South Africa welcomed a new crossover to the Toyota family this year, but it also lost one in the process.
The Urban Cruiser, which was first launched in 2021, quickly became one of the country’s best-selling vehicles making regular appearances in the top 10 alongside other Toyota staples like the Hilux and Corolla Cross.
Even though it was only on the market for two years, the crossover managed to sell an impressive 27,572 units, likely due to the fact that it was one of the only SUVs in South Africa to retail for less than R300,000.
Despite its success, the model was replaced only two years after its introduction with a new one and is no longer available at any official Toyota dealership.
Toyota South Africa told TopAuto that it has no immediate plans to introduce a new vehicle to fill the sub-R300,000 market, stating that it believes the new Urban Cruiser “offers great value for money and is competitively priced in the current challenging economic climate.”
Out with the old, in with the new
The Urban Cruiser was replaced earlier this year by a new car, which happens to share the same name.
While the old and new crossovers may have the same badge on the rear bumper, they have entirely different bodies and are actually based on two different vehicles.
The previous model was developed in a partnership with Suzuki, which meant the Toyota was functionally identical to the Vitara Brezza. Likewise, the new Urban Cruiser (known as the Hyryder in other markets) shares the same platform as the recently-launched Suzuki Grand Vitara.
The biggest consequence of this switchover for consumers has been the price tag, as the old Cruiser was available in five specifications with prices ranging from R283,200 to R357,100.
While the new vehicle’s range-topping unit is not that much more expensive than its counterpart, clocking in at R369,900, the entry-level model has seen a substantial jump of R46,200 to reach its new asking sticker of R329,400.
Pre-owned potential
The old Urban Cruiser is now only available as a pre-owned model and for those looking to get one, it’s worth knowing what the crossover offers.
In entry-level Xi trim, the outgoing Toyota came standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, 16-inch steel wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, fabric seats, manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, rear park distance control, two speakers, and a 7-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Higher specifications would then add alloy wheels, roof rails, a reverse camera, automatic climate control, light-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, and an extra two speakers.
While it may have a different body to the new Cruiser, the two vehicles share the same engine – a 1.5-litre, petrol plant with 77kW and 138Nm.
There are two gearboxes available, either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, and both cars are front-wheel drive.
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