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Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) has brought the mid-size Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Toyota Rush , into the country’s local market, 22 years after it was first introduced in 1997 by Toyota, the leading Japanese car maker.
The Rush is coming into the Nigerian auto market at a time Toyota lovers are calling for a SUV that would compete favourably with others in that category.
Right from its first Generation (1997 – 2006); to the second Generation (2006 – 2017) and now the third Generation (2018 – ), Toyota Rush has been a top ranking and high performing SUV all over the regions where it has been available.
However, the models available in Nigeria , according to TNL, include the 1.5 Automatic Fabric mid-grade; 1.5 Automatic Fabric High Grade and 1.5 Automatic Leather High Grade.
Speaking at the media launch of the New Generation Rush in Lagos recently, Managing Director of TNL, Kunle Ade-Ojo, said the Rush had been introduced into the local market to satisfy the yearnings of the teeming Toyota customers who had continually sought for a vehicle that would bridge the gap between the upper class SUVs and their salon category.
Ade-Ojo,who described the Rush as a befitting vehicle imbued with the trappings of the Toyota Superior Quality, maintained that the new generation Rush would surely compete favourably in its segment on the platform of elegance, price and the enviable Toyota family heritage.
“A heritage built on trust, the will to continually satisfy customers and customer safety which is paramount. As a corporate and responsive organisation, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited , will continually strive to yield to the aspirations of our dear customers by enriching our stables with magnificent vehicles, offering attractive variants and surpassing customer expectations,” Ade-Ojo said at the launch.
Speaking further, he said, “The inclement economic landscape of our dear nation Nigeria has not deterred us,” adding, “ In fact, it has positively impacted on our creativity in responding to the demands of our dear customers all over Nigeria and we will continue to push the frontiers of technology to keep our customers satisfied and also uphold our culture of excellence.”
Highlighting the features of the third Generation Rush, Ade-Ojo explained that the new Rush fuses dynamic energy with sharp elegant styling, saying, “It is available in three variants, the Rush is equally imbued with magnificent interior beauty and comfort. It is targeted at aspirational individuals that love the comfort and status of an SUV with excellent drive and affordable price. It is no exaggeration that the rich pedigree of this model already imbues it with outstanding attributes peculiar only to all its siblings in our model line-up.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, TNL Marketing Manager , Bayo Olawoyin, explained that, in terms of design and utility, Toyota Rush is fun and safe to drive as it possesses bold and high quality interior with attractive fuel economy
On the overall length of the new Rush, Olawoyin explained that it comes in 4453mm with 1695mm overall width and 1705mm overall height, stressing that its minimum ground clearance, however, stands at 220mm.
The engine, according to the TNL Sales Manager, is 1.5L DOHC/petrol 16valve in line 4cylinder; while the powertrain is Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive; and tyre size of 215/65R16 (mid-grade) 215/60 R17 (High) with seven seats.
Speaking on the total safety, he said the brake is equipped with the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) functions. In sudden braking, the maximum braking power is produced without locking tires, a system that helps prevent a lateral slip of the vehicle, secure steerability, and maintain tire grip. This system, according to Olawoyin, suppresses deflecting or spinning of the vehicle in cornering, or unstable behavior caused by a rapid change of road surface.
As part of safety features, a three-point seat belt is also provided for the centre seat in the first row of rear seat to ensure safety for all passengers
In addition to SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) front air bag, SRS side air bag and curtain shield air bag are installed to ensure a high level of passenger safety.
At the exterior level, the Marketing Manager said that some of the Unique Selling Points is Toyota Rush’s bold yet fresh design language that never fails to make an impression; impressive features like projector headlamps, dual-tone grille, LED taillights and more that makes the Rush a head turner and long cabin and robust body to enhance dynamic styling
At the interior level, Olawoyin pointed out space as a USP, stressing that Toyota Rush not only offers great boot space but also grants impressive headroom and legroom, allowing occupants to take long journeys at ease. Others USPs, he listed include: good Visibility and the fact that the Rush is designed in such a way that it gives the driver a great view of the road ahead
First introduced in 1997 as a 5-door estate car called Terios Kid or Toyota Cami, Toyota Rush was restricted to the Japanese market initially until after a few years. Currently, Toyota Rush is manufactured in Indonesia from where it is supplied to most of Asia and the African continent.
