Urban Cruiser: Toyota launches yet another new model as ‘fun and affordable’ for SA

• Toyota’s new Urban Cruiser makes its debut in South Africa.

• The crossover is based on Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza.

• Pricing for the Urban Cruiser starts at R247 900.

• For more racing stories, visit www.Wheels24.co.za

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Ushering in the next installment in Toyota’s passenger car expansion strategy is the new Urban Cruiser. Built on the architecture that underpins the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser aims to be a fun, affordable and compact crossover vehicle.

The Urban Cruiser is the second product in the Toyota-Suzuki alliance (after the Starlet).

Interior and exterior styling

The Urban Cruiser features rugged urban styling packed with a lofty stance, textured moldings on the sides and wheel arches, and bumper protectors. The front end features a large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and a center-mounted Toyota badge, flanked by chrome trim strips and headlamps with LED projectors (standard across the range).

The side profile continues the “boxy” look, with short overhangs that are accentuated by black wheel moldings that flow into the lower sections of the bumper. Toyota says the roof rails (if installed) and a roof spoiler add to the “urban aesthetic.”

Moving to the rear, the large rectangular taillights are complemented by a large tailgate trim embossed with “Urban Cruiser”. Echoing the front, the lower skirt is finished in textured black with a silver “diffuser” section.

The upper fascia of the cabin houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and the vents with a piano black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power / USB sockets.

A three-spoke steering wheel (leather-wrapped for Xr model) with metal inserts and steering switches provides classic control.

The black cloth seats have a honeycomb pattern, with the rest of the interior finished in rugged black with a textured pattern. Large pockets in the doors, glove compartment and extra binnacles provide convenient storage spaces, Toyota says.

Dimensions and size

Toyota says its Urban Cruiser was designed around the mantra “compact on the outside, spacious on the inside.” The vehicle uses a relatively short overall length of 3995mm. The large tailgate has been designed to accommodate a large opening, for easy loading of items. In addition, the 328-liter luggage capacity can be further expanded with the folding rear seats.

A class-leading towing capacity of 400 kg without brakes and 1100 kg with brakes increases the utility factor.

Engine and chassis

The Urban Cruiser is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77 kW and 138 Nm. Fuel consumption is recorded at a frugal 6.2 liters / 100 km, while CO2 emissions fall within the range of 145 to 147 g / km. The maximum speed is 170 km / h.

Buyers have a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic (depending on the grade chosen), all driving the front wheels.

A traditional McPherson strut front suspension design was adopted, with a torsion bar design in the rear support packaging and manufacturing costs. The vehicle is fitted with 16-inch wheels, steel versions for the entry model and alloy for the rest, which in turn are shod with 205-60-R16 or 215-60-R16 tires.

Grades and Specifications

A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using the now-familiar Toyota grade names Xi, Xs and Xr. The entry-level model Xi features push-start keyless entry, power windows throughout, air conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, power-adjustable mirrors, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights (DRL). Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) offers drivers additional peace of mind.

The touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users seamless connectivity with their smartphones. With this functionality, occupants can access and display Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps for navigation tasks while also streaming their favorite music from apps like Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, and JOOX.

Text and messaging messages can be read to the user, with voice-to-text functionality ensuring secure communication while driving. Bluetooth, Aux and USB inputs are also offered.

The mid-tier Xs model adds alloy wheels, roof rails, body-colored door handles, power rearview mirrors, and a rear wiper with an anti-fog feature. Inside, the Xs offers automatic air conditioning (climate control) and a reversing camera, secondary glove box, rear armrest, and 60:40 split backrest.

Serving as the flagship of the range, the Xr inherits LED fog lights, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual 12-volt outlets, front armrest, leather steering wheel and the inclusion of two tweeters. The comfort factor is also enhanced by lighting in the glove compartment, a refrigerated storage compartment, map reading and headlights in the footwell, as well as lighting in the trunk.

Toyota Connect and the MyToyota app

All Urban Cruiser models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system, which includes an in-car Wi-Fi access point and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle through the MyToyota app. This app enables on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data, Toyota Connect data top-up services, and much more.

As communicated in November 2020, Toyota Connect now also provides access to the MyEntertainment electronic services package. This includes Videoplay (video streaming) and MyMuze (music streaming) services, which offer Toyota customers an enhanced ownership experience with enhanced connectivity and added value.

List of models and prices

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xi MT – R247 900

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs MT – R267 800

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs AT – 289,000 R

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr MT – R294 500

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr AT – R315 700

All Urban Cruiser models are sold with a three service or 45,000 km service plan. A three-year / 100,000 km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are fixed at 12 months or 15,000 km. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options through the Toyota South Africa dealer network.