Toyota has just launched its all-new Rumion. I would imagine that for some owners, in time, “Rumion” may well become “Romeo”, because, as you know, Toyotas are extremely durable and trustworthy and Toyota owners love their cars. Be that as it may, as a people mover, it will replace the trusted Avanza. It is also another product which, in a sense, is shared with Suzuki. The two brands have already collaborated on the Starlet/Baleno and the Vitara Brezza/Urban Cruiser, and why should the relation stop there? Life is tough, and we need to join hands in order for all of us to benefit and move forward. 
I always refer to the MPV segment as being the ugly ducklings of the industry. Cars that offer some practical benefits, but lack the looks that pop those eyelids. That is changing, though, and I would like to think that the Avanza was the last to fall under the ugly duckling genre. The Rumion will be offered in three grades: S, SX and TX. Design The front end is quite grown up, not unlike what I would expect from a hatch or entry-level sedan. The style lines on the bonnet create focus and synergy with the grille, headlight clusters and the bumper layout and design of the fog lamps. The black inserts around this create depth and perspective. 
The side profile of MPVs is usually where the dullness presents itself, because the roofline stays constant in order to accommodate a seven-seater configuration. On the Rumion, though, this impression persists, but it is softened by a prominent design feature that runs parallel to the shoulder. At the rear, the light cluster design synchronises well with a sharpish design feature below the rear window, which just holds all the elements of the tailgate together. Hmmm! I like it! Interior At the launch, we drove the top spec. This one is aimed at the family and leisure market and offers, among other features, keyless entry with push start, chrome door handles, fog lamps and automatic air conditioner, audio with touchscreen, reverse camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. The wood trim or wood-like trim adds some differentiation. 
The interior is spacious and comfortable. The A-pillar design allows for excellent all-round visibility and plenty of light in the cabin. The short version: the interior is pleasant, practical and most certainly an improvement on the Avanza. Engine and performance All derivatives of the Rumion employ the same 1.5-litre K15B engine delivering 77kW and 138Nm. Both five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are offered depending on the derivative you buy, and Toyota claims a fuel consumption index of 6.2L/100km. I did not specifically check fuel consumption during our drive through some unfamiliar and busy suburbs because my focus was on the road and not getting lost. The engine performs well within the town environment, but of course, the stop/start-type driving does require using those gears. With only two passengers in the car, the drive was comfortable, also because of a well-balanced suspension. The many speed bumps and general road conditions presented no annoying sound or discomforting noise in the cabin. 
On the short highway stretches, the engine was quite capable and comfortable at national speed index. A fully loaded Rumion will probably dictate dropping a gear or two when the uphills present themselves. The TX is fitted with 15″ alloy wheels and all grades offer driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD as well as Isofix points, an immobiliser and alarm. Pricing: • Rumion 1.5 S: R245 600 • Rumion 1.5 SX MT: R273 500 • Rumion 1.5 SX AT: R289 200 • Rumion 1.5 TX MT: R301 600 • Rumion 1.5 TX AT: R317 200. This includes a four-service/60 000km service plan, with the service intervals pegged at 12 months/15 000km. A three-year/100 000km warranty also forms part of the offering. Conclusion I know you want an SUV and soccer moms would want even more, but the Rumion, I think, is perfect for small families or even the active individual not requiring a 4×4/all-wheel drive capacity. It is a Toyota. It is durable and need not convince anyone about anything – so for Uber and such applications, Rumion will not disappoint! Photos: MotorPress
