Toyota's new Urban Cruiser Launched
Quick Facts
- Price: From R247,900
- Engine: 1.5-litre-petrol
- Power/Torque: 77kW/138nm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Auto
The second edition of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance has been unveiled, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, based on the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser looks like the Vitara Brezza with the differences coming at the front. While these are basically the same vehicles, its worth to note that the Toyota does come with some standard equipment that is not offered on the entry-level on the Vitara Brezza, like the LED headlights.
A large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centrally-mounted Toyota insignia – these are flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps, good to note that these LED projector headlamps are standard across the range. It is also a great thing to see the SUV grille being carried from the smallest SUV to their ultimate large SUVs. The Fog lamp housings have also been given chrome accents for a better visual appeal. (The Vitara Brezza has black Fog lamp housings)
The rest of the car does look like the Suzuki Vitara Brezza as you go along the side, the rear however has the Urban Cruiser insignia while echoing the front, the lower apron is finished in textured black with a silver ‘diffuser’ section.
Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable space characterised by excellent ergonomics and optimised exterior visibility and I can attest to this as I have driven the Vitara Brezza, its a compact SUV which does not compromise on space on comfort.
There are 3 Grades(trims) available for the Toyota Urban Cruiser, please see below the Trims, that you get and the pricing.
Xi - The entry-level Xi model features 16-inch steel wheels, 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), Touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Aux and USB inputs, Flip & Fold away rear seats. The Xi Urban Cruiser is available in manual only.
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xi MT – R 247 900
Xs - All the Xi options as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, power-retractable mirrors and rear window wiper with a demister function, climate control, reverse camera, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and 60:40 split backrest.
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs MT – R 267 800
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs AT – R 289 000
Xr - All options as well as 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, glove box illumination, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front footwell lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr MT – R 294 500
Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr AT – R 315 700
Verdict - While I drove the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, my driving impressions remain the same as the Toyota Urban Cruiser shares the same engine, transmission and power figures as the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, I do however think that the Toyota Urban Cruiser will sell more, I am basing this on the fact that the Urban Cruiser has come in with slightly more options for the entry-level model as opposed the Vitara Brezza, the LED headlights, and LED DRLs on the Urban Cruiser will definitely give it a better appeal as opposed to the entry-level Vitara Brezza. The other win is that the Toyota Urban Cruiser will also come with the Toyota Connect & MyToyota App (a telematics system that 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. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more. ) and lastly, the Toyota nameplate which is loved in South Africa, the increased dealer network and of course the better resale value.
It is also worth noting that the Urban Cruiser has a 3-services/45 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty while the Vitara Brezza has a 4-year 60 000kms service plan as well as a 5-year 200 000kms warranty.
