Toyota and Suzuki have worked closely in recent years on a number of models. The most recent of these is the Toyota Rumion 2022, which is born specifically for the South African market as a Suzuki Ertiga relabeled with Toyota badges to meet local family mobility needs.
The difference between one model and the other is only in the design of the grille, which has a horizontal chrome finish for the Toyota model. The 15" aluminum wheels, headlights, and even the interiors of the Rumion are similar to the Ertiga.
Image Courtesy Toyota Mauritius
Engine
The equipment offering and engine are also the same, with a choice of manual or four-speed automatic transmission to go with the 1.5-liter engine. Price varies slightly from model to model, with the Toyota Rumion costing around R6,200 more than the Suzuki Ertiga.
The Rumion project is not the only one on which Toyota and Suzuki have collaborated recently. For Europe, the RAV4 and Corolla Touring Sports were rebranded by Suzuki to be sold under the Across and Swace names. Same case with Baleno or Vitara Breeza.
Interior
Image Courtesy Toyota Mauritius
When the new Rumion carries 7 passengers inside, there is still 153 liters of cargo space. The roof lines are the same, so it will allow adequate headroom for all occupants, plus the last row of seats has its own cup holders. However, the Rumion does not offer a comprehensive safety features. Like Suzuki's proposal, Toyota's new truck only incorporates two airbags and ABS braking system, being similar in safety features as well.
Suzuki and Toyota have an alliance in which both manufacturers will exchange models in certain markets to complement each other, with no need to complicate themselves. That is, as this Rumion, it all resumes in a change of logos. At the moment, this Rumion will only be sold in South Africa, so it is unlikely to be sold in Latin American countries.
