By Otsile Kadiege

The Toyota-Suzuki alliance has spawned yet another new vehicle for Toyota. The new model in question is called the Urban Cruiser, however, this is not the Urban Cruiser you’re already seeing on our roads, this one is fully-electric and is based on the eVitara Suzuki unveiled in October last year at  at the Japan Mobility Show.

Its introduction marks another important step in Toyota’s wider multi-path strategy to offer customers a broad choice of electrified drivetrain technologies across Europe. By 2026, Toyota will have 15 zero emission vehicles in its range, including six battery electric vehicles using a dedicated platform.

EV powertrains

The new EV Urban Cruiser will be offered with two battery packs. A 49 kWh battery will be available exclusively in the FWD version, giving an output of 106 kW. Additionally, for the FWD model, customers will also have the option to opt for a 61 kWh battery produces 128 kW. The front-wheel drive Urban Cruiser benefits from a “snow mode” which controls drive torque to help reduce wheel-slip when driving on snow-covered roads.

The electric Urban Cruiser will also be offered with all-wheel drive. In this version the 61 kWh battery delivers 135 kW. The addition of a 48 kW motor to the rear axle is said to give a stable and secure performance on loose and slippery surfaces, giving both peace of mind in difficult conditions and a more rewarding driving experience. The system also provides Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode which detects and brakes a spinning wheel while directing drive torque to the opposite wheel.

All Urban Cruiser versions are equipped with an energy-saving heat pump for the air conditioning system and manually operated battery pre-heating to optimize performance in colder conditions.

BEV platform

The car is constructed on a new platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles. It is said to be strong yet lightweight and avails a interior space with built-in protection for the car’s high-voltage parts. Toyota also says the structure’s design avoids the need for cross-members in the floor, freeing up more space to accommodate the battery.

Exterior design and styling

The exterior design of the new electric Urban Cruiser looks somewhat similar to the eVitara. That said, as per usual Toyota added their own unique touches. Some highlights include full LED headlights and daytime running lights, vertical front bumper air inlets, prominent contrasting wheel arches and side skirts, contrasting mirror caps, wheel sizes ranging between 18- and 19-inches, rear door handles which are reminiscent of the C-HR, and LED taillights. A wide range of exterior colours will include bi-tone options with a contrasting black roof.

The dimensions of the Urban Cruiser are as follows

Overall length: 4,285 mm

Overall width: 1,800 mm

Overall height: 1,640 mm

Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

Interior design and technology

As expected, the interior of the electric Urban Cruiser is a carbon copy of the eVitara’s cabin. Some notable features include a modern design with premium cabin appointments, a flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel, an integrated 10.25-inch digital combi-meter and 10.1-inch multimedia display, physical climate control buttons, a rotary gear selector on the centre console, 12 colour ambient lighting, power driver’s seat adjustment, a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof.