Can The Urban Cruiser Hyryder Be A Good Fit For You?
Toyota’s entrant in the compact SUV space is a self-charging strong hybrid.
After what felt like an eternity, Toyota has finally put together a compact SUV. It’s called the Urban Cruiser Hyryder (pronounced as ‘High Rider’). Yes, that name is a bit of a mouthful and peculiar. But, based on what has been revealed thus far, it shows much promise. It could not only compete with the best in a hotly contested segment but also show them all the way forward. Let’s unravel it.
Looks
Always subjective, but hugely important to get them right. With the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota has done a nice job. The SUV has an imposing stance without being too in-your-face. The front, for instance, looks sleek with those split headlamps. But, simultaneously, the deep chin meshed bumper helps claim some ‘butch’ points. The side has the same split personality, with well-defined wheel arches and protective cladding, but those dual-tone 17-inch alloys and the clean body profile add a dash of crispness.
For the rear, Toyota has taken multiple design inspirations. The split taillamps, for instance, have a C-shaped form. A slimmer version of the Baleno? Then, the number plate housing, which looks very similar to that on the recently launched Brezza. Even the protruding bumper has a whiff of the Brezza in it. However, those vertical light enclosures at either end seem to have some Toyota flavour.
Features
The competition offers such a vast array of creature comforts that Toyota (and Maruti Suzuki) couldn’t leave any stone unturned. In other words, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is loaded with tech. The list of gizmos includes automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a head-up display, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, multiple drive modes and a wireless mobile charger are some of the other features. And all of that is fitted to a dual-tone interior of this five-seater SUV.
Bolstering the safety quotient is stuff like six airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, a 360-degree camera, Hill Hold & Descend Control, and rain-sensing wipers. And yes, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder also comes with 55+ connected-car features, all bucketed under Toyota iConnect.
Powertrain options
It’s in this department that Toyota’s compact SUV stands out. At the time of launch, there will be two engine options. The first is the Suzuki-sourced 1.5-litre petrol with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. That’ll offer 101bhp/135Nm, and will be available with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. In the range-topping variant, there’s an option for all-wheel-drive (with MT only).
The second one, however, is the main highlight. It’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled with an electric motor. The former produces 91bhp/122Nm, whereas the latter offers 78bhp/141Nm. And here’s the best bit – one could drive the Urban Cruiser Hyryder for up to 25km on electric power alone. As per Toyota, the SUV’s mileage figure should be between 24-25kmpl.
Rivals
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder will rival SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. Soon, Maruti Suzuki will rebadge and redress the Hyryder to land in the same space. In all probability, that will be called the Vitara.
Toyota plans to launch the Urban Cruiser Hyryder in August this year. Bookings for the SUV are now open. One could either reserve it online or by visiting the nearest authorised dealership.
If Toyota prices its latest creation right, we might see the Urban Cruiser Hyryder give all its competitors a kick in the face. What do you think?
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