The Indian car market gets a new contender in the compact SUV segment – the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor! This new offering is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Fronx, marking the sixth collaboration between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki in India. While it shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Fronx, the Taisor boasts some distinctive design elements and a Toyota badge, potentially appealing to brand-loyal buyers.
Standing Out in the Crowd
Look closely, and you’ll spot the differences between the Taisor and the Fronx. The Taisor features a redesigned front grille that exudes a bolder stance. The tweaked bumpers and newly styled LED daytime running lights (DRLs) further enhance its visual appeal. New alloy wheels complete the makeover, giving the Taisor a unique identity on the road.
Stepping Inside: A Feature-Packed Cabin
Open the door and you’ll be greeted by a familiar yet fresh cabin. The Taisor borrows the Fronx’s layout but gets new seat upholstery for a touch of Toyota flair. Technology takes center stage with a large infotainment screen that boasts wireless smartphone connectivity, keeping you entertained on the go. A semi-digital instrument cluster provides all the essential driving information at a glance.
Comfort is ensured with features like automatic climate control, a wireless charger, and ambient lighting. Steering-mounted controls keep everything within easy reach, while a 360-degree surround camera and head-up display offer enhanced safety and convenience.
Engineered for Efficiency and Performance
The Taisor inherits the Fronx’s powertrain options. The base variant comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine churning out 88bhp and 113Nm of torque. This engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission for a fuel-efficient driving experience or a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) for a more relaxed drive in city traffic.
For those seeking a bit more zip, the Taisor also offers a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine generating 99bhp and 148Nm. This peppier option comes with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission for spirited driving or a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic torque converter for effortless cruising. Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate the availability of a company-fitted CNG kit option on select variants.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: Price and Competition
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor comes in six variants across the two engine options, with a starting price of Rs. 7.73 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions it slightly above the Maruti Fronx, with a price difference of up to Rs. 25,000 for the 1.2-litre models. However, the 1.0-litre turbo variants have a negligible price difference of around Rs. 1,000.
The Taisor enters a fiercely competitive segment brimming with established players like the Maruti Fronx (its mechanical twin), Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the upcoming Mahindra XUV300.
The Verdict: A Compelling Contender
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor offers a compelling blend of features, design, and the trusted Toyota badge in the compact SUV segment. While it shares its core components with the Fronx, the distinctive design cues and potentially stronger brand loyalty associated with Toyota might sway some buyers. The availability of a wider range of trims and features across various variants gives customers more choices to suit their needs and budget.
With deliveries set to commence in May 2024, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is poised to stir up the compact SUV segment. Only time will tell how it fares against the well-established competition, but it certainly has the potential to be a strong contender for buyers seeking a feature-rich and stylish SUV with a touch of Toyota heritage.
