The Toyota Urban Cruiser, a ‘Toyotarised’ version of the Suzuki Vitara is the second product in the alliance between the two companies that follows the Starlet and features urban styling with a raised stance, textured side and wheel-arch mouldings and bumper guards.
The front has a large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centrally-mounted Toyota insignia – these are flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps (standard across the range).
The front bumper design features high-mounted fog lamps with a contour line separating the upper and lower sections. The lower apron is finished in matte black with a silver bumper guard.
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.
Inside, the upper fascia houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with an elegant piano-black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets. A 3-spoke steering wheel (leather-sheathed for the Xr model) with metallic inserts and steering switches provides classic control.
The Urban Cruiser was designed around the ‘compact on the outside, spacious on the inside’ brief and the large rear tailgate has been designed to accommodate a large aperture – to make loading items easier. In addition, the luggage capacity of 328 litres can further be expanded by the folding rear seats.
The Urban Cruiser is powered by 1,5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77 kW and 138 Nm and fuel consumption is a claimed 6,2 l/100 km, while CO2 emissions fall within the 145 to 147 g/km range. Top speed is 170 km/h.
Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (depending on grade chosen) – all driving the front wheels.
A traditional McPherson strut front suspension layout has been adopted, with a Torsion Beam design in the rear aiding packaging as well as manufacturing costs. The vehicle is fitted with 16-inch wheels – steel versions on the entry model and alloy for the rest – which in turn are shod with either 205-60-R16 or 215-60-R16 tyres.
A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using the Toyota grade names Xi, Xs and Xr. The entry-level Xi model features keyless-entry with push start, power 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 infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users seamless smartphone connectivity.
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 gains 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. There is also glove box illumination, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front foot well lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.
The safety and security specs include anti-lock braking and EBD, side protection beams, driver and passenger crash bags and ISOFIX. An alarm and immobilser system is also included on all models.
All Urban Cruiser models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system, which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15 Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App.
Model line-up & Pricing
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 models are sold 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.
