Toyota Rumion: The automotive market is always changing, ever flowing and moving with the shifting tides of consumer preference, and the new Rumion from Toyota seems like the natural evolution of the 30-year tradition of practical, economic family transportation.
It’s a small car and a utility vehicle, two assets that don’t always go well together, but which Toyota has managed to combine to its advantage in that while it boasts the utility expected of a vehicle of this ilk, it’s also very keen to entice you with a dose of sophistication.
Toyota Rumion: trategic Positioning
The Rumion has been developed as part of Toyota’s OEM business with Suzuki in which the two companies make use of one another’s resources to meet regional needs.
While all of this typically tends to raise fears of badge engineering, Toyota has taken steps to dress up the vehicle with a unique look and fitment finish that just about fits in its stable.
This not only enables Toyota to have a strong contender in MPV segment, but also helps reduce development costs as a bespoke super low volume product would be hard to justify in the current competitive climate we find ourselves in.
Practical Design Philosophy
The Rumion’s styling shifts the focus more on functionality, but remains true to Toyota’s overall design philosophy.
The tall, boxy architecture delivers the most interior space—basically the most important thing in a segment like this—while wide-opening sliding rear doors afford unmatched levels of access to the cabin, including in those oh-god-did-I-just-park-in-that-spot situations.
Up front, the facial treatment echoes Toyota’s familial design theme with racks of slim headlamps on either side of a grille of distinctive but not outsized proportions, resulting in an understated appearance considering the vehicle’s functional purpose.
The overall size lies between interior space and ease of use in the city. You wouldn’t, not until you realized the Toyota Rumion measures less than 14 and a half feet long yet is twice the car that those sedans are on the inside. Taller ride height allow higher visibility and easier entry and exit without sacrificing stability.
Interior Excellence
And the place the Rumion really does shine, is in the interior design, reputable blandness is turned into phenomenal.
The three-row seating is for seven occupants, with the middle row of more expensive trim levels having captain’s chairs that slide and recline independently. This arrangement provides a class-above feel and adds versatility for a range of passengers and cargo.
A driver-friendly dashboard attuned to everyday driving is placed within easy reach of the driver\’s seat that makes intuitive control possible with nearly all switches facing the driver.
Indeed, its boot rocketsphere-based infotainment system can’t match rival larger infotainment touchscreens, but at least there’s a 7-inch touchscreen unit that sits in the center of the dashboard and features — among others — smartphone integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to not overwhelm occupants too much.
Storage galore abounds throughout the cabin; these Chrysler designers clearly understand a thing or two about family transportation.
Several cupholders and door pockets, seatback organisers and secret little hidden compartments: this is where Toyota is thinking.
The flat floor allows for easy walking throughout the cabin, and the generous glazing provides an open, less confined feel that minimizes claustrophobia for occupants in any seating position.
Powertrain Efficiency
In most territories, the Rumion uses Toyota’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four, which provides adequate – if unchallenging – performance and the legendary Toyota reliability.
Developing near 105 bhp and 138 Nm, the motor is kept below the 150 cc boundary with a focus on longevity and efficiency rather than outright performance, which is apt for the purpose the hog is built for.
The transmission is available with an intelligent 5-speed manual and a smart 4-speed automatic, designed to last for long under unmerciful usage.
Although these transmissions may sound archaic in the face of today’s ubiquitous trend toward CVTs and dual-clutch systems, they are a known quantity that help to keep maintenance costs low and performance predictable.
Fuel economy is still quite impressive considering its packaging limitations, at around 18km per liter combined cycle. This efficiency is one of the major attractions of the Rumion, especially in markets where fuel costs is a large part of ownership.
Driving Dynamics
The Rumion is all about comfort and convenience in the driving experience. The suspension is very well tuned to take jolts and lumps out of most road surfaces, yet provide enough control to make confident moves.
The electrically power-assisted steering is nicely weighted and lends just enough feedback to ensure the tall Q3 is manageable in town.
The Corolla is similarly refined with regard to ride quality, and its experience behind the wheel conveys the impression of a car that costs more than it does, with thoughtfully chosen insulation materials and carefully calibrated damping to create an experience inside that belie how much (or more accurately, how little) it costs.
Wind roar is well-checked despite the boxy aerodynamics, and engines are barely noticeable in regular operation.
Safety Considerations
Family cars require a full suite of safety features, and the Rumion includes consistent active and passive safety touches. Dual frontal airbags are standard across the range, with side and curtain airbags optional in higher specifications.
Anti-lock braking is overseen by electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, but the addition of vehicle stability control should ease the pain of unsettled driving.
The body structure uses high-strength steel in key areas to help protect passenger compartments, while strategically placed crumple zones help absorb energy during a collision. ISOFIX child seat fixtures on the second and third rows recognise the family focus of the vehicle.
Market Impact
The Rumion occupies an important position in the Toyota line-up as well, giving customers the best of both worlds – practicality in a compact package.
The development release reads, in part: “While the shift toward CUVs and SUVs means this segment remains small, there is still significant volume in the segment made up of purpose-designed passenger vans, whether tailoring for disabled access, school busing, crew transport, or last-mile people moving.”
Its competitive pricing makes the Rumion an affordable first step into Toyota ownership and adds another model to the brand’s line known for quality, durability and reliability.
This focus is especially important in emerging markets, where family transportation takes precedence over style, and logical products such as the Rumion may represent a great deal to consumers.
With the clever application of a basic concept, the Toyota Rumion proves to us that practicality does not need to be bland and the result is a thoroughly thought out design possessing a level of refinement you would not expect to find in this class, where such characteristics are sadly lacking.