Toyota India has bolstered the appeal of its entry-level MPV, the Rumion, by introducing a new mid-spec automatic variant – the G AT. This addition caters to a wider range of customer preferences and budgets, offering the convenience of an automatic transmission at a more accessible price point compared to the top-spec V AT variant.
More Choice, More Convenience: Unveiling the New Rumion G AT
Previously, the Toyota Rumion was only available in two automatic trims: the S AT and the V AT. The new G AT slots are in between these variants, offering a compelling balance between features and affordability.
Key Highlights of the New Rumion G AT:
Targeted Availability: Bookings for the G AT commenced on April 29th, 2024, with deliveries scheduled to begin on May 5th, 2024.
Strategic Pricing: The G AT sits comfortably between the S AT and V AT in terms of price, offering a Rs 1.06 lakh premium over the S AT and a Rs 73,000 saving compared to the V AT. This price positioning makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking an automatic Rumion without stretching their budget to the top variant.
Feature Focus: While not the most feature-rich variant, the G AT offers a decent selection of amenities, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, push-button start/stop functionality, and a 6-speaker sound system.
Safety Focus: The G AT prioritizes safety with features like dual front airbags, an electronic stability program (ESP), and hill-hold assist.
Understanding the Rumion Lineup: A Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Rumion’s automatic variant lineup with their respective prices (ex-showroom Delhi):
| Variant | Price (Rs. Lakh) |
|---|---|
| S AT | 11.94 |
| G AT (New) | 13.00 |
| V AT | 13.73 |
Under the Hood: Engine and Transmission Options
The Rumion borrows its engine and transmission options from its Maruti Ertiga counterpart. Here’s a quick overview:
Engine: A single 1.5-litre petrol engine powers the Rumion across all variants. This engine generates 103 PS of peak power and 137 Nm of torque.
Transmission Choices: Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The automatic option is now available in three variants: S AT, G AT (new), and V AT.
CNG Option Back on the Table: Rumion CNG Bookings Resume
In addition to the new G AT variant, Toyota has also resumed bookings for the CNG variant of the Rumion. Bookings for the Rumion CNG were temporarily halted in September 2023, but are now back open, catering to those seeking a fuel-efficient option.
Key Points about the Rumion CNG:
Single Variant: The Rumion CNG comes in a single S CNG variant, priced competitively at Rs. 11.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Engine Specifications: The CNG variant utilizes the same 1.5-liter engine but with a slight power and torque reduction due to the fuel type. In CNG mode, the engine produces 88 PS of power and 121.5 Nm of torque.
Transmission: The Rumion CNG is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Competitive Landscape: Where Does the Rumion Stand?
The Toyota Rumion competes in the bustling compact MPV segment in India. Here’s a look at its key rivals:
Maruti Ertiga: The Rumion is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Ertiga, sharing its platform, engine, and many features. However, the Toyota branding and potentially different after-sales service experience might influence some buyers.
Kia Carens: The Kia Carens offers a more premium and feature-rich alternative to the Rumion but at a slightly higher price point.
Toyota Innova Crysta & Toyota Innova Hycross: These larger MPVs from Toyota provide a more spacious and powerful option compared to the Rumion, but come at a significantly higher cost.
FAQs
Q: How does the Rumion CNG compare to the petrol variants?
A: The Rumion CNG offers significantly lower running costs due to the cheaper price of CNG fuel. However, it comes with a slight power and torque reduction compared to the petrol variants. Additionally, the CNG option is only available in a single variant with a manual transmission.
Q: Is the Rumion a good alternative to the Maruti Ertiga?
A: The Rumion shares a lot in common with the Ertiga, including its platform, engine, and many features. The primary differences lie in the Toyota badge and potentially the after-sales service experience. Choosing between the two might depend on brand preference and potential service cost variations.
Q: What are some factors to consider when choosing between Rumion and its competitors?
A: Consider your budget, desired features, and seating requirements. If affordability is a top priority, the Rumion and Ertiga are strong contenders. If you seek a more premium experience with additional features, the Kia Carens might be a good option. For those needing a larger and more powerful MPV, the Toyota Innova Crysta and Hycross offer more space and performance, but at a steeper price point.
