Toyota Urban Cruiser : In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Toyota has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
This compact SUV has taken the market by storm, offering a perfect blend of Fortuner-inspired rugged looks and a host of dhansu (impressive) features that set it apart from the competition.
Let’s delve into what makes the Urban Cruiser Hyryder a game-changer in its segment.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Design: A Miniature Fortuner
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder’s design is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to creating vehicles that command attention on the road. T
aking cues from its larger sibling, the Fortuner, the Hyryder boasts a bold and muscular stance that’s sure to turn heads.
Front Fascia:
The front end of the Hyryder is dominated by a large, chrome-accented grille that bears a striking resemblance to the Fortuner.
The sleek LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs) flank the grille, giving the SUV a premium and modern look. The sculpted bumper with faux skid plates adds to the vehicle’s rugged appeal, hinting at its SUV credentials.
Side Profile:
Moving to the side, the Fortuner’s influence is evident in the Hyryder’s strong character lines and squared-off wheel arches.
The high ground clearance and large wheels (up to 17 inches on higher trims) further enhance its SUV stance. The floating roof design, achieved through blacked-out pillars, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall profile.
Rear Design:
At the rear, the Hyryder continues to impress with its wide stance and well-proportioned design.
The split LED taillamps are connected by a chrome strip, creating a sense of width. The rear bumper, complete with a faux diffuser and skid plate, completes the SUV look.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Dhansu Features: Packed with Technology
Step inside the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class in terms of features and quality.
Hybrid Powertrain:
One of the standout features of the Hyryder is its hybrid powertrain option. This system combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel efficiency (claimed figures of up to 27.97 km/l) without compromising on performance. The hybrid variant also offers an EV-only mode for short distances, perfect for city commutes.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
In a segment-first move, Toyota has equipped the Hyryder with ADAS features, bringing advanced safety technology to the compact SUV segment. This includes:
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Road Sign Assist (RSA)
These features not only enhance safety but also make long drives more comfortable and less fatiguing.
9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System:
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This high-resolution display offers seamless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also includes voice recognition, allowing for hands-free control of various functions.
360-Degree Camera:
Maneuvering in tight spaces is a breeze thanks to the 360-degree camera system. This feature provides a bird’s eye view of the vehicle, making parking and navigating through narrow lanes much easier.
Panoramic Sunroof:
Adding to the premium feel is a large panoramic sunroof, a feature rarely found in this segment. It floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere.
Ventilated Front Seats:
To combat the harsh Indian summers, the Hyryder comes equipped with ventilated front seats. This feature keeps occupants cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
Heads-Up Display (HUD):
Another segment-first feature is the heads-up display, which projects crucial information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Connected Car Technology:
The Hyryder comes with Toyota’s connected car suite, offering features like:
Remote engine start/stop
Vehicle tracking
Geofencing
Real-time vehicle diagnostics
Over-the-air updates
Toyota Urban Cruiser Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers two powertrain options:
Hybrid:
The hybrid variant combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 115 PS. This setup not only delivers impressive fuel efficiency but also offers smooth and quiet operation, especially in city driving conditions.
Mild Hybrid:
For those who prefer a more traditional setup, there’s a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 103 PS. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Both powertrains offer a good balance of performance and efficiency, catering to different driving preferences.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control
The Hyryder’s suspension setup has been tuned to offer a comfortable ride without compromising on handling.
The high ground clearance allows it to tackle rough roads with ease, while the well-calibrated steering provides good feedback, inspiring confidence in both city and highway driving scenarios.
Safety: No Compromises
In addition to the ADAS features mentioned earlier, the Hyryder comes packed with a comprehensive safety suite:
6 airbags
ABS with EBD
Vehicle Stability Control
Hill Hold Control
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
These features ensure that occupants are well-protected in various driving conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Hyryder offers impressive interior space.
The clever packaging allows for ample legroom and headroom in both rows.
The rear seats can be reclined for added comfort on long journeys.
The boot space is generous, with 373 liters of capacity that can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
The flat floor and wide opening make loading and unloading luggage a breeze.
Environmental Considerations
With its hybrid powertrain option, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder addresses growing environmental concerns. The ability to run on electric power for short distances in city traffic significantly reduces emissions and fuel consumption.
This makes the Hyryder an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on the practicality of an SUV.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like:
Hyundai Creta
Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Volkswagen Taigun
Skoda Kushaq
However, its unique combination of Fortuner-inspired looks, hybrid technology, and segment-first features gives it a distinct edge.
The Toyota brand’s reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support further adds to its appeal.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Pricing and Variants
While exact pricing can vary based on location and specific variants, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is competitively priced, starting from around ₹10.5 lakhs for the base variant and going up to ₹19.5 lakhs for the top-end hybrid model (ex-showroom prices).
The wide range of variants ensures that there’s a Hyryder for every budget and requirement, from those seeking a value-for-money option to buyers looking for a feature-packed, premium compact SUV experience.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Conclusion: A Game-Changer in the Compact SUV Segment
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder represents a significant leap forward in the compact SUV segment.
By combining the rugged appeal of the Fortuner with a host of dhansu features and cutting-edge hybrid technology, Toyota has created a vehicle that stands out in a crowded market.
Its blend of style, efficiency, advanced safety features, and comfortable interiors makes it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy urban dweller, an environmentally conscious consumer, or someone who simply appreciates a well-designed and capable SUV, the Hyryder has something to offer.
As the automotive industry moves towards a more sustainable future, vehicles like the Urban Cruiser Hyryder pave the way for mainstream adoption of hybrid technology.
It proves that one doesn’t have to compromise on performance, features, or style to drive a more eco-friendly vehicle.
In conclusion, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is more than just another compact SUV; it’s a statement of intent from Toyota.
It showcases the brand’s ability to understand and cater to the evolving needs of the Indian market while staying true to its core values of quality, reliability, and innovation.
As it hits the roads across India, the Hyryder is poised to redefine expectations in its segment, setting new benchmarks for others to follow.