Roomy Toyota Rumion replaces the archaic Avanza
For more than a decade, the Toyota Avanza has been providing dependable but dreary service to local taxi- and shuttle operators, but the recent renewal of interest in compact and affordable MPVs made it imperative for Toyota to field something rather more modern in concept and execution. This is it, courtesy of alliance partner Suzuki: the Toyota Rumion.
If you can’t beat them, join them
The second-generation Ertiga has been with us for more than two years, and it’s found a small but satisfied customer base among those who want something car-like to drive, economical to run, and extremely practical. In fact, the Ertiga (of both generations) has emerged victorious over its opponents in numerous comparisons here on AutoTrader, always out-shining the Toyota Avanza whenever they came head-to-head.
So what better way to fight the Ertiga (and revitalise Toyota’s efforts in this segment) than offering an Ertiga of their own? This is exactly what Toyota has done, by having the nice folks at the Suzuki’s factory in Gurgaon (India) stick Toyota badges onto some of the Ertigas rolling off their line. The result is now available in South Africa, and gives buyers in a much more-appealing product than the van-like and crude Avanza.
Related: We reviewed the Suzuki Ertiga, and found it to be a supremely rational family vehicle.
Mechanically identical twins
Given its origins, it’s only logical that the Rumion will reflect the Ertiga’s mechanical specifications, too. Power is provided by a 1.5-litre, non-turbo petrol 4-cylinder engine, yielding 77 kW and 138 Nm, sent to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter automatic.
Toyota doesn’t quote performance figures for the Rumion (and neither does Suzuki for the Ertiga), apart from claimed top speeds of either 170 km/h (automatic) or 175 km/h (manual). But, as it is with the Ertiga, the Rumion’s fuel efficiency should be exemplary, with a claimed average consumption of only 6.2 ℓ/100 km for both gearbox types. During our (mostly traffic-bound) introductory drive, it had no problem dropping into the 6-ℓ/100 km range, so that claimed figure should be quite attainable in the real world, too.
Toyota Rumion model range and prices
Rumion 1.5 S: R 245 600
This is the entry-level derivative, but still comes with electric windows all round, air conditioning, electric remote side mirrors, colour-coded bumpers, LED taillights, Toyota Connect telematic services, and ventilated cup holders. A radio isn’t included on this trim level, however, and the 15-inch steel wheels are unadorned.
In short, the Rumion S is the workhorse variant, and the one you’ll most likely see doing Uber-, taxi-, or shuttle duties. Safety kit is the same across the range, with ABS, 2 airbags, and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors being the main attractions. A 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty round out the comprehensive (for the price) specification sheet.
Rumion 1.5 SX: R 273 500 (MT) or R 289 200 (AT)
Aimed slightly more-upmarket, the SX adds some convenience- and trim upgrades, with colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors, plastic trims for the steel wheels, and chrome highlights on the grille to distinguish it from the outside.
Inside, the kit list is elevated by a double-DIN audio system (with Bluetooth- and USB compatibility), remote central locking, electric demister for the rear windscreen, rear parking sensors, a 12V power outlet for the rear compartment, and a fan-boosted rear ventilation system with roof-mounted vents.
Rumion 1.5 TX: R 301 600 (MT) or R 317 200 (AT)
Capping the range is the Rumion TX, which adds some more nice-to-haves (and makes it even better-suited to family use). The exterior features 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and fog lamps for some added pizzazz, and the cabin upgrades the air conditioner to automatic climate control.
Other added cabin features in the TX further include a colour touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring and 6 speakers (instead of 4 in the SX), a rear-view camera, keyless entry with pushbutton start, and imitation wood trim inlays on the dashboard. Not bad for a smidge over R 300 000, and roughly in line with its Suzuki-badged equivalent.
No panel van, but better in every way
Sharp-eyed readers will undoubtedly have picked up that there’s no mention of a panel van variant (as was available in the Avanza) at all. That’s because Toyota SA has dropped this derivative due to its miniscule sales volumes of only about 20 units a month, and currently has no plans to bring in a direct replacement, either.
But, for the rest, the Rumion is superior to its predecessor in every way: it’s larger and more spacious, more practical, much nicer to drive, more economical, and better-equipped. Are we sad to see the Avanza disappear? Not really: it was hopelessly out of step with its opponents, and far too pricey for the package on offer. This “Suzota” (or is that Toyzuki?) is a most-welcome replacement, and should quickly see similar (or greater) sales success, compared to its long-lived predecessor.
