Toyota pulls the plug on Rush in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Toyota Rush, known for its versatility and robust design, has been among the budget-friendly three-row SUVs available in the Malaysian market. However, it seems like UMW Toyota has decided to say goodbye to this model, given its recent removal from the company's official website.

While Toyota has pulled the plug on the Rush, its Perodua counterpart, the Aruz is still being manufactured and remains on sale for now. 

The Rush was a big vehicle measuring 4435 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, and 1705 mm in height and had a wheelbase of 2685 mm. No wonder it had proper seating for seven occupants with a generous amount of space for everyone. The ground clearance of the SUV was 220 mm, which offered a commanding driving position and aided in handling the car smoothly on bumpy roads, rough terrain, or potholes. In short, the Rush had a mild off-road capability.

The SUV was offered in two variants in the local market - G and S, priced at RM 93,000, and 97,000, respectively. Both trims were powered by the same 1.5-litre inline-four naturally-aspirated engine that produces a maximum power of 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm. 

The engine was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. It allowed the SUV to hit the 100 kmph mark in 13 seconds and clock a top speed of 175 kmph. 

Standard equipment kit of the Malaysia-spec Toyota Rush included full-LED headlights, fog lamps, LED turn signals, 17-in alloy wheels, Smart entry and start system, automatic AC with rear blower, 6.8-in infotainment display with USB, AUX, Bluetooth, USB mirroring, 6 speakers, 2 USB charging ports, digital video recorder, panoramic view monitor, 6 SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors.

With the discontinuation of the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush, the affordable 7-seater SUVs that you can now buy in Malaysia are the Perodua Aruz, Perodua Alza, and Toyota Veloz.

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