SK4869's video: CR8 A RUKUS

There are three different variants of the Rukus, simply called: Build 1, Build 2 and Build 3. The base model Toyota Rukus Build 1 starts at $27,490* and comes standard with: Six airbags, Stability and traction control Anti-skid disc brakes Air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, Cruise control, Keyless entry and ignition, Power mirrors and windows Engine immobilizer. CD player with six speakers, Bluetooth™ hands-free telephone and audio streaming (meaning you can stream music wireless from your iPhone/Pod directly to the car), USB and 3.5mm audio input. Build 2 will see buyers fork out $29,990* and gain: Leather-accented seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob. Nine speakers including a sub-woofer, plus a six CD-stacker linked to a 4.3-inch color screen for the audio (no Sat-Nav or TV). Climate-control and push-button operation Build 3 is basically just a Build 2 but with a Sunroof for an additional $1,800 ($31,790). Compared to the entry-level Kia Soul, the base Rukus is $6,500 more expensive but it does come with a much bigger engine plus a whole range of additional features (and a Toyota badge). It's hard to criticize the Rukus because it's not meant for everyone -- no doubt the older crowd will dismiss it quickly (but that's a good thing!). My only solid concern is the car's four-speed automatic gearbox which should really be a six-speed (there is no manual option in Australia either). Let's be honest, Toyota is not the most exciting car maker in the world. Over the last 50 years the Japanese company has risen to the very top of the automotive world and become the world's largest producer of vehicles, at a cost. Its success was arguably due to producing safe and reliable cars in massive volumes rather than creating cars that had character. Despite sporty Toyota's of the past, the problem facing Toyota today is somewhat similar to that facing Mercedes-Benz. The majority of its customer are not exactly Twitter and Facebook users. In fact the main portion of Toyota's customers are over 54 years old. That's all well and good, but what happens when the current 20-something's turn 40 and have no association with the Big T? The first part of the design-revolution starts with the Rukus in Australia. A model which is set to polarize the public and car journalists alike. From the outside the boxy shape is unlike anything Toyota has done before (which is not necessarily a bad thing). The idea is to create a car which makes a statement and you're not really suppose to agree with it either. Toyota Australia believes the Rukus will appeal to urban trend-setters looking for a car that stands out and one which may be customized to suit their personality. It should also appeal to young couples looking for something a little out of the ordinary. From the front there is something very unique about the Rukus design. It looks like something a half-American, half -Japanese designer would've come up with at 3 am in the morning (Rukus is actually designed at the CALTY design studio in Los Angeles). The rear is pretty much the same, given its straight line box-on-wheels design structure it almost looks like a commercial van, but it's got far more appeal than that. No doubt a few of you are frothing at the mouth dying to tell me how ridiculous the Rukus looks. My only piece of advice is to actually go and see one in the flesh. It looks far 'cooler' in person (but some will still hate it and that's part of the plan as you can't be cool if everyone likes your taste). The idea is to get the exterior completely repainted (you can buy it as a blank canvas) or customized enough so that yours will be unique in your own way. The interior is also designed in such a way to make it easy to fit in multiple LCDs, new stereo systems and whatever else "you crazy kids can think of". Toyota Australia also offers a huge selection of genuine customizable options. The Rukus is built on the same platform (MC) as the Corolla and RAV4, but feels much roomier inside than both. The box-shaped exterior means a spacious interior big enough to comfortably seat five adults (a rare feature these days). What most impressed me about the Rukus was the unique dash layout. Despite its box-shape, the interior is all about circles. From the four gauges in the centre console to the aircon controls and even the air-vents, it's all round. You don't know what it is Like to Drive a Rukus until you have Jumped into the Drivers Seat & taken it for a test Drive, you will never Know how you ever Survived without One in the Garage (◔◡◔)