Ever since the brand introduced the
Urban Cruiser back in 2021 the car has become a common sight on our roads. Now though there is a newer and even better verison. Here are some important details that you need to know about the new
Urban Cruiser.
Design
The new
Urban Cruiser has undergone a radical metamorphosis. Familiar design cues such as the clamshell bonnet, slim light treatment and gaping lower grille show its relation to other members of the Toyota
SUV family, most noticeably
RAV4 and
Fortuner. It’s also considerably bulked up – body length has increased by 370mm with a corresponding growth in wheelbase of 100mm (now 2600mm). Slightly wider and taller than the outgoing model, it additionally benefits from improved ground clearance – 210mm vs 195mm.
The newcomer positions the bi-halogen projector headlamps lower in the face so that they’re now inset within the bumper. They’re also neatly framed with a chrome bezel. The slimline LED DRLs now become the focal points, splitting into two with a chrome strip in between and merging into the piano black grille. A massive lower grille aperture with honeycomb design combined with a silver ornamental skid plate takes a majority stake in the upfront real estate, significantly upping the aggression factor.
The silhouette of the new
Urban Cruiser reinforces its
SUV credentials thanks to its increased length, high beltline and gently sloping roof
Interior
The cockpit of the new
Urban Cruiser is an aesthetically pleasing mix of fabrics and textures. Lifting the predominantly black cabin are subtle touches of silver – from the satin-plated trim inserts and chrome door handles to the metallic-tipped ventilation controls. High-quality black striated cloth upholstery is featured throughout the interior.
Taking centre stage in the completely redesigned dashboard is the easy-to-read 7-inch infotainment screen which is, of course, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay enabled.
The audio (played through two speakers in the XS and four in the XR) and Bluetooth-connected telephony can all be managed via switches on the small-diameter multi-function steering wheel which, for the first time, has both tilt and telescopic adjustment.
The instrument nacelle has a decidedly premium feel to it and houses a pair of grey-bezelled analogue clocks reminiscent of a sports watch – there’s a new colour TFT display as well.
Convenience and practicality
In terms of convenience features, the new
Urban Cruiser is certainly not left wanting. As before there’s Push Start with Smart Entry and rear PDC to name just two, but there are a few key additional niceties. The storage box, for example, between the front seat doubles as an armrest with a slidable lid. The 60/40 split rear seatback houses a centre-mounted armrest/fold-down table. The driver’s seat is now height adjustable and electric-fold mirrors are standard on both grades as are the reverse camera and auto-controlled air conditioning. New and exclusive to the XR model is cruise control.
Under the hood
Adapted for the new Urban Cruiser is the familiar 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77kW and 138Nm of torque. Providing animated performance with a top speed clocking in at 170 and 175 km/h for the manual and auto respectively, its star quality really comes to the fore when you have to fill up – fuel consumption is pegged at a penny-pinching 6,1 L/100km in the combined cycle. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (XR) - all driving the front wheels.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
