The Toyota Urban Cruiser arrives in SA
It seems that the Suzuki Brezza might have competition on the horizon as Toyota has launched its all-new Urban Cruiser. The Urban Cruiser promises to be both stylish and affordable, making the perfect companion for those who enjoy the great outdoors. To make things even more interesting, the Urban Cruiser will be the second product to come out of a Toyota/Suzuki collaboration with the highly successful Starlet being the first. The Urban Cruiser is available in three trims – the Xi model (entry-level), the Xs model (mid-level), and the Xr model (top-of-the-range).
In terms of engine capacity, the Urban Cruiser is powered by 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque and comes equipped with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Urban Cruiser has claimed a fuel consumption of just 6.2 litres per 100km, with a CO2 emissions count falling within the 145 to 147 g/km range. The Urban Cruiser comes fitted with a traditional McPherson strut front suspension layout and will feature a Torsion Beam design in the rear.
The outside of the Urban Cruiser offers consumers a rugged urban appeal. The front comes with a large radiator grille that features chrome accent strips running across it with a Toyota badge at the centre. At the rear, we get a large rectangular taillight which gets complemented by a large tailgate garnish embossed with “Urban Cruiser”. The Xi grade comes standard with LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), while the Xs grade gets the additional roof rails and body-coloured door handles. The range topping Xr further benefits from LED fog lamps and automatic headlights too. It will come fitted with 16-inch wheels, with steel versions being on the Xi model and alloy on the rest.
The cabin of the Urban Cruiser offers plenty of space and comfort. The inside comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that offers USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Safety and security have been made a top priority for the Urban Cruiser as it comes featured with ABS and EBD, side protection beams, driver, and passenger airbags, and ISOFIX.
All models including the entry-level Xi will come equipped with Toyota Connect, which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. The interior features will differ according to each model, with the Xs models benefiting from auto air-conditioning (climate control), a reverse camera, a rear armrest, and a 60:40 split backrest. The premium Xr models get further equipped with cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, a front armrest, a leather steering wheel, and the inclusion of two tweeter speakers.
All Urban Cruiser models will be sold with a 3-services/45 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.
Pricing
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xi (manual) R247 900
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs (manual) R267 800
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs (automatic) R289 000
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr (manual) R294 500
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr (automatic) R315 700
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Urban Cruiser cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser starts from around R299,900 for the entry-level Xi manual, with the mid-spec Xs going for about R329,900 and the top-spec Xr reaching approximately R359,900, making it a properly competitive offering in the compact SUV space.
Q: Is the Toyota Urban Cruiser worth buying?
The Urban Cruiser is absolutely worth considering if you want Toyota reliability with Suzuki efficiency, offering excellent fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100km, decent ground clearance for weekend adventures, and a solid warranty package that won't leave you stranded.
Q: How does the Toyota Urban Cruiser compare to the Suzuki Vitara Brezza?
The Urban Cruiser is essentially the Suzuki Vitara Brezza's twin brother with Toyota badges, sharing the same 1.5-litre engine producing 77 kW and 138 Nm, but you get Toyota's superior dealer network and potentially better resale value for your money.
Q: What engine does the Toyota Urban Cruiser have?
The Urban Cruiser packs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 77 kW of power and 138 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox for decent performance around town.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R360,000 in South Africa is definitely the Toyota Urban Cruiser, and yes, you should absolutely buy it. At R299,900 for the base Xi model, you're getting Toyota's legendary reliability, excellent fuel economy of 6.2 litres per 100km, and enough ground clearance to handle our pothole-riddled roads with confidence. The 1.5-litre engine with 77 kW might not set your hair on fire, but it's perfectly adequate for daily driving and weekend getaways. Plus, you get the peace of mind that comes with Toyota's extensive dealer network and solid resale values. If you can stretch to the R359,900 Xr model, the LED fog lamps and automatic headlights are worth the extra cash. Skip the Suzuki Vitara Brezza and go straight for the Urban Cruiser, your future self will thank you when it's time to trade up.
