Toyota has unveiled the Urban Cruiser Taisor, the automaker’s new entry-level crossover that is another result of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance.
Launching in India today, Toyota South African subsidiary has confirmed that the Taisor will be introduced to the domestic market in the near future “under a model name yet to be announced.”
In the South Asian nation, the Taisor is retailing from INR7,73,500 which equates to R174,000 at current exchange rates.
However, it should be a bit more expensive once it arrives in local showrooms given the starting price of R288,900 for the Suzuki Fronx – the vehicle on which the Taisor is based – as well as Toyota’s well-documented history of selling its badge-engineered vehicles at a slightly higher cost than Suzuki.
“Further details about the South African version of Urban Cruiser Taisor will be made closer to launch timing,” said the local arm of Toyota.
What to expect
Like previous vehicles borne out of the Toyota-Suzuki partnership – see: Celerio and Vitz, Baleno and Starlet, Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser, and Ertiga and Rumion – the new Taisor sees minimal design changes when compared to the Fronx.
It wears a Rumion-inspired grille and slightly revised head and taillamps, a new front bumper, a distinctive set of alloy wheels, and, of course, Toyota badging, but that’s about it for the aesthetic alterations.
Apart from the Toyota-branded steering wheel and a unique seat design, the Taisor is also virtually identical to the Fronx inside the cabin.
In the Indian market, the new crossover comes in five specifications namely E, S, S+, G, and V.
Standard equipment on the entry-level derivative comprises keyless entry, a multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic airconditioning, reverse parking sensors, and hill-hold assist.
The mid-range Taisor entries bring LED multi-reflector headlights, a 7-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a reverse camera.
The flagship models additionally come with features such as push-button start, a leather steering wheel, a 9-inch central touchscreen, a wireless charger, an Arkamys surround sound system, a heads-up display, a 360-degree camera system, cruise control, and paddle shifters.
Locally, we expect the Taisor line-up will be leaner than in India just like the Fronx, with a combination of Xi, XS, and XR trim levels to be available akin to the model ranges of the Starlet and Urban Cruiser.
Across the pond, the Toyota is powered by either a naturally-aspirated, 1.2-litre petrol engine generating 66kW and 113Nm, or a turbocharged 1.0-litre unit putting out 74kW and 148Nm.
Three transmissions are available depending on the chosen specification, comprising a five-speed manual and automated manual alongside a six-speed automatic.
That said, judging from past collaborations between the brands, we anticipate that the Taisor will be sold with the same drivetrain as the Fronx once it reaches domestic showrooms, taking the form of a 1.5-litre petrol motor developing 77kW and 138Nm, mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
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