Toyota has filed a trademark application for the Rumion nameplate in India, suggesting that the manufacturer’s badge-engineered seven-seater MPV could be launched here under the same name. The Toyota Rumion MPV – a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – recently went on sale in the South African market.
- Toyota Rumion name trademarked in India
- Mechanically identical to Ertiga with a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine
- Gets subtle exterior and interior updates over the Ertiga
Toyota Rumion: what is it?
The Rumion looks absolutely identical to the Ertiga, save for a redesigned grille similar to the badge-engineered Toyota Glanza. All other body panels, alloy wheels and design elements are identical on both MPVs. Even on the inside, both MPVs have an identical dashboard layout and equipment list, although the Rumion does set itself apart with an all-black interior as compared to the Ertiga’s beige interiors.
Mechanically, too, the Rumion is powered by the same 105hp, 138Nm, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine as the Ertiga and comes mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed torque converter automatic. Like the Ertiga, the Rumion is also available in a three-row, eight-seater configuration.
Toyota Rumion: India launch plans
With Toyota having trademarked the Rumion name in India, it does hint at a possible launch of the MPV in our market, although there’s no confirmation yet. However, it is interesting to note that the Rumion on sale in South Africa is manufactured here, as part of the agreement of Toyota supplying made-in-India Suzuki models to South Africa, including a rebadged Ertiga MPV.
The launch of the Rumion in India will most likely be preceded by the Ciaz-based Belta sedan. The Toyota Belta is a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Ciaz that will act as a replacement for the discontinued Yaris sedan. In fact, production of the Belta sedan is already underway as export to some left-hand drive markets have begun as well. The Belta could see a launch in India sometime in 2022.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
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