2018 Toyota Rush launched in the Philippines

MANILA: We predicted earlier this year that Toyota’s new MPV would land on our shores in Q2 of 2018. And as expected, the all-new 2018 Toyota Rush is finally here in the Philippines. The new Rush first made an appearance at the 2017 Indonesian Motor Show and since then its design, performance, and variants are a matter of discussion for the auto enthusiasts.

As mentioned in our pre-launch report, the 2018 Rush carries the best of two worlds, SUVs and MPVs. How, if you may ask? Well, on one hand, it displays the functionality and ruggedness of a Sports Utility Vehicle, on the other, it shares the spaciousness and practicality of a Multi-Utility Vehicle. Looking at its design and performance aesthetics, the Rush is fully-abled to go against the like of Honda BR-V and the all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Xpander.

As it's the first time for Rush in the Philippines, it’s better to introduce it bit-by-bit, so that prospective MPV buyers get to know it better. Starting with the dimension spec, when we put the 2018 Rush under the measuring scale following numbers came out -

Length - 4435 mm

Width - 1695 mm

Height - 1705 mm

Wheelbase - 2655 mm

Ground Clearance - 220 mm

Toyota has worked extensively on the designing front and tried giving Rush a sporty look, somewhat close to the Fortuner one can say. The four-slated all-black grille along with sleek headlights give Rush an SUV like appearance. The 17-inch alloy wheels and black plastic body cladding on the side further add to its beauty. Giving this car a perfect wrap are the horizontal tail lamp and tailgate spoiler.

The cabin of the new Rush is all hip and happening, thanks to the modern tech inserted by Toyota. Adding to its plush feel is the dual-tone dashboard with faux stitching and silver accents. It’s not just the looks, but making the cabin truly upscale is the long list of features it adorns like - automatic climate control, 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment system, multi-info display, engine start/stop button, and multi-functional steering wheel with audio controls.

On the mechanical front, the 2018 Rush runs on a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE four-cylinder mill. Tuned with Dual VVT-i technology, this engine produces a maximum power of 104 PS at 6000 rpm along with a peak torque of 142 Nm at 4200 rpm. Buyers can choose between five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission options, both send power to the rear wheels.

Toyota Rush is offered in two variants, E and G. While the former is a five-seater, the later one gets a seven-seat layout. Also, included in the package is a sportier-looking Rush with TRD treatment.

Toyota Rush is available in six color options - Silver Mica Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic, and Bordeaux Mica Metallic.

Variants and price of the all-new 2018 Rush -

2018 Toyota Rush 1.5 E M/T - Php 948,000

2018 Toyota Rush 1.5 E A/T - Php 988,000

2018 Toyota Rush 1.5 G A/T - Php 1.070,000