Toyota launches all-new Urban Cruiser

Striking exterior design

Familiar design cues such as the clamshell bonnet, slim headlights and gaping lower grille remain and show its relation to other members of the Toyota SUV family, while the Urban Cruiser has grown in every direction.

The newcomer features bi-halogen projector headlamps lower in the face inset within the bumper and framed by a chrome bezel. The slimline LED DRLs now become the focal points, splitting into two with a chrome strip in between that merges into the piano black grille. A massive lower grille aperture with honeycomb design combines with a silver ornamental skid plate upping the aggression factor.

The silhouette reinforces its SUV credentials with increased length, a high belt line and gently sloping roof. Like the Fortuner, use of blacked out pillars lends the appearance of a floating roof. Bulging squared-off wheel arches and silver roof rails add an air of ruggedness. At the rear ultra-slim C-shaped LED taillights are inset with a black panel which is in turn overlayed by a pale silver garnish. A roof spoiler and decorative silver skid plate round off the rear.

Inside story

The interior is an aesthetically pleasing mix of fabrics and features. The predominantly black cabin features subtle touches of silver including the satin-plated trim inserts, chrome door handles and metallic-tipped ventilation controls. High-quality black striated cloth upholstery features throughout the interior.

The redesigned dashboard houses an easy to read seven-inch infotainment screen which features Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The instrument nacelle houses a pair of grey-bezelled analogue clocks that also incorporate a new colour TFT display.

Convenience features include Push Start with Smart Entry and rear PDC. The driver’s seat is now height adjustable and electric folding mirrors, reverse camera and auto-controlled air conditioning are standard on both grades.

Under the bonnet

The Urban Cruiser is fitted with the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that offers 77kW and 138Nm which allows for a top speed of 170 or 175km/h for the manual or automatic respectively. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic on the XR grade. Fuel consumption for both derivatives is a frugal 6,1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

The Urban Cruiser rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, a set up that is perfectly calibrated for all driving conditions to provide a pliant ride that strikes a balance between control and comfort.

Improved safety features

The Urban Cruiser is now fitted with Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Assist Control. Inside a rear centre headrest along with a third rear ELR seatbelt improves safety for the fifth passenger. XR models gain side and curtain airbags in addition to the standard driver and passenger airbags. ABS with EBD, Isofix and an alarm/immobilizer system is standard on all models.

Model range and pricing

All Toyota Urban Cruiser models are sold with a four-year/60 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.

Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS MT                  R329 400

Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR MT                  R347 400

Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR AT                   R369 900

Browse used and demo Toyota Urban Cruiser here.