Toyota Rumion S CNG

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners! In India, buying a car is more than just a purchase. It is a family decision, deeply influenced by factors like your budget, the safety of your loved ones, monthly running costs, the latest features, and of course, the peace of mind offered by reliable company service. Finding that perfect balance can be tricky, especially in the competitive MPV segment.

But what if we told you there is a vehicle that aims to tick most of these boxes, with the added advantage of fuel efficiency and Toyota's legendary reliability? Today, we are diving deep into the new Toyota Rumion S CNG. This car is quickly becoming a popular choice for Indian families looking for an affordable, spacious, and economical ride. Let's see if the Rumion S CNG is the perfect match for you and your family.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Toyota Rumion S CNG is powered by a robust and efficient 1.5-litre K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine. This engine is specifically designed to offer a good balance of performance and fuel economy, especially when running on CNG.

• Engine Type 1.5-litre K15C Dual Jet Dual VVT
• Fuel Type Petrol and CNG (Bi-Fuel)
• Displacement 1462 cc
• Power (Petrol) 103 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque (Petrol) 136.8 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Power (CNG) 87.8 PS at 5500 rpm
• Torque (CNG) 121.5 Nm at 4200 rpm
• Transmission 5-speed Manual (CNG variant only)
• Mileage (CNG) Approximately 26.11 km/kg

Design Overview

Exterior

The Toyota Rumion S CNG carries a familiar yet appealing MPV design. It shares its core aesthetics with its Maruti Suzuki sibling, the Ertiga, but with distinct Toyota badging and a slightly tweaked front grille that gives it a unique identity. The overall silhouette is practical and family-oriented, focusing on maximizing interior space. It features halogen projector headlamps, body-coloured ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, and 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The design is clean, functional, and aims for a broad appeal among Indian buyers.

Interior

Step inside the Rumion S CNG and you are greeted by a dual-tone beige and black interior theme, which makes the cabin feel airy and spacious. The layout is straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing practicality. It offers comfortable seating for seven occupants across three rows, making it ideal for large families. The build quality feels sturdy for its segment, and the controls are ergonomically placed for easy access. The seats are fabric upholstered, designed for comfort during long journeys.

Key Features

While the Rumion S CNG offers practical features for everyday driving, it is important to set expectations regarding some advanced tech often seen in more premium segments.

• Infotainment System A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro support.
• Connectivity Seamless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity to keep you connected on the go.
• Climate Control An automatic climate control system for comfortable cabin temperatures.
• Steering Mounted Controls For audio and calling, enhancing convenience.
• Power Windows All four power windows for passenger convenience.
• Rear AC Vents To ensure comfort for second and third-row passengers.
• Sunroof Please note that the Toyota Rumion S CNG, like its petrol counterparts, does not offer a sunroof.
• 360-Degree Camera This feature is not available in the Rumion S CNG.
• Wireless Charging The Rumion S CNG does not come with a wireless charging pad.

Ground Clearance

The Toyota Rumion S CNG offers a healthy ground clearance of 185 mm. This is quite practical for Indian roads, helping you navigate over speed breakers and rough patches with ease.

Boot Space

The boot space of the Toyota Rumion S CNG is 209 litres with all three rows of seats in use. With the third row folded, this expands significantly. However, due to the CNG tank occupying a portion of the boot, the usable space for luggage is reduced compared to the petrol variant. It is important to consider this if you frequently travel with a full passenger load and a lot of luggage.

Dimensions

• Length 4365 mm
• Width 1735 mm
• Height 1690 mm
• Wheelbase 2740 mm

Powertrain Options

The Toyota Rumion is primarily available with the 1.5-litre K15C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine. For the S CNG variant, this engine is factory-fitted with a CNG kit, making it a bi-fuel option. While the petrol variant offers both manual and automatic transmission options, the Rumion S CNG is exclusively available with a 5-speed manual transmission, optimized for CNG performance and efficiency.

Safety Features

Safety is a key concern for any family car, and the Toyota Rumion S CNG comes equipped with essential safety features:

• Airbags Dual front airbags (driver and passenger).
• ABS with EBD Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for better stopping power.
• Brake Assist For enhanced braking performance in emergency situations.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) To help maintain control during sudden maneuvers.
• Hill Hold Assist Prevents the vehicle from rolling back on inclines.
• Reverse Parking Sensors To aid in safe parking.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts For secure installation of child safety seats in the second row.

NCAP Rating

The Toyota Rumion is based on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga platform. Here is a look at its safety ratings:

Rating Agency	Rating	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	3 Stars (for rebadged Ertiga with 2 airbags, tested under older protocol)	9.25/17	31.03/49
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	N/A	N/A

It is important to note that Global NCAP ratings can vary based on test protocols and the number of airbags fitted. The Rumion S CNG comes with two airbags.

Rivals of Toyota Rumion S CNG

The Toyota Rumion S CNG faces competition in the Indian market from a few key players:

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG This is its direct and closest rival, being essentially the same car with different branding.
• Kia Carens While a bit more premium and often pricier, the Carens offers more features and a stronger road presence as an MPV option.
• Other CNG Sedans/SUVs Some buyers might also consider CNG sedans like the Dzire CNG or compact SUVs with CNG kits if space is not the absolute top priority.

How is the Car? Pros and Cons

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Toyota Rumion S CNG to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency With its impressive CNG mileage of 26.11 km/kg, it is incredibly economical to run, significantly reducing monthly fuel bills.
• Toyota Reliability and Service Network You get the peace of mind that comes with Toyota's trusted brand image, strong resale value, and extensive service network across India.
• Spacious and Practical Cabin Comfortable seating for 7 adults makes it a perfect family car for extended journeys or daily commutes.
• Smooth and Refined Engine The 1.5-litre K15C engine offers smooth performance, whether on petrol or CNG, making for a comfortable driving experience.
• Comfortable Ride Quality The suspension is well-tuned to handle varied Indian road conditions, offering a pliant and comfortable ride for all passengers.
• Affordable MPV Option It is one of the most budget-friendly 7-seater MPVs available with a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Disadvantages

• Limited Features List It misses out on some modern features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and more airbags, which are becoming common in similarly priced or slightly higher segment cars.
• Reduced Boot Space with CNG Tank The CNG tank significantly eats into the boot space, limiting luggage capacity when all three rows are in use.
• Conservative Styling While practical, the design might not appeal to those looking for a more modern or aggressive aesthetic.
• NCAP Rating A 3-star Global NCAP rating might be a point of concern for some buyers looking for the highest safety ratings, especially with only two airbags in the S CNG variant.
• Manual Transmission Only for CNG The S CNG variant is only available with a manual gearbox, which might be a drawback for those preferring the convenience of an automatic.

Conclusion

The Toyota Rumion S CNG emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian families prioritizing fuel efficiency, space, and Toyota's renowned reliability. It offers a comfortable 7-seater experience at an affordable price point, making it an ideal choice for large families or commercial fleet operators. While it may not boast the latest high-tech features or the highest safety ratings, its strengths in running costs, practicality, and peace of mind are significant.

If you are in the market for a dependable, spacious, and extremely economical family car that will not break the bank on daily running costs, the Toyota Rumion S CNG deserves a serious look. It is a smart, sensible choice that truly delivers on its promise of an affordable and worry-free ownership experience. Drive smart, drive Toyota Rumion S CNG!