By Otsile Kadiege

Toyota recently lifted the veils off the updated and popular Urban Cruiser, which is now dubbed Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It boasts extensive exterior and interior design changes, a raft of new technologies, new efficient powertrains with a hybrid technology as well as numerous segment firsts. The new Urban Cruiser Hyryder competes with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet and the Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

Exterior updates

The exterior design updates are so extensive one would be forgiven for thinking that the updated model is an all-new vehicle. Toyota’s updated mid-size SUV now sports a newly designed front-end with a distinctive grille flanked by slim LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The lower part of the front bumper boasts a large grille with mesh patterns. It’s also flanked by LED headlights with chrome-like surrounds.

Its side profile features a contrasting roof with roof rails, contrast body cladding, a distinctive lower bulge and a set of newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels for top-spec grades. At the back, the updated Urban Cruiser Hyryder features slim C-shaped LED taillights, vertical fog and reverse lights on the flanks of the rear bumper as well as a prominent faux skid plate.

The exterior dimensions of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder are as follows: length 4365mm, width 1795 mm, height 1635 mm and 2600 mm wheelbase.

Interior updates

Toyota also went to town with the interior design of the refreshed Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Inside, the newcomer features a dual-tone interior, ventilated front seats, soft touch materials, a newly designed multifunctional steering wheel, a large 9.0-inch touch display in higher grades and a semi-digital cluster. More interior highlights include wireless charging, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera and a large panoramic sunroof to list a few.

Safety

On the safety side the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, TPMS, VSC, hill hold control, hill descent control.

Powertrains

Powering the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is two naturally aspirated petrol engines with hybrid technology. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology has a total system output of 75kW (102ps) and 135Nm. It’s paired to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The second powerplant option is another 1.5-litre petrol engine however this engine has 3-cylinders and is paired to “strong hybrid” technology. The engine makes 85kW (116ps) and it’s paired to an eCVT.

Availability

Toyota South Africa is yet to confirm local availability, specifications and pricing.