If you’re looking for a vehicle with a spacious interior relative to its size, minivans are hard to beat. Compact or box-style vehicles can maximize space efficiency, but their fixed dimensions limit passenger capacity. For families or groups needing to carry more people, models with three rows of seats offer unmatched practicality and versatility in the minivan segment.
While South Korea offers a variety of minivan options, exploring international markets reveals an even broader range of choices. Some models, like Toyota’s Rumion, are not available in Japan but are designed specifically for overseas markets. The Rumion, in particular, stands out for its compact dimensions, affordable pricing, and impressive usability, making it a popular choice in markets like India and South Africa.
Interior Features That Punch Above Its Weight
Lumion is a compact minivan sold in emerging markets such as South Africa and India. It was launched in 2021, so it is a relatively new vehicle, but it underwent a facelift in just two years. The body size of Lumion is 4,420 mm (174.0 inches) in length, 1,735 mm (68.3 inches) in width, 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) in height, and 2,740 mm (107.9 inches) in wheelbase, corresponding to a compact SUV.
The interior feels luxurious and sophisticated for its class because it was launched only three years ago. The three-spoke steering wheel with wood grain garnish on the inside of the rim catches the eye, and the plant seat has a two-tone color. The cup holder is connected to the air conditioner vent and has a refrigerating and cooling function, depending on the operation.
The second row features a flat floor, providing ample space in the third row
The back seat’s simple yet comfortable living space stands out. Three people can sit in the second row, and the flat floor allows the middle passenger to place their feet comfortably. There is no cup holder on the armrest, but there is a space to store drinks in the door pocket. Four air vents are applied to the ceiling, allowing even cooling and heating from the second to third rows.
The third-row seats also have enough legroom and headroom for adults. The rear quarter glass is large enough to provide a pleasant view, and cup holders are also installed for each seat. Since this model is focused on low prices, the interior lights are only installed on the overhead console and the second-row ceiling. However, they carefully selected the location to illuminate the third-row space.
The recently launched Festival Edition starts at approximately $12,360
As a minivan, the Toyota Rumion offers impressive trunk space. With a base capacity of 209 liters, the cargo area can be significantly expanded by folding down the second and third-row seats. The third-row seats fold nearly flat, while the second row has a slight step, though it doesn’t hinder usability. To celebrate its popularity, Toyota has introduced the Rumion Festival Edition in the Indian market. This special edition includes enhancements like headlamp garnishes, door trims, a roof spoiler, mud flaps, and deluxe carpet mats—all valued at 26,008 rupees (around $245), yet included at no extra cost.
Regarding performance, buyers can choose between a 1.5L gasoline engine or a CNG-powered variant paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine delivers 103 horsepower and 14.0 kgf.m of torque, while the CNG model offers slightly less at 88 horsepower and 12.3 kgf.m of torque. Despite these modest figures, the vehicle’s light curb weight of just 1,195 to 1,205 kg ensures adequate performance for family use. Pricing for the Rumion starts at a competitive 1,044,000 rupees (approximately $12,357), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and spacious minivan.
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