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Toyota Urban Cruiser (2023) Review, Pricing, and Specs

With the second-generation Urban Cruiser, Toyota took everything that made the first one great, and made it better.

Ever since the Urban Cruiser made its local introduction in 2021, it has been selling like proverbial hotcakes. It ticked two vital boxes that customers were looking for, it was an SUV, and it was cheap. More than 27 000 of those units found new homes and solidified its status as a best-seller in the process. Barely two years later and the second generation is here. 

First things first, the new model shares its underpinnings with the recently launched Suzuki Grand Vitara, though Toyota confirmed that the Urban Cruiser won’t compete directly against it. Speaking of its rivals, the segment is quite packed and includes the Renault Kiger, Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Magnite and Hyundai Venue. 

What is it all about? 

One of the biggest differences between the new model and the old one is the shape and size. Toyota made away with the shorter ‘box’ shape and replaced it with a longer, more rounded one that looks much better, in our opinion. With the newer shape, Toyota is effectively upping the value of the Urban Cruiser because, technically, buyers are getting a Grand Vitara (a model priced from R339 900), one of Suzuki’s flagship models. 

Under the bonnet, you'll still find the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine from its predecessor that produces 77kW and 138Nm and can be paired with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, Toyota claims a figure of 6.1 litres/100km for both the automatic and manual transmissions, though we managed slightly more. 

The XR derivative mated to the five-speed manual is the one we had on test, coated in the very eye-catching Jet Blue. Additionally, customers can also choose from Mystic Pearl, Premium Liquid Silver, Luxe Red, Shadow Grey, Shadow Black Pearl and Smoke Black solid body colours. One of the most impressive things about the Urban Cruiser range is that there isn’t a massive drop-off in terms of standard features. The XS derivative is devoid of cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, two fewer airbags and speakers. Features like a reverse camera, LED daytime running lights, rear park distance control, hill assist and vehicle stability control are all offered as standard across the range. 

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Styling and interior 

The aesthetics have been upped in a big way, and that is immediately noticeable with fixtures like the redesigned headlights and almost electric vehicle-like front grille. Gone are the rectangular rear lights, and in its place is a new horizontal piece that makes the rear look sleeker. We're not a fan of where the indicator and reverse lights are situated - along either side of the rear bumper - but some might like it. The alloy wheels also benefit from a new design and come with a full-size spare wheel. The interior is nothing over the top and has all the bits that an affordable SUV of this day and age should have. 

 There’s a higher-placed multi-function infotainment screen that comes complete with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a USB port which are all vital. There’s no leather seating option in the range, but the cloth material is of good quality and sits quite snug as well. The multi-function steering wheel on XR models has audio, telephone and cruise control buttons, while the XS doesn’t. Behind the steering wheel is the analogue instrument cluster with a digital information bar in the middle. Push to start is available throughout the range, and the 353 litres of boot space is where the extra space is allocated. 

Driving impression 

One of the biggest differences between the Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser is that the former has more derivatives and a Hybrid AllGrip offering. The Corolla Cross competes more closely with the Grand Vitara, so there was no need for Toyota to match the model it is based on exactly. We were fortunate enough to drive the automatic and manual models at the local launch, and our impression was that the manual was the one to go for. 

The manual transmission is one of the easiest to drive, and that extra gear really helps compared to the four-speed auto. Because of the shorter ratios, the revs pick up quicker, which makes it ideal for stints of city driving. However, we suspect the engine would wane over regular, longer-distance drives. That does not detract from the driving experience, however. We were afraid that the low torque wouldn’t be sufficient, but that’s not the case. The engine is quite peppy when asked to go a little bit faster. 

Coming back to fuel consumption, we covered roughly 420km in the week that we had the car and averaged 6.8 litres per 100km over that period. The previous generation did feel a bit clunky to drive, but with the newer platform, that has been improved for a more comfortable ride and better handling in the bigger chassis. 

Food for thought 

SUVs are all the rage at the moment, and finding an affordable offering is at the forefront of most buyer's minds. The first Urban Cruiser took the local market by storm, and there’s no indication that the new one won’t do the same. Similarly, Toyota is well-stocked with SUVs like the Corolla Cross, RAV4, Fortuner and C-HR.

Toyota has almost legendary standing amongst local buyers and that is why the brand sells as good as they do. It also helps that their models are priced well in a time where inflation is at an all-time high. 

Spec and pricing 

1.5 Xs manual – R329 400 
1.5 XR manual – R347 400
1.5 XR automatic – R369 900 

All models come with a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km mechanical warranty. Additional service plans and warranty options can be purchased from the dealer. 

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