The Toyota-Suzuki alliance has once again delivered an exciting new ‘CITY’ dweller with a rugged sense of appeal – meet the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The exterior design of the new Urban Cruiser has a distinct appeal even when compared to the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which it’s based on. The front end gains a large radiator grille with two horizontal slats, chrome accent strips, standard LED projector headlamps and a front bumper with high-mounted fog lamps and a lower apron finished in matte black with a silver bumper guard. The side profile adopts a ‘squared-off’ look with standard 16inch wheels and roof rails adding to its urban appeal. The rear gains a roof spoiler, large rectangular taillights and a lower apron finished in textured black with a silver ‘diffuser’ section.
Interior styling of the B-segment contender benefits from black fabric seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel, twin-hooded instrument binnacle, a sectioned dashboard housing a large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with an elegant piano-black frame. Convenience features include climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets. 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.
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). Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) offers drivers additional peace of mind. The aforementioned touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users seamless smartphone connectivity. With this functionality, occupants can access and display Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps for navigational duty while also streaming their favourite music from apps such as Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and JOOX. 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 auto air-conditioning (climate control) and reverse camera, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and 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, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front foot well lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.
Underneath the bonnet is a 77kW/138Nm 1.5litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers a top speed of 170km/H through the front wheels via a standard 5-speed manual transmission or via an optional 4-speed auto transmission. Fuel consumption has been claimed at 6.2l/100km with Co2 sitting at 145 – 147g/km.
The safety and security specs include ABS and EBD, side protection beams, driver and passenger airbags and ISOFIX. An alarm and immobilser system is also included on all models.
Price:
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xi MT – R 247 900
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs MT – R 267 800
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs AT – R 289 000
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr MT – R 294 500
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr AT – R 315 700
All Urban Cruiser come standard with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000 km. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options.