AutoTrader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The 2010 Toyota Rukus will go on sale in Australia from 1 June.
The Rukus is already marketed as the Toyota bB in the Japanese market and the Scion xB in the US, and is described as an “urban utility vehicle”.
According to Scott Thompson, Marketing Manager for Toyota Australia, the Rukus is expected to bring “young, urban trend-setters” to the Japanese brand. In particular, Toyota Australia is expecting a significant number of Rukus buyers to be people who have never previously considered a Toyota.
“Rukus is anything but a standard car – and that’s exactly why we’re introducing it to the Australian market,” Thompson said. “Its iconic, boxy shape deliberately challenges the norms of car design – a bold move that is sure to spark vigorous debate.
“Rukus is not a mass-market car: it’s an acquired taste that will polarise opinions. Fans will be passionate – and not just because of the space, performance and great standard features.
“Rukus is designed to be different: it’s not for everyone. It’s a bit like Vegemite: it’s an acquired taste.”
Like the Kia Soul, Thompson says the Rukus will appeal to buyers who want to individualise their cars.
“Many owners will dress up Rukus, adding their own flair by customising it with Toyota Genuine and after-market accessories,” he says.
Toyota Australia has yet to reveal specification or pricing details. In Japan, the Rumion and bB are offered with 1.3 litre and 1.5 litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engines. In the US, the Scion xB is available with Toyota’s 117kW 2.4 litre 2AZ-FE engine.
No word yet whether the Rukus will make its way to NZ shores…
