NOT QUITE DONE AND DUSTER’D

I enjoyed last month’s comparative test of the Toyota Rush, Renault Duster, Honda B-RV and Haval H2, but felt your dismissal of the Rush was shortsighted. Your testers’ comments about the contesting vehicles highlighted them as “re ned”, “sophisticated” and “polished”. Are these the qualities we are looking for when purchasing a SUV? I think not. The Rush package may be labelled as unre ned and rough round the edges but I think these qualities will become its greatest selling points for those who prefer a vehicle not afraid to take on the back roads of South Africa.

We bought our Rush a month ago and, after completing 2 000 km on tar and dirt, I can only say I am impressed with this car’s ability to effortlessly take on anything you throw at it. The Rush is spacious, practical, economical, loaded with cool features and, above all, reliable. Not to mention the fact that it is a head turner.

I say if you want re nement, buy a sedan. When the going gets tough, buy a Rush.

Thanks for a great magazine; I’ve been hooked since 1982. ALBERTUS CARSTENS Sasolburg [I’d agree the Rush is a goodlooking vehicle, Albertus, and

you can never go wrong buying a Toyota given the brand’s reputation for reliability. I do, however, think an SUV – even a budget one – can be both re ned and tough. Obviously, our test wasn’t as long as your trip and you would need to see how the Rush’s competitors would’ve fared over that distance and terrain, too. That would be the only way to make a call on toughness and reliability – editor.]