Toyota rolls out Rukus special

TOYOTA has released a special-edition ‘Halo’ version of its youth-oriented Rukus, following slower than expected sales of the Corolla-based small car.

Launched last May with a sales forecast of 150-200 monthly sales, the three-grade Rukus line-up last year attracted 1089 buyers for a monthly average of 136, while sales so far in 2011 Rukus sales have reduced to 100 a month.

Now Toyota has introduced the Rukus Halo, priced $500 higher than the entry-level Rukus Build 1 upon which it is based at $27,990.

Metallic paint costs an extra $350 on standard Rukus models, but the Halo comes dressed in an exclusive ‘Voodoo Blue’ exterior paint colour with unique blue highlights.

Other additions for the Rukus Halo, which was produced in Japan between January and March, include dark grey fabric seat and door trim, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, reversing camera and blue front/rear footwell illumination.

As with all Rukus models, the Halo LE comes standard with a 2.4-litre VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brake with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a six-speaker sound system, alloy wheels, power windows/mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry and starting, air-conditioning and privacy glass.