As part of Toyota’s big drive to dominate the passenger car market with cars like the Starlet and Ayga, Toyota is adding a fresh new small SUV. The new Urban Cruiser is part of the Suzuki partnership and is basically a rebadged Vitara Brezza with enough design changes to distinguish it as a Toyota. The front grille echo’s that of the Fortuner. This rebadging exercise happened recently with the Starlet/Baleno and benefited Toyota massively by being one of Toyota’s top-selling passenger cars. I suspect the Urban Cruiser is about to do the same to the Brezza. This I feel is due to South Africa’s appetite for the Toyota nameplate more than the minor differences in design. Suzuki happens to be one of the most underrated brands in South Africa with build quality and reliability equaling that of Toyota. Anyway back to the Urban Cruiser.
Under the Bonnet.
The new Urban Cruise make use of the tried and tested 1.5l N/A 4 cylinder engine found in a huge range of Suzuki products. It’s rated at 77kw and 138Nm. The closest competitor other than the Suzuki would be Mahindra’s XUV300 which does offer more power (81kw/200Nm) as well as a diesel option. What plays to Toyota’s advantage is its reputation for reliability as well as its large dealer network. The Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.3l per 100km. Toyota also provides a 3yr/45000km service plan as well as a 3yr/100000km warranty. Power is sent to the front wheels either via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed auto. The auto is not available on base Xi trim. The engine and gearbox combination will not light a fire in the performance department but will be dependable.
Interior and Tech.
The interior is a carbon copy of the Suzuki Vitara Brezza save for the Toyota badge adorning the steering wheel. This is not a bad thing as the interior stylish, well equipped and should be hardwearing. Taking centre stage is the Apple Carplay and Android Auto equipped touchscreen infotainment. Entry-level models include the likes of Keyless entry, electric windows all round, LED headlamps and DRL’s as well as rear park distance control. Jumping to the Xr trim level will net you a few extras like alloy wheels, automatic climate control and a reverse camera. Opting for the top their Xr will get you a few more goodies starting with LED fog lamps, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, front armrest, and a leather steering wheel.
All Urban Cruiser models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more.
The new Toyota Urban Cruiser is now available at Toyota dealers countrywide and based on the listed prices represents amazing value.
Prices are as follows:
- 1.5 Xi MT – R 247 900
- 1.5 Xs MT – R 267 800
- 1.5 Xs AT – R 289 000
- 1.5 Xr MT – R 294 500
- 1.5 Xr AT – R 315 700
