We drove the Toyota Rumion for 600 kilometers in a day, all to answer the biggest question.
By Sumaiya | Published | No Comments
- Comparisons with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are pretty obvious but does the Toyota Rumeon hold its own as a viable and affordable MPV?
Glanza or Baleno, Ticer or Fronx, Innova Crysta or Invicto? These are some of the obvious questions that pop up every time Toyota and Maruti Suzuki take each other’s model and introduce a re-badged version to customers in India. Rebadging a successful model and presenting it with a largely identical resume has its strengths and weaknesses but does it understand the most important factor that determines success – the customer? That’s exactly what we tried to find out when we took the Toyota Rumion out for a highway jaunt recently.
Launched earlier this year, the Toyota Rumion is a re-badged version of the hugely popular Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. And while the Glanza and Ticer still have some minor exterior cues that distinguish them from the Baleno and Franks respectively, the differences between the two MPVs were still slim. So where is the meaning for Rumian?
WATCH: Toyota Rumion: Should you choose this MPV over Maruti Ertiga?
Toyota Rumion: Exterior Design
The name ‘Rumian’ itself is a combination of two words – roomy and unique. And while it’s certainly niche (more on this later), it’s certainly not unique. Certainly not that way.
The front grille and the lower half of the bumper have been slightly tweaked and the Toyota logo has been added to the face. The alloy design is also different and the rear has Toyota and Rumian lettering. And that’s really it.
Same proportions, same dimensions, same cuts, curves and creases – heck, some cars look unique on closer inspection but the Rumian is almost identical to the Ertiga even at close angles.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the design language is shabby by any means. From the outside there is a comforting familiarity about Rumian’s visual language. It’s just that there’s hardly anything to set it apart.
Toyota Rumion: Cabin
Step inside the Toyota Rumion and any semblance of exclusivity disappears. Apart from the Toyota logo on the steering wheel, everything is the same as inside the Ertiga – same dashboard layout and materials, same infotainment unit, same steering wheel, same seat fabric and layout, same storage spaces, same charging options, same driver display – yes, the same. everything.
It’s clear that the Rumion benefits from the Ertiga’s inherent strength of offering three rows of relatively roomy cabins. It’s a people mover done simply at its best. But to expect anything extra, anything a little flashier would be undeniably ambitious. Rumion’s cabin is quite simple like Ertiga. But like the Ertiga’s interior, it’s functional and has plenty of room for families traveling together.
Toyota Rumion: Drive
The Toyota Rumion is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol motor and also comes with the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit. Around 103 hp and the same mild-hybrid technology found on the Ertiga have been carried over here.
The Rumion isn’t an exciting MPV but the car it’s based on always has been. The engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, is peppy enough in the city limits and the stick has a relatively short throw to help matters.
During our 600 km drive from Delhi to Rupnagar in Punjab and back, we drove through the congested lanes of Najafgarh for nearly two hours to get an idea of what the Toyota MPV has to offer. Slotting into the right gear was no problem and the soft clutch press was easy on the foot. Of course, there’s also a torque converter on offer, although we haven’t driven that version yet.
On expected lines, the Rumeon was a steady affair while the open trail beyond the Murthal dawned on us, gaining momentum through gradual step-ups of the gear shift. On the flipside, there’s hardly any urgency to this vehicle’s capabilities and the engine screams when pushed to and through triple-digit speeds. Sixth gear is sorely missed and while maintaining a speed of 100 kmph is quite easy, anything more will ask for a bit more.
Instead, the Rumeone is happy munching mile after mile, keeping passengers comfortable and the driver reassured by the slightly weighted steering. There is some degree of body roll but that was always on the cards.
Toyota Rumion: Verdict
The Toyota Rumion is the best and falls short on the same points as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It is reliable, comfortable and with a calculated mileage of around 18 kmpl (city + highway), it is also frugal. Its kitty has essential features and its cabin has plenty of space. Which isn’t exciting to drive, flashy or loaded with features.
The Rumion makes a solid case but why should you choose it over the Ertiga? Well, Toyota commands a lot of respect courtesy of its strong after-sales quality. It’s also a respected brand so there’s that. But Rumion is also more expensive than Ertiga. In conclusion though, check the waiting time of both the models and if there are urgent requirements, choose the shorter waiting period. One way or another, you can’t go wrong with this trusty model or the model it’s based on.
Date of first publication: 06 May 2024, 11:40 AM IST
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