UMWT Archives

Sabah’s SMK Tamparuli is tops in 19th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme

Since 2001, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) and the Malaysian Ministry of Education have been jointly organizing the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Programme to educate Malaysian youth on the importance of conserving the environment and also inspire them to act responsibly towards the environment, ensuring a sustainable future.

The programme, one of UMWT’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility activities, aims to cultivate environmental awareness and instill good environmental habit in young Malaysians as they are the future caretaker of the environment.

“Our corporate social responsibility is to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth.”
Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor

In its 19th edition this year, TEY carries the theme ‘Be the Superhero to Save the World’. It incorporates elements from the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a global initiative by Toyota Motor Corporation which aimed at going beyond zero environmental impact.

“Our business is not just confined to make ever better products that are safe and environmentally friendly. We also see it as our corporate social responsibility to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth. One of the initiatives is the Toyota Eco Youth programme which have been running since 2001,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

This year, 12 secondary schools from around Malaysia participated in the programme which began in August this year. Students and teachers from the schools attended a 3-day ‘boot to learn Toyota’s 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology. This is an approach practiced by UMWT employees to solve various types of problems, including those involving the environment.

Each school received a RM2,000 grant to kick off their project. Drawing on what they had learnt, they had to go through a market validation phase where their ideas – in the form of a product or service – were implemented and tested with the community of choice, impacting the beneficiaries.

In the final phase, each team made their final presentation and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges comprising representatives from UMWT, the Ministry of Education and myHarapan. After reviewing each presentation carefully, the best submissions by 4 schools were announced with SMK Tamparuli from Sabah picked as the Champion.

For their impressive efforts, they received prizes ranging from RM10, 000 for the Champion; RM7, 000 for second prize; RM5, 000 for third prize and RM3, 000 for the fourth prize. There was also a consolation prize of RM1, 000 as well as other prizes of RM500 each for the best video presentation and best-supporting teacher.

To date, UMWT has spent almost RM7 million on the TEY programme which has seen participation of 258 schools and 2,000 students. Commenting on the achievement of the TEY, Mr. Ravindran said it is clear that continuation of the programme can help in environment-related issues that affect not just today’s generation but also those in the future.

“We will certainly continue to run the TEY annually and as we gain feedback and experience each year, the programme will evolve accordingly so that it addresses appropriate issues,” he said.

Visit www.toyota.com.my to read more about UMW Toyota Motor’s other CSR activities.

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Unitedstar Corporation’s 3S outlet brings convenience to Toyota owners in Nilai area of Negeri Sembilan

Toyota owners and customers in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, now don’t have to travel far to get sales and services. Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd, which has been UMW Toyota Motor’s business partner since 1995, has opened a 3S (sales, service and spare parts) facility, adding to the Toyota network nationwide.

Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd started off as an authorised Toyota dealership with a sales showroom in Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. It has decided to increase its investment by establishing a full-fledged 3S outlet in Nilai which can provide customers the full range of services at one location.

Dealers encouraged to enhance facilities
“The automobile business has been increasingly competitive and UMW Toyota Motor has encouraged our authorized dealers to enhance their facilities and services, in order to provide the best sales and aftersales services to our customers,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“We are very pleased that many of our dealers have taken this initiative and Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd, who has been our dealer for more than 20 years, has expanded its business to provide Toyota customers within Nilai and its surrounding area more comprehensive services. This is a timely move as Toyota customer are expanding and we have new models coming that are appealing and exciting,” he added.

“We are confident that Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd will provide the professional services to Toyota customers and that the ‘Customer First’ philosophy will always be upheld,” he said.

Besides a spacious showroom for customers to view the latest Toyota models, the outlet has a service centre with 10 service bays. While waiting for their Toyota vehicles to be serviced, customers can relax in the lounge which has amenities for their comfort. Owners requiring Genuine Toyota parts can also obtain them at the service centre.

The new dealership joins the network of over 90 authorised Toyota outlets nationwide which provide sales and aftersales services to the increasing number of customers nationwide.

For information on Toyota vehicles and dealership locations in Malaysia, visit toyota.com.my.

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All-new 12th generation Toyota Corolla Altis can be booked now!

You would already have read about an all-new Toyota Corolla Altis being launched in some neighbouring countries, and wondered when the new model will come to Malaysia. Well, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has already started a teaser campaign and today announces that dealerships will accept pre-launch orders for the new model. So it should be launched in the near future – although the GR Supra’s launch will definitely be earlier.

The Corolla’s history stretches back to 1966 and this new one will be the 12^th generation. For many years, it has held the position of the bestselling model of all-time, surpassing the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle, both of which ceased production.

Two variants, no hybrid variant mentioned
In the past few months, there has been speculation that the new Corolla Altis line-up would include a hybrid variant since such a powertrain is now available for the model. Unfortunately, from the press announcement, it appears that Malaysia won’t get this variant as it is not mentioned. Instead, two variants with 1.8-litre engines will be offered and as demand for manual transmissions is low, both are likely to be equipped with automatic transmissions. The estimated on-the-road prices are RM136,888 and RM128,888.

Completely redesigned, re-engineered
The new Corolla Altis has been completely redesigned and re-engineered using TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). This new architecture (pictured above) enables the engineers to develop cars with better performance, superior driving dynamics and comfort to meet customers’ expectations.

For some years now, Toyota has given greater attention to safety and has quickly added more safety features and systems to its models. The new Corolla Altis gets the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), an integrated set of safety systems that provide a safer driving experience and better protection for everyone in the car.

More details will come when the model is launched but if you already know enough about this new Toyota model to want to be among the first to own one, visit Toyota.com.my to locate an authorized dealership where you can place your booking.

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UMW Toyota Motor aligns CSR initiatives with Toyota’s ‘Start Your Impossible’ global campaign

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced a realignment of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in line with the global corporate initiative called ‘Start Your Impossible’ established by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

This shift by TMC is carried out to inspire employees, partners and customers to achieve greater heights by attempting missions that they themselves deem impossible – a core company belief that has inspired boundless innovations, transforming the company from that of an automotive to a mobility manufacturer.

Through the new CSR realignment, UMWT has added a mission to realize impossible dreams through sports in its philanthropic pillar. “This year, we will be working with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia to enable more differently abled children to participate actively in sports,” said UMWT’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Fund-raiser in November
The initiative, Mr. Takeyama said, will begin with a fund-raiser through a Toyota Outrun fun run on November 17, 2019 at Bandar Rimbayu, Kota Kemuning, Selangor. UMWT expects about 3,000 participants to join in the event. A registration fee of RM50 per participant will apply and the proceeds will be channeled to Paralympic Council of Malaysia’s ‘Fitness and Exercise with Person with Disabilities’ programme.

“The funds will be used to equip para athlete trainers around Klang Valley with the skills to train differently abled children. We believe that this would be a sustained effort to discover more hidden talents among children with disability and help them achieve their dream in sports,” Mr. Takeyama added.

Abdul Latif Romly to be campaign ambassador
UMWT has also appointed Paralympic Champion Abdul Latif Romly as its ambassador for this campaign. On the appointment, Mr. Takeyama said: “Latif was up against impossible odds at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The world saw him broke the T20 long jump world record three times on the same day. It was impossible. Then it wasn’t. At Toyota, mobility is about overcoming challenges and making dreams a reality. That’s why we’re teaming up with Latif to support differently abled children so they too can start their impossible”.

For more information on the Toyota Outrun or to register (from September 10), click here to go to the event microsite.

UMWT will also be continuing its other CSR initiatives such as the Toyota Classics, which have brought world-class orchestras for the past 30 years to perform in Malaysia. A total of about RM9 million in gross proceeds from the concerts over the years has been donated to some 70 social, environment and charity organizations to support worthy programs.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota on PISTON.MY

Improved airbag inflator components for Toyota models previously recalled (for Takata issue)

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has initiated a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the airbag inflator module components of certain Toyota models sold by the company. The vehicles involved in this campaign were subjected to a previous Takata airbag inflator module recall and repaired between 2014 and 2019. At that time, a certain number of vehicles were replaced with non-desiccated airbag inflators modules produced by Takata but for this new SSC, those airbag inflator modules will be replaced with one that has improved components.

Approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles
UMWT says there are approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles manufactured from 2001 to 2013 involved. These are the Toyota Vios produced from May 2003 to August 2007, and September 2007 to July 2013; Toyota Corolla Altis produced from July 2001 to July 2007; Toyota Camry produced from June 2002 to December 2005; and Toyota Yaris produced from January 2006 to August 2007.

In accordance with standard practice, the company will notify all affected vehicle owners officially and perform the necessary replacement at no charge to the owners. In the event that you believe your vehicle to be affected but have not received any notification, you can visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage to check using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker. Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.

Further information can also be obtained from any authorised Toyota service centre or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota in PISTON.MY

Toyota’s IMV models – Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – get upgrades

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance). Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota on PISTON.MY

Second season of Toyota GAZOO Racing Velocity Esports Championship is on!

Last year, UMW Toyota Motor was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with the fast-growing Esports racing when it ran the inaugural TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP. With the extremely strong response, the company has decided to run a second season this year which will take place between August 31 and September 15.

“We are very delighted with the overwhelming response from the public towards our very first TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship last year, which was one of the largest Esports event in the country. We are confident that it will be more challenging this year, as more talented drivers would want to compete in the competition,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“Esports is a rapidly rising industry in Malaysia, as well as regionally and globally. It provides thrills and excitement of racing experience for the younger generation and Toyota’s involvement in this activity complements the dynamic and sporty side of the brand through the Toyota GAZOO Racing banner,” he added.

The high-performance activities of Toyota include the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival) which takes place 4 times a year at various locations around the country and enters its third season in 2019. Besides the TGR Festival and the Esports Championship, UMWT’s effort to establish a stronger presence in Malaysian motorsports will include the introduction of the GR Supra and GR Garage.

2018 Toyota GR Velocity Esports — *Scenes from last year’s inaugural event*

Two phases in championship
The TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. All participants will first go through a time-trial phase at Cove Esports in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor on August 31/September 1 and September 14/15. The top 40 racers with the fastest lap times will then be eligible to enter the Grand Final event.

The Grand Final will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Centre Court) on September 21/22 from 10 am to 9 pm. From the top 40 qualifiers who will challenge each other in the final round of races, one will be crowned as the Champion for 2019. This year, winners will share a bigger pool of prize money which totals RM70,000.

The car: 2019 Toyota GR Supra
All participants will use the latest 2019 Toyota GR Supra, Toyota’s flagship sportscar developed not only for real motorsports but also for Gran Turismo Esport. This year, they will be racing around the Fuji Speedway in Japan, the famous 1.475-km long circuit with one of the longest straights in the world. The top 10 finalists will be competing head to head in a 10-lap race on a best-of-three tracks which are the Kyoto Driving Park, Suzuka Circuit as well as the Fuji Speedway.

Thrustmaster will supply its T-GT ultimate racing simulators. The racers will benefit from unique new technologies which allow them to experience the superior driving dynamics of the GR Supra and drive to the limits.

For information on the TOYOTA GAZOO RACING VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP and registration for participation, members of the public can visit ToyotaVelocity.com .

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota on PISTON.MY.

UMW Toyota Motor Announce Order Taking For New Camry + Special Service Campaign

Following our recent post on the 2019 Toyota Camry (below) being launched in Thailand, (linked) UMW Toyota Motor Malaysia has announced the order taking for the All New Toyota Camry effective from 1^st November 2018 onwards. The All New Toyota Camry was developed with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that brings to its owner the next level of purposeful functionality and enhanced technology that leads to better driving performance.

The executive sedan comes with impressive Toyota Safety Sense features such as Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB). The All New Toyota Camry is covered with full 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage. There will be only one variant and the price is estimated at RM 189,900.

Head to Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade Center (MITEC) from 23^rd November to 2^nd December to experience the All New Toyota Camry. For more information on the All New Toyota Camry, customers may visit any Toyota showroom or log on to toyota.com.my

SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN TOYOTA MODELS

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, today announced two Special Service Campaign (SSC) that involved replacement of the airbag inflator of certain Toyota models and the engine valve replacement for Toyota 86 model sold by the company. UMWT assures that the safety of their customers is always Toyota’s top priority.

1) Re-Replacement of Airbag Inflator…

The vehicles involved in this campaign were subjected to a previous Takata airbag inflator recall and repaired between 2013 and 2014, where certain number of vehicles were replaced with a non-desiccated airbag inflators produced by Takata. In this current campaign, those airbag inflators will be replaced with a further improved airbag inflator components. There are around 2400 Toyota vehicles manufactured from 2001 to 2003 are involved. The models are Toyota Vios that were produced from May to July 2003, Toyota Corolla Altis, produced from July 2001 to June 2003 and Toyota Camry produced from June 2002 to March 2003.

2) Engine Valve Spring replacement for Toyota 86…

Due to the excessive performance load (overload) compared to the design assumption of the valve spring and manufacturing variation (variation of metal fatigue strength and micro foreign matter in the spring material), performance load may exceed the valve spring’s fatigue strength and potentially fracture. If the spring fractures, the engine may stall while driving and may become unable to restart it, increasing safety risk.

There are around 120 units of Toyota 86 model manufactured from year 2012 to 2013 are involved in Malaysia. No other Toyota or Lexus models covered by this campaign. UMWT will notify all its affected vehicle owners officially and perform the special service at no charge to the owner.

For further information, owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Toyota owners can also visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage through this link: toyota.com.my to check whether their vehicle is involved, through Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker. Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.

Want A Totally Different Car Buying Experience? Visit LEXUS!

Lexus Malaysia recently opened the doors to its refurbished flagship Lexus facility in Mutiara Damansara, marking its further elevation beyond being just a premium automotive brand. Guests can now experience the exquisite Lexus luxury lifestyle in a facility that truly elevates all the five senses and more.

Through liberal use of high-tech digital innovation and technology, the new facility is able to create an unparalleled Lexus experience for every guest who visits the new outlet be it for a brand new Lexus automobile, quality after-sales care, a high-quality certified pre-owned vehicle or simply to purchase Lexus Lifestyle merchandise.

In presenting the new Lexus Mutiara Damansara, Ravindran K., President of Lexus Malaysia said that the enhancements to the facilities allowed Lexus Malaysia to redefine its core brand values and to clearly showcase them with a truly exclusive Lexus experience.

“Not by any means is the Lexus brand and its products deemed conventional. Neither then should the retail experience be. By designing innovative ways to excite and change the world, Lexus remains the visionary luxury brand that anticipates the future for people and society,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia.

Part of the challenge for a luxury lifestyle brand is to remain in step with the customer and at Lexus, this challenge is amply met through its omotenashi mantra by anticipating and fulfilling customers’ needs at every touch point.

Highlights of the new Lexus Mutiara Damansara include:

The Lexus Centre will delight all the senses beginning with the Lexus Signature Scent of Wild Earth greeting visitors.
Seamless and wireless sales and service experience where customers and prospects are able to receive precise, consistent and updated information via the Lexus Touch tablets.
Coffee is of the highest quality and sourced from Cafés Richard, a highly sought-after French brand synonymous with high-end Parisian cafés.
A highly-digitalized experience with surround LCD displays, digital vehicle information consoles, real-time service status and digital reading materials available throughout the building.
A Mark Levinson audio system is installed in an acoustically tuned room for guests to experience the kind of audiophile-quality sounds they can enjoy in select Lexus vehicles.
The flagship outlet boasts a retail space offering an array of well-stocked premium quality Lexus Lifestyle Collection merchandise allowing customers to fully enjoy their lifestyle aspirations.
The new Lexus Centre features a Zen Room where guests can enjoy a few moments of tranquility relaxing to soft music on massage or lounge chairs while their vehicles receive expert care.

The new Lexus Mutiara Damansara facility on Jalan PJU7/2 (after IKEA) is open daily showcasing brand-new and pre-owned Lexus models as well as offering quality care for all Lexus vehicles. For more details, visit Lexus.com.my.

FEATURE: All-New 2019 Toyota Rush SUV Launched! [+Videos]

Set to debut in January 2019 and priced below RM100,000, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) today introduced the All-new 7-seater Toyota Rush, the second generation of the SUV model developed especially for ASEAN markets. The All-new Toyota Rush has been on sale for some 10 years, with over 18,000 units sold throughout Malaysia. Engineered for robustness and designed for practicality, the All-new Toyota Rush has received regular updates to meet the changing needs of customers. Here’s the video of its maiden debut a few hours ago…

With the new second generation, the All-new Toyota Rush retains the image of an Urban SUV for Rugged-Active Lifestyles, despite only having 2-wheel drive (rear wheel drive), combining the comfort of a passenger car with spaciousness, high seating position, and greater ground clearance of an SUV. The All-new Toyota Rush also introduces 360-T, a new Toyota approach to provide the best package for customers that will be used in all its upcoming models. 360-T is all about Trust and Technology by Toyota, giving customers a complete suite of innovations, designed to protect and provide total advantage on the road. With that said, here’s the first-impression video of our brief test-drive of the new Toyota Rush immediately following the launch…

Three elements make up the 360-T: Safe-T Plus with the latest safety features and systems as a standard feature; Connectivi-T which provides latest technology for connectivity, entertainment and safety; and Guaran-T for total peace of mind throughout the ownership of the vehicle. The design of the All-new Toyota Rush is an indication of the dynamism that can be expected from upcoming Toyota models. Departing from the conventional form of the first generation, the styling has sharp character lines which give an advanced unique design that is known as ‘R-BLADE’. The ‘R’ stands for ‘Rush’ and the ‘blade’ refers to Metal, Sharp and Edge, while a dual tone theme on the bodywork adds visual impact.

The new image of the All-new Toyota Rush has also been elevated to be more advanced with a premium look and feel that comes with high value-added features, making it even better value for money. The All-new Toyota Rush is powered by the latest Toyota 16-valve DOHC 1.5-litre engine which has a maximum output of 105 ps at 6,000 rpm with 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. With a proven and reliable 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with Automatic Stop-Start system, fuel consumption is better and can be as good as 15.6 kms per litre. This qualifies it as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) under the current Malaysian National Automotive Policy.

The All-new Toyota Rush continue with rear-wheel drive for a greater variety of terrain conditions, offering better traction for uphill climbs when carrying heavier loads. Other features include Electric Power Steering (EPS) which contributes to the good fuel efficiency, and tyres with the largest diameter in its class. Despite the large tyre size, the All-new Toyota Rush still has an agile turning radius of 5.2 metres.

The seating layout is 2-3-2 over three rows, with easy access to the third row. The cargo capacity is 217 litres but when required, the volume can be expanded to 514 litres by folding the rear seats. Additionally, for those who may have long or large objects (not exceeding 50 kgs); the edges of the roof have integrated low profile rails which the cargo can be placed on.

The new DVD-AVX audio system has a large 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and the unit can be linked to a compatible smartphone to ‘mirror’ the smartphone’s screen onto the audio display. This allows GPS navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze to be used and viewed from the display screen. Other standard features include 13 cupholders, a Multi-Info Display, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle, and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A Toyota AutoTag is also installed for electronic payment of toll while the Smart Entry system locks/unlocks the doors with just a touch of the button located on the outside door handles.

Toyota places top priority on safety and has developed many new Active Safety systems which can help the driver avoid accidents. The combination of advanced safety systems plus computer-aided engineering and design has enabled the All-new Toyota Rush to score the highest overall rating of 5-stars from ASEAN NCAP (for both Adult & Child Occupant Protection categories).

A new standard active safety feature is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). BSM helps the driver to be more aware of other road-users in the vehicle’s blind spot, reducing the risk of a collision, while the RCTA is able to warn the driver of approaching vehicles as the vehicle is reversing out of a parking bay.

Also new is the Pre-Collision System (PCS) which helps to reduce low to medium speed accidents due to inattentive driving (only available on the Rush 1.5S). The system, which uses a stereo camera, has four features: Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control. The system is designed as a driver assistance feature but gives priority to driver inputs which will override its functions.

The All-new Toyota Rush comes with a 5-year full warranty with unlimited mileage. UMWT expects to sell around 3,600 units in 2019 and in anticipation of high demand, the new model will be assembled under contract at Perodua’s manufacturing plant. The estimated price of the All-new Toyota Rush is RM98,000 for the S variant and RM93,000 for the G variant. The model comes with 5 exterior colours choices – White, Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Blue Metallic and Dark Green Metallic. Bookings for the two variants are accepted at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide from today.