Toyota filled the gap in its SUV/Crossover line-up with the local introduction of the new Urban Cruiser.
What is it?
If it looks suspiciously similar to Suzuki’s new Vitara Brezza, it is because it is the same vehicle. Toyota and Suzuki have a mutual agreement that Toyota may source vehicles from Suzuki like the Suzuki Baleno (Toyota Starlet) and now the Vitara Brezza (Toyota Urban Cruiser).
Toyota says the Toyota-Suzuki alliance is building on the core model architecture, while bringing Toyota’s dealer support, customer service and parts’ supply network to the party.
From the outside
The Urban Cruiser features rugged urban styling replete with a raised stance, textured side- and wheel-arches and bumper guards. The front bumper design features high-mounted fog lamps.
At the rear, large rectangular taillights are complemented by a large tailgate garnish embossed with “Urban Cruiser”. Echoing the front, the lower apron is finished in textured black with a silver ‘diffuser’ section.
On the inside
The upper fascia houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with a piano-black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets.
The Urban Cruiser was designed around the ‘compact on the outside, spacious on the inside’ mantra. The vehicle makes use of a relatively short overall length of 3 995 mm and the boot capacity is 328 liters.
Under the hood
The Urban Cruiser is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77 kW and 138 Nm with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100km. Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (depending on grade chosen) - all driving the front wheels.
Specification
A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using the now-familiar Toyota grade names Xi, Xs and Xr.
The entry-level Xi model features keyless-entry with push start, electric windows all round, air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, power-adjustable mirrors, LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Text and messaging-service messages can be read out to the user, with speech-to-text functionality ensuring safe communication while driving. Bluetooth, Aux and USB inputs are also catered for.
The mid-tier Xs model adds alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, power-retractable mirrors and rear window wiper with demister function. On the inside, the Xs offers climate control and reverse camera, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and a 60:40 split backrest.
Serving as the flagship of the range, the Xr inherits LED fog lamps, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, front armrest, leather steering wheel and the inclusion of two tweeter speakers. The convenience factor is also amplified by glove box illumination and a cooled storage compartment.
Toyota Connect & MyToyota App
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.
Model line-up & Pricing
1.5 Xi MT – R247 900, 1.5 Xs MT – R267 800, 1.5 Xs AT – R289 000, 1.5 Xr MT – R294 500, 1.5 Xr AT – R315 700.
Competitors
Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Haval H2, Honda BR-V, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Captur, Renault Sandero and the Citroën C3.
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GWM has expanded its P300 line-up with the introduction of the P300 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV, marking the arrival of the first electrified version of the bakkie range.
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