New compact hatchback
No, this is not the Scion xB but it is its sibling, the new Toyota Corolla Rumion. The boxy car will join the Corolla ranks in Japan starting today. Toyota is hoping to sell 3,500 units per month with prices starting at yen 1,680,000 (just over EURO 10,000 or USD 14,300) ranging all the way up to yen 2,310,000 (just under EURO 14,000 or USD 21,000).
The simple, box-like styling (Toyota calls the stylign theme 'relax in style') creates a unique yet simple interior space with a very specific exterior presence. The scion xB is in its second generation in the States and is returning 'home' to win the hearts of the Japanese. The high beltline is meant to give the occupants a feeling of being surrounded by comfort.
The Corolla Rumion is powered by either a 1.5-liter VVT-i engine or 1.8-liter Dual VVT-I (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine. The 1.5 liter engine emits 143 g/km of CO2 (20% under Japanese regulations) and the 1.8 liter emits 151g/km of CO2 (beating national standards by 10%). You can expect all the usual safety features like SRS airbags, WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, an advanced GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) collision-safety body, Eco Driving Indicator lights, Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) and Smart Entry & Start System among others.
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