Toyota's Most Affordable 7 Seat MPV - Rumion E Trim - Launched At Rs. 9.56 Lakh
Toyota has actively expanded the appeal of its Rumion MPV by introducing a highly affordable new entry level variant. The newly launched Rumion E MT trim is priced at a competitive Rs 9.56 lakh, ex-showroom. By bringing the starting price below the crucial Rs 10 lakh threshold, the automaker has made its seven-seater family mover significantly more accessible to budget conscious buyers, while also allowing customers in several states to benefit from lower road tax brackets.
Prior to this launch, the S MT variant served as the entry point to the Rumion lineup. Priced at Rs 9.56 lakh, the new E MT variant is exactly Rs 88,000 more affordable than the S MT trim, which currently retails for Rs 10.44 lakh.
The Rumion is now available in four distinct trims: E, S, G, and the top-spec V. This strategic price correction places the Rumion in a much stronger position to compete against its primary rival, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, as well as the newly launched Nissan Gravite.
To achieve this aggressive sub-ten-lakh price tag, Toyota has naturally implemented a few cost-cutting measures. On the outside, the new E variant misses out on body coloured door handles and side mirrors, opting for basic unpainted black plastic instead.
The turn indicators, which are integrated into the side mirrors on higher variants, have been relocated to the front fenders. However, the vehicle still retains the large chrome-surround front grille, projector halogen headlamps, LED taillights, and 15-inch steel wheels with silver caps.
Inside the cabin, the changes are more noticeable. The E variant features a dual tone beige and black dashboard but completely skips the touchscreen infotainment system and steering mounted audio controls. The driver misses out on a centre armrest, and rear passengers do not get dedicated air conditioning vents or seatback pockets.
Despite these omissions, the base model retains the highly flexible seating layout found in more expensive trims. The second-row seats feature a 60:40 split with a one-touch recline and slide function, while the third row gets a 50:50 split. With all three rows up, the vehicle offers a standard boot space of 209 litres, which can be expanded to 550 litres by folding the rear seats flat.
Under the bonnet, the new Rumion E MT remains mechanically identical to the rest of the lineup. It is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine. This motor produces 103 horsepower and 139 Nm of peak torque.
To maximize running efficiency, the engine is paired with Toyota's Neo Drive mild-hybrid technology. This system includes an integrated starter generator and an idle start-stop function, helping the manual MPV deliver a highly competitive official ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 20.51 kilometres per litre.
Crucially, this new base variant is only available with a five-speed manual transmission. Buyers specifically looking for a factory-fitted CNG option will also have to stretch their budget to the higher S trim, which carries a price tag of Rs 11.39 lakh.
While Toyota has cut back on creature comforts, it has not compromised on essential safety equipment. The Rs 9.56 lakh E variant comes loaded with standard safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, hill hold assist, and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution.