The Rumion MPV has Been Revealed by Toyota

• Published On: 10 August 2023
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Rumion comes in three trim levels and three powertrain options based on the Ertiga.It will announce its prices and booking amount shortly after Toyota debuts its new Rumion MPV based on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India. Toyota now has the broadest MPV portfolio in the market, with the Rumion at the entry-level, leading to the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, and Vellfire at the premium end. Maruti Suzuki will build and supply Toyota with the Rumion, just as it did with the Glanza.

Differences between Toyota Rumion and Ertiga When comparing the Toyota Rumion to the Ertiga, there are minimal changes evident in the design of its plastic components. The Rumion showcases a new bumper with modified fog lamp surroundings, a grille reminiscent of the Innova Crysta, and fresh dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside the vehicle, there's a darkened dashboard with wood-like inserts, while the upholstery, akin to the Ertiga, features a beige finish.

Both the equipment roster and the 7-seat arrangement have been directly carried over from the Ertiga. Interestingly, the Rumion is also exported to markets like South Africa, where it is sold in precisely the same specifications as revealed here.

Exclusive Petrol Engine for Toyota Rumion Beneath the hood, the Toyota Rumion will persist with Maruti's 103hp, 137Nm, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Rumion also offers a factory-fitted CNG kit that generates 88hp and 121.5Nm when running on CNG mode. Toyota asserts that the petrol version achieves a fuel efficiency of 20.51kpl, while the CNG version returns 26.11kg/km.

Emphasis on Brand Experience as Key Distinction Within the MPV market segment, brand loyalty holds substantial sway, exemplified by products like the Innova with its steadfast customer base. A similar devotion is enjoyed by Maruti Suzuki in the entry-level MPV category through the Ertiga. Given the striking similarity between the two models, Toyota faces challenges in distinguishing the Rumion enough to attract Ertiga loyalists.

Toyota's strategy centers on leveraging its brand and ownership experience to render the Rumion a more enticing purchase compared to the Ertiga. Atul Sood, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), stated, "We are immensely confident in our MPV legacy. Our achievements stem from it, whether it's the Crysta, Hycross, or even the Vellfire. Ultimately, customers are acquiring mobility and an experience."

Delivery Strategy: 'First In, First Out' Toyota has grappled with customer dissatisfaction due to extended waiting periods, particularly exceeding a year for specific variants of the Hyryder and 

Innova Hycross. The Toyota Rumion will be produced and supplied by Maruti, resulting in predetermined allocation numbers. To prevent the Rumion from joining the list of models with protracted waiting times, Toyota will implement a 'first in, first out' delivery approach. Bookings will be organized on a nationwide scale and prioritized based on the order sequence.

Sood added, "We aren't setting initial targets during the launch activities. Our goal is to offer customers a transparent experience, complementing other aspects of the Toyota pre-sales journey. Those who book early will receive their deliveries ahead of others. This is our prioritization."