With the introduction of numerous new models, like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and others, the mid-size SUV market in India has expanded. With the recently released Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota is now entering this market as well. Time will tell if it can establish a name for itself in its market, perhaps akin to what the Corolla did in the D-segment. Let’s first determine whether it is worthwhile to compete against the Creta and the Seltos, who are now leading the segment.
Exteriors matter
Regardless of how arbitrary this may sound, Indians value appearance and road presence, which is why SUV sales have increased. If the Urban Cruiser makeover is ever re-launched, this Urban Cruiser Hyryder will be positioned above it because it is not a sub-four metre SUV. With its distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from the pack of these SUVs, the Hyryder will stick out. It boasts split headlights, which have grown to be rather popular lately. Additionally, the thin grille, svelte DRLs, cool alloy wheels, and C-shaped LED tail lights, among many others, are excellent ingredients for a well-balanced dish like this SUV.
A luxurious cabin
In this market, space is a given for SUVs. Then again, by how much more than the rivals? When we actually measure it, we’ll know. However, as far as initial impressions go, this one checks the majority of the boxes. It has a dual-tone interior with a leather-wrapped dashboard that feels and looks nice. Switches, buttons, and stalks are examples of shared components, though. Furthermore, the hybrid setup somewhat reduces the boot space. Although the Hyryder is well-equipped, the SUVs in this segment pamper with comfort and features. Among the many features are a cutting-edge touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, a digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, two-step reclining rear seats, a wireless charger, and a lot more. Six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESP, hill-hold assist, and hill descent control are just a few of the safety features included in this vehicle.
Sufficient power
Prospective purchasers hoping for a powerful and fuel-efficient drivetrain may be dissatisfied because there is no diesel engine choice. Nevertheless, by offering the normal variety of petrol options, Toyota hasn’t exactly played it safe in this regard. In reality, it has injected innovation into this market by using its hybrid knowledge. The first SUV in this area with a potent hybrid drivetrain is the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 91 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque, and it is mated to an electric motor that produces 78 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. A 177.6V lithium-ion battery pack provides a 25km all-electric driving range. This will assist the petrol mill in delivering more fuel economy. Imagine a large petrol SUV with a 24- to 25-kmpl overall fuel efficiency. That would be thrifty, wouldn’t it? Indeed!
Aside from this powerful and economical hybrid, Toyota also wants to provide customers more choices. The Toyota-Maruti relationship is crucial because Maruti Suzuki’s 1.5-liter K-Series mild-hybrid engine will also be available with the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Both a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission will be offered with this engine, which has a power output of 103 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, this version will be the first in its market to offer an optional AWD variant.
Will there be some sort of revelation?
It most certainly will be, in our opinion. And not just for its drivetrains, but also for its exterior, interior, feature set, and spaciousness. Not to mention the Toyota brand’s reputation for dependability. There will be a standard warranty of three years and one lakh kilometres, which can be increased to five years and two lakh kilometres. Additionally, the hybrid batteries come with a standard warranty of eight years and 1,60,000 miles. With all of this, it becomes a solid package that doesn’t rely solely on EV power or AWD capabilities. It will undoubtedly be worthy of competing against its rivals. But the cost is also a factor in all of this. Nothing will prevent Toyota from having a winner on its hands if it does it correctly.
Bottomline:
Toyota holds a strong position when it comes to SUV market dependability and cutting-edge technology. With a great car comes great responsibility. Make your Toyota stand out with the best Toyota car accessories and flaunt your SUV like never before.
