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A new compact SUV lifestyle
Unknown to me until I spotted it; a tiny metal manufacturer’s tag on the Toyota Rush test vehicle had the Daihatsu name displayed on it, not Toyota. Yes, the two got into bed and produced this more compact and updated rehash of the Fortuner – a small good looking SUV for a wider market appeal.
Rush has a rather good looking grille featuring wide horizontal slats, stylish crease lines flowing from the front wheels to the rear tail-lamp and twin hood bulges are main highlights. The twin hood bulges and stylish 17" wheels with slanting spokes on 215-60-R17 tyres add to the rugged overall image.
There is an array of safety features includes VSC, ABS, Hill Assist Control including passive features in case of collision - six airbags, driver, passenger and side airbags. Also included is a smart entry system, alarm and immobiliser and auto door lock function.
The interior has strong symmetrical shapes with the upper dashboard housing a touch-screen, Bluetooth, USB and Android. The lower one contains dual electronic climate control, 12-volt accessory connection, storage area and centrally mounted multi info display. Seats are in patterned black fabric with complementing durable patterned fabric inlays on the doors.
On the road, it proved lively and able in both road handling and cornering abilities via the positive steering feel. However, the suspension proved tad bumpy over rougher surfaces but handy in off-road conditions via the 220mm ride height - and when the 600mm wading depth is added and you end up with a fine stream-crosser too.
The McPherson strut setup at the front and particularly the Multilink layout at the rear are the mainstays of fine handing qualities. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder twin-cam engine with VVTi cam timing is lively but a tad noisy, revving easily and smoothly to 6000rpm. However it could certainly do with a 5th gear. Fuel economy is ample at 6.9l/100km.
QUICK TEST: Toyota Rush 1.5 S
Engine: 77kW 316Nm 1496cc petrol I4
Drive: 5-speed manual RWD
TESTED: (1500m ASL)
0-100km/h: 15.2 sec
400m: 19.7 sec @ 111.4km/h
80-120km/h: 13.78 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 165km/h
Fuel: 6.6 l/100km
CO2: 156 g/km
Warranty/Service 3y 100K/6 service 90Kkm
LIST PRICE: R305K
RATED: 80%