By Kelly Fisher
The latest Toyota Urban Cruiser has made a strong impression on South African buyers. Now, in its second iteration, it has evolved into a more substantial vehicle based on a larger platform. Thismeans enhanced practicality but also its overall better value for money, making it a solid buy in its segment.
When the Toyota Urban Cruiser was first introduced in South Africa, it quickly became popular, moving over 1 000 units per month on average. The new Urban Cruiser continues this trend, offering more car for the money with its increased size and improved features.
One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in size, with the new Urban Cruiser being longer and taller than its predecessor. This has translated into more interior space, particularly in the boot, which now offers a generous 353 liters of space. The seats also fold flatter, making it easier to load bulky items. Taller rear passengers will also enjoy that the rear legroom has also improved, thanks to the longer wheelbase.
In terms of design, the Urban Cruiser has taken on a more modern and cohesive look. At the front, there are low-set headlamps and LED strips that double as indicators. The rear features striking LED rear combination lamps that create a somewhat futuristic appearance.
Inside, the Urban Cruiser offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The seats are comfortable, and the materials feel well built and of a decent quality. The infotainment system is modern, supporting nice-to-haves such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
On the road, the Urban Cruiser performs adequately with its 1.5-liter petrol engine delivering 77 kW of power and 138 Nm of torque. You’re not going to be throwing this around the Franschhoek pass, but it will certainly get you around the city with ease. The ride is comfortable, and the cabin remains quiet at higher speeds. Additionally, the Toyota Urban Cruiser drives well on the road, offering a smooth and hassle-free driving experience. During our test of the automatic version, the performance was as expected from a Toyota automatic transmission – reliable and efficient, with no hassles.
Overall, the new Toyota Urban Cruiser represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor. With its improved size, features, and competitive pricing, it offers good value for money and should continue to be a popular choice in its segment.