Toyota Urban Cruiser

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Compiled by John Floyd

Ushering in the next instalment in Toyota’s passenger car expansion strategy, is the new Urban Cruiser. Conceived as a fun, affordable and compact crossover vehicle, the Urban Cruiser has been designed to play in the city during weekdays, while taking you to your next adventure on the weekend.

In addition, the Urban Cruiser is the second product of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance (following the Starlet), building upon the core model architecture, while bringing Toyota’s comprehensive dealer support, customer service and parts’ supply network to the party.

Exterior Styling The Urban Cruiser features rugged urban styling replete with a raised stance, textured side- and wheel-arch mouldings and bumper guards. The front features a large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centrally-mounted Toyota insignia – these are flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps (standard across the range).

An aggressive 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 adding the finishing touch.

The side profile continues the ‘squared-off’ look, with short overhangs that are further accentuated by the black wheel mouldings flowing 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.

Interior Styling The cabin offers a comfortable space characterised by excellent ergonomics and optimised exterior visibility. The upper fascia houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with an elegant piano-black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets. A sporty 3-spoke steering wheel (leather-sheathed for the Xr model) with metallic inserts and steering switches provides classic control.

The black fabric seats feature a honeycomb pattern, with the rest of the interior finished off in hard-wearing black, featuring a textured pattern. Large door pockets, glove compartment and additional oddment binnacles provide convenient storage spaces.

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