.

Sporty black cladding, distinctive tail lamp clusters and a raised ride height give the TRD Sportivo package a rugged look.

The most natural rival to the Rush (along with the Suzuki Ertiga and Mahindra TUV300) is the Honda BR-V.

The Rush is 4.435m long, 1.695m wide and 1.705m high, which means its 21mm shorter, 40mm narrower and 39mm taller and, by virtue of having a 2.685m-long wheelbase, the Toyota offers an extra 23mm over that of the Honda.

Flagship Audi Q8 revealed

Gero Lilleike  5 Jun 2018

Apart from the fact that the Rush offers family car buyers the practicality of three rows of seats, many will be attracted to its “baby Fortuner” appearance.

Shown here in TRD Sportivo spec, the Rush’s front view is dominated by a large grille flanked by LED daytime running lamps and a high-set bonnet. The profile view admittedly looks a bit more generic, but flared wheel arches and black cladding makes the newcomer appear purposeful.

Top-spec versions could feature 17-inch alloys, electric mirrors with integrated indicators and LED tail lamps.

The top-of-the-range automatic version of the Rush features automatic climate control.

Inside, the cabin features a black-and-beige trim combination and familiar Toyota fascia architecture, replete with a 7-inch touchscreen-operated audio system, automatic climate control, keyless entry, start-stop button and 12V outlets for each of the three rows. Bear in mind that the South African-spec Rush, or whatever it will be called here, will probably have a different trim specification.

The Rush is powered by a 77kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrol motor paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels, as is the case with the Avanza. However, the former offers 220mm ground clearance, which is slightly more than its sibling and, in Indonesia, features ABS with EBD, six airbags, vehicle stability control and hill start assist.

The Rush certainly makes a case for itself as a compact family car/small crossover that offers more practicality at a lower price point than the C-HR. So, watch this space, folks.

Toyota Rush price in South Africa

UPDATE: Since this story broke, we can now announce pricing for the Toyota Rush, thanks to a post on Instagram. The dealer at Freeway Toyota was also offering free smash and grab, leather seats and an extended warranty as part of a launch promotion. We'll have more info at this vehicle's launch in the next 2 weeks.

• Toyota Rush High MT: R302,900
  
• Toyota Rush High AT: R316,600

This article was originally published on Cars.co.za.