By Khulekani Dumisa

There’s a new Toyota SUV in the country and it is known as the Urban Cruiser. It is a result of the Suzuki and Toyota alliance and is sold by Suzuki as the Vitara Brezza. Notably, the entry level Brezza is about R3,000 cheaper than the Urban Cruiser. The most expensive Vitara Brezza also comes in at least R10,000 cheaper than the Urban Cruiser. The Urban Cruiser slots in below the CH-R in the Toyota SUV line-up.

Looks

The urban Cruiser also gets its own unique front visual identity in the form of a Toyota specific grille. This helps set it apart from the Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centrally-mounted Toyota insignia are flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps (standard across the range).

The front bumper design features high-mounted fog lamps with a prominent contour line separating the upper and lower sections. The lower apron is finished in matte black with a silver bumper guard below it.

The side features black wheel mouldings that flow into the lower bumper sections. Roof rails (where fitted) and a roof spoiler add to the ‘urban aesthetics’.

Moving to the rear, large rectangular taillights are complemented by a large tailgate garnish embossed with “Urban Cruiser”. Echoing the front, the lower apron is finished in textured black with a silver ‘diffuser’ section.

Inside, the upper fascia houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with a piano-black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets. A 3-spoke steering wheel (leather-sheathed for the Xr model) with metallic inserts and steering switches provides control.

Grades

A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using the now-familiar Toyota grade names Xi, Xs and Xr. The entry-level Xi model features keyless-entry with push start, electric windows all round, air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, power-adjustable mirrors, LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) offers drivers additional peace of mind.

The aforementioned touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users seamless smartphone connectivity.

The mid-tier Xs model adds alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, power-retractable mirrors and rear window wiper with demister function. On the inside, the Xs offers auto air-conditioning (climate control) and reverse camera, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and 60:40 split backrest.

Serving as the flagship of the range, the Xr inherits LED fog lamps, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, front armrest, leather steering wheel and the inclusion of two tweeter speakers. The convenience factor is also amplified by glove box illumination, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front foot well lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.

Safety & Security

The safety and security specs include ABS and EBD, side protection beams, driver and passenger airbags and ISOFIX. An alarm and immobilser system is also included on all models.

Engine

Like the Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser makes use of Suzuki’s K15B naturally aspirated 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 77kW of power and 138 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission which send power to the front wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 6.2-litre/100 km.

Pricing

The Urban Cruiser is priced as follows:

• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1,5 Xi: R247,900
• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1,5 XS: R267,800
• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1,5 XS AT: R289,000
• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1,5 XR: R294,500
• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1,5 XR AT: R315,700

Pricing includes a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, 3-service/45,000 km service plan and a 4-year/60,000 km service plan. The Vitara Brezza’ comes with a 5-year/200,000 km promotional warranty.