After much speculation, Toyota now has finally confirmed that its upcoming sub-compact SUV will be called "Urban Cruiser". It has been teased for the time officially. It is expected to be launch around festive season this year.
2020 Toyota Urban Cruiser: An Introduction
As the teaser image suggests that the Urban Cruiser will be Toyota's smallest SUV till now. It will be an urban utility vehicle, which clearly hints that it won't get the 4×4 or all-wheel drive train like the Toyota Fortuner, the only Toyota SUV available in India. It will only carry the SUV design characteristics.
The Urban Cruiser will be second product from Toyota-Suzuki partnership. It will be based on Maruti Vitara Brezza. Like the Glanza (rebadge version of baleno), it will also be manufactured by Maruti Suzuki for Toyota.
Looking at the teaser image, it can be seen that its silhouette is similar to the Vitara Brezza. Even, the alloy wheels design looks exactly the same as Maruti's product. However, Toyota will be surely doing some cosmetic upgrade, especially in the front fascia. It is expected to get a redesigned front grille, redesigned bumper and even the different paint scheme, which will give it its own identity. Even the color palette inside the cabin could be different and lighter in shades to give an upmarket feel to the Toyota SUV.
Last but not the least, Toyota could again play its warranty card by offering better warranty options compared to its parent model.
Expected Powertrain
The Urban Cruiser is expected to be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine (105PS/138Nm) that powers many Maruti cars including Vitara Breeza and Ciaz. Similar to the donor car, this engine could be offered with an option of a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The AT variants could get the Suzuki's mild-hybrid system for better mileage.
Expected Price Range & Rivals
Toyota Urban Cruiser is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will lock horns with Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and upcoming Nissan Magnite & Kia Sonet.
