Toyota recently unveiled a larger version of its popular Urban Cruiser crossover for the Indian market, coined the Hyryder.
We reached out to the local arm of Toyota to find out whether this SUV will be making it to our shores and it said the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is “currently under study” with local introduction details to be “confirmed in due course.”
If this model does launch in South Africa it will likely slot in between the compact Urban Cruiser and the marginally larger Corolla Cross, two models whose starting prices are separated by less than R100,000.
India does not have the Corolla Cross, nor the quirky C-HR, with the Hyryder now filling the void between the Urban Cruiser and the Fortuner in this region. This means we already have two SUVs in South Africa filling the Hyryder’s position.
However, Toyota has been heavily focused on hybrid vehicles since the start of 2021, introducing no fewer than four partially-electrified models to our market comprising the new Corolla Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4 Hybrid.
As such, with its mildly-electrified engine there might just be an entry-level spot for the new Urban Cruiser Hyryder in the automaker’s South African catalogue as the cheapest hybrid currently available is the Corolla Cross starting at R425,400, making it a bit on the pricier side for most new car buyers.
Urban Cruiser Hyryder specifications
The new Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the first mid-size SUV to get hybrid technologies in India, reported BusinessToday, offering a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a rear-mounted electric motor to generate upwards of 85kW, 8kW more than the standard Urban Cruiser.
The Toyota is also sold with a Suzuki-made 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 75kW and 135Nm.
Each specification drives the front wheels through the buyer’s choice between a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, with all-wheel-drive options to be added at a later date.
The crossover is also kitted with Toyota’s most cutting-edge features such as LED projector headlamps, remote vehicle start and cabin climate adjustment via a smartphone app, advanced voice control, smartwatch connectivity, wireless charging, front and rear-seat ventilation, a heads-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.
Additional amenities in the form of a digital driver’s display, 9-inch infotainment screen, climate control with rear vents, reclining rear seats, and a panoramic roof are also installed.
If it comes to South Africa, the Hyryder will be facing tough competition from the likes of the Haval Jolion, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Vitara, and VW T-Roc.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Keyword: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder “under study” for South Africa