Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You are not just buying a vehicle; you are investing in comfort, safety, and reliability for your family. Many factors cross your mind: how much will it cost to buy and maintain? Is it safe enough for my loved ones? Does it have the latest features I need? And importantly, will the company provide good service in the long run?
Today, we are diving deep into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Toyota Rumion S. Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability and service in India, and the Rumion is their take on a popular 7-seater MPV, designed to offer practical motoring. Let us see if it lives up to the expectations!
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Toyota Rumion S is powered by a reliable and fuel-efficient engine, perfectly suited for Indian road conditions and family needs.
- Engine Type: 1.5 Litre K-series, naturally aspirated petrol engine with Smart Hybrid technology
- Displacement: 1462 cc
- Maximum Power: Approximately 103 PS (75.8 kW) at 6000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: Approximately 136.8 Nm at 4400 rpm
- Fuel Type: Petrol
Design Overview
The Rumion S brings a familiar yet distinct presence to the MPV segment.
- Exterior Design:
- Front: Features a prominent Toyota grille with chrome accents, giving it a premium look. Halogen projector headlamps provide good visibility, and the overall stance is confident.
- Side: The MPV silhouette is clear, designed for maximum cabin space. Body-coloured door handles and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) add to a cohesive look. It rides on steel wheels with stylish wheel covers, which are standard for the S variant.
- Rear: Simple and functional taillight design, completing the family-friendly aesthetic.
- Interior Design:
- Cabin: The Rumion S offers a practical and comfortable dual-tone interior. The dashboard design is straightforward, focusing on ease of use.
- Seating: It is a true 7-seater MPV with three rows of seating. The seats are upholstered in fabric, designed for comfort on long journeys. The second row offers good space, and the third row is best suited for children or for shorter trips for adults.
- Convenience: Thoughtful touches like roof-mounted AC vents for rear passengers ensure comfort for everyone on board, even in scorching Indian summers.
Key Features
Even as the base 'S' variant, the Rumion comes equipped with a good set of features for its price point:
- Infotainment System: 7-inch SmartPlay Cast touchscreen infotainment system
- Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
- Climate Control: Manual AC (with heater) and separate roof-mounted AC vents for the second and third rows
- Comfort & Convenience: Power windows (front and rear), tilt-adjustable steering, power steering, electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry
- Charging: 12V power outlets
- Other Notable Features: Multi-information display in the instrument cluster, steering-mounted audio and calling controls
- *Please note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not available in the Rumion S variant.
Ground Clearance
The Toyota Rumion S offers a practical ground clearance that is well-suited for varied Indian road conditions, helping it tackle speed breakers and minor undulations with ease.
Boot Space
Space is a key highlight for any MPV, and the Rumion S delivers.
- Boot Space (All 3 Rows Up): 209 litres
- Boot Space (2nd Row Folded): Expands significantly, allowing for larger luggage or cargo
Dimensions
Understanding the car's size helps in parking and maneuvering, especially in city traffic.
- Length: 4365 mm
- Width: 1735 mm
- Height: 1690 mm
- Wheelbase: 2740 mm
Powertrain Options
The Rumion S provides flexibility in transmission choices.
- Manual Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- Automatic Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox (available from the S variant onwards)
Safety Features
Safety is paramount, and the Rumion S includes a decent array of features to keep occupants secure.
- Airbags: Dual front airbags (driver and co-driver)
- Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
- Parking Aids: Rear parking sensors
- Child Safety: ISOFIX child seat mounts for the second row
- Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA) are available specifically with the automatic transmission variants.
NCAP Rating Table
While an independent Bharat NCAP rating specifically for the Toyota Rumion is awaited, we can look at its platform sibling's performance.
| Rating Body |
Rating (Adult Occupant Protection) |
Rating (Child Occupant Protection) |
Notes |
| Global NCAP (for Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, on which Rumion is based) |
3 Stars |
3 Stars |
Tested under 2019 protocols. Dual airbags were standard. |
| Bharat NCAP |
Yet to be tested |
Yet to be tested |
An official rating for the Rumion is pending. |
This shows a decent base for safety, though modern cars often aim for 4 or 5 stars.
Rivals of Toyota Rumion S
The Toyota Rumion S competes in a competitive segment of family-friendly MPVs in India.
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (its direct sibling)
- Kia Carens
- Mahindra Bolero Neo
- Citroen C3 Aircross (7-seater variant)
- Renault Triber (a more compact offering)
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Let us weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice about the Toyota Rumion S.
Advantages (Pros)
- Toyota Reliability & Service Network: This is a major plus point. Toyota's reputation for trouble-free ownership and wide service network in India is unmatched.
- Fuel-Efficient Engine: The 1.5L Smart Hybrid petrol engine offers good mileage, which is crucial for Indian buyers, especially with rising fuel costs.
- Spacious 7-Seater Cabin: Offers comfortable seating for 6-7 occupants, making it ideal for large families or carpooling.
- Practical Design: Easy ingress and egress, along with flexible seating, make it a very practical family vehicle.
- Automatic Transmission Option: The availability of a 6-speed automatic gearbox even in the base 'S' variant makes it very convenient for city driving.
- Good Ground Clearance: Handles typical Indian road challenges like potholes and speed breakers without much fuss.
- Equipped Base Variant: The 'S' variant comes with essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and rear AC vents, offering good value.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Safety Rating: While 3 stars from Global NCAP (for its sibling) is acceptable, many newer cars offer higher ratings, which might be a concern for some buyers.
- Basic Features in S Variant: While well-equipped for a base model, it misses out on some modern conveniences like a reverse camera (available in higher variants), push-button start, or alloy wheels.
- No Diesel Option: For high-mileage users, the lack of a diesel engine option might be a deal-breaker.
- Engine Performance: The 1.5L petrol engine is adequate for most needs but might feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded on highways.
- Interior Quality: While functional, the interior plastics and overall feel might not be as premium as some newer rivals.
- Identical to Ertiga: Being a rebadged product, it offers very little visual differentiation from the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which some buyers might find unappealing.
Conclusion
The Toyota Rumion S emerges as a very strong contender for anyone in India looking for a reliable, spacious, and family-friendly 7-seater MPV. Its biggest strengths lie in Toyota's renowned reliability, excellent after-sales service, and the practical comfort it offers to a larger family. While it might not boast the flashiest features or the highest safety ratings compared to some newer rivals, its sensible approach, decent feature list (even in the S variant), and proven engine make it a highly trustworthy choice.
If your priorities are peace of mind ownership, good fuel efficiency, adequate space for seven, and a car that is built to last, the Toyota Rumion S definitely deserves a close look. It is a car that focuses on getting the fundamentals right, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey for you and your family.
