The 2018 Toyota Rush could make it to the Indian shores this year. Though there is still no concrete confirmation from the automaker. We believe, that with its features and specifications, it could be the ideal rival for the Hyundai Creta.
Should Toyota launch the 2018 Rush in India? We believe that this urban SUV from the Japanese automaker will be a perfect fit in the compact SUV space in India. Furthermore, it could just emerge as the ideal rival for the current segment leader Hyundai Creta. The Toyota Rush is sold in the international markets in a 7-seater avatar. India has shown great appreciation for utility vehicles from Toyota. The Fortuner and the Innova are live examples. Can the Rush make it a hattrick for the automaker in India? Does it make sense to launch the vehicle in this version? Or should Toyota chop it down and launch a 5-seater version for Indian buyers? We try to find out in this report.
Design
The 2018 Toyota Rush is based on the automaker’s TNGA platform. In addition to this, its exterior profile takes inspiration from the Daihatsu DN TREC Concept. In simple words, the exterior profile of the Rush is very attractive and is bound to appeal to the Indian population. The latest iteration of this SUV has a very aggressive stance which gives it a dominating appearance. There is a generous use of chrome on various exterior body panels, giving the vehicle a premium feel. Not only this, it comes with plastic claddings and faux skid plates to further add to the SUV aesthetics. In comparison to the Hyundai Creta, The Toyota Rush looks a lot more rugged and will have a better road presence.
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Interiors
One of the major reasons for the huge success of the Hyundai Creta is its premium quality interiors. In the current generation Rush, the cabin is very plush. Hence, it comes with all the creature comforts that one would expect from an urban SUV. For instance, it gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and high-quality fabric upholstery. Toyota is one manufacturer will always make very practical vehicles. Hence, the cabin of the 2018 Rush comes with very good ergonomics. There are a lot of storage spaces and cubby holes to keep one’s stuff. Furthermore, in its international 7-seater guise, the Rush is very spacious as well.
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Features
Another big reason for the popularity of the Hyundai Creta in India is that it offers a host of features onboard. The 2018 Toyota Rush is going to be at par in terms of offering features. Consequently, it comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, steering mounted controls to name a few. Other features include:
- Start-Stop Button
- Keyless Entry
- Bluetooth/USB/Aux-in Support
- 6 Speakers
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
- Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather-wrapped Gear Knob
- Rear AC Blower
Engine Specifications
The previous generation of the Toyota Rush did not have a diesel engine in its line-up. This is primarily of the major reason why Toyota did not bring it to India. Consequently, this time, if and when the Rush comes to India, it is bound to have both petrol as well as diesel derivatives. The petrol version will get a 1.5-litre engine. This engine is capable of producing 107 BHP of power along with 141 Nm of peak torque. While the diesel variants will come with a 1.4-litre oil-burner. This engine is going to churn out 100 BHP of power along with 220 Nm of peak torque. The petrol derivatives will have a 5-speed manual gearbox. While the diesel motor is going to get a 6-speed manual unit. Furthermore, the compact SUV is going to come with an automatic gearbox as well, ideally in both petrol and diesel guises.
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Prices
We expect the prices of the 2018 Toyota Rush to fall in the range of INR 9 lakh to 14 lakh. This will put this vehicle right in the centre of the compact SUV segment in India. Hence, making it offer a tough competition to the likes of Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster.
Conclusion
So, does the Toyota Rush feels like a genuine contender for the Hyundai Creta? Well, in all honesty, it does indeed. It gets an attractive exterior profile, good quality interiors and a lot of features. Furthermore, being a Toyota, it is bound to be price competitive as well. Toyota is likely to launch the Rush in India by the end of this year. If it does, things will get quite interesting in the compact SUV segment in India.
