Toyota and Maruti Suzuki each spent several years developing a new mid-size SUV before debuting their respective models last month. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder was introduced by Toyota, and later the Grand Vitara was shown off by Maruti Suzuki. While the two cars couldn’t be more different in appearance, they share the same base, equipment, and powertrain options. One of our auto industry friends was kind enough to test drive it and give us his thoughts on it. So let’s know how is the all new Toyota Hyryder feels:
Toyota Hyryder Exterior
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is Toyota’s first small SUV for the Indian market, and it features a very contemporary design. Headlights are being replaced by double stripe LED DRLs, and they are now set lower in the bumper, following the current trend among compact SUVs. There’s a big airdam down there, and the grille up above has a carbon fibre look to it. Extensive use of chrome can be seen in the back of the small SUV, where a wide chrome bar sits between two LED taillights with dual C-shaped inserts.
The SUV’s design lands in between that of Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, and clearly shows influences from both Japanese automakers. To complement its rugged good looks, this SUV rides on alloy wheels that measure 17 inches in diameter. There will be seven different single-tone colour options for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder at launch: Cafe White, Sporting Red, Enticing Silver, Speedy Blue, Midnight Black, Gaming Grey, and Cave Black. Additionally, the first four of these colours will be available in dual-tone form with Midnight Black.
Toyota Hyryder Platform
Since it is built on Suzuki’s global C-platform, it shares numerous components with the Maruti Suzuki lineup, particularly in the areas of interior design and propulsion. The huge windows and additional glass behind the C-pillar give the side a sense of spaciousness that is complemented by the alloy wheels. The most premium models will have two-tone paint jobs. However, there are more crossover cues and fewer SUV touches in the design. The back end is just as well designed, and there are no oddities to be found.
Toyota Hyryder Interior & Features
All that separates the cabin from the Maruti Grand Vitara is a change in colour scheme. Steering wheel, head-up display (HUD), touchscreen, and numerous additional buttons are all recycled from other recent Maruti models such as the Brezza, Baleno, XL6, etc. At the time of the vehicle’s unveiling, we noticed that the fit and finish were noticeably higher than in the Brezza and Grand Vitara.
In comparison to other vehicles in this class, the SmartPlay infotainment system is well-executed and offers respectable audio quality. In addition, there are 6 airbags, ISOFIX, traction control, cruise control, hill start assist, hill descent control, vehicle stability control, 4 wheel antilock brakes, and electronic brake distribution (ABS) on the front wheels.
Toyota Hyryder Performance
The only trim I was able to try was the powerful hybrid equipped with Toyota’s powertrain and technology. The electric motor creates 79 horsepower and 141 Newton-meters of torque, while the 1.5-liter engine produces 91 horsepower and 122 Newton-meters of torque. There is a total of 114 horsepower available. The engine’s power delivery is adequate, if unenthusiastically smooth. It takes some time for the engine to reach full rpm, and at times you might wish it were a little more responsive.
This car also features a pure EV mode, in which it can travel at city speeds not unlike the Honda City e:HEV. When travelling at higher speeds, the engine becomes useful. With this powerful hybrid type, I was able to achieve 25 km/l in the city and 21 km/l on the highway, suggesting a realistic range of 900-1000 km on a single tank of gas.
I was unable to test the K15C version of the engine, although it is shared by the Brezza, the Ertiga, and the XL6. It gets decent gas mileage but has a reputation for being underwhelming in terms of power. Very elegant and comfortable for everyday driving, but lacking if you plan to push it to its limits on the highway. In addition, the powerful hybrid version will be quite a bit more expensive than the standard variants.
Toyota Hyryder Riding Comfort & Handling
In terms of handling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is impartial. Very little effort is required to steer at low speeds, and it’s not bad at greater speeds either. Provides little in the way of responses. Even the vehicle’s handling characteristics are designed with passenger comfort in mind rather than sportiness. When you put your foot to the floor and give the car its all, it will roll around quite a bit. The ride is soft at low speeds and acceptable at higher ones, though it is not exceptionally plush. Thankfully, the Hyryder’s light controls make it feel extremely manageable, even in congested areas.
Toyota Hyryder Price
Trims | Mild-Hybrid MT | Mild-Hybrid AT | Mild-Hybrid MT AWD | Strong-Hybrid eCVT |
E | Rs 10.48 Lakh (ex-showroom) | - | - | - |
S | Rs 12.28 Lakh (ex-showroom) | Rs 13.48 Lakh (ex-showroom) | - | Rs 15.11 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
G | Rs 14.34 Lakh (ex-showroom) | Rs 15.54 Lakh (ex-showroom) | - | Rs 17.49 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
V | Rs 15.89 Lakh (ex-showroom) | Rs 17.09 Lakh (ex-showroom) | Rs 17.19 Lakh (ex-showroom) | Rs 18.99 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
Final Words
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a respectable product overall. Value for money will be higher for the K15C versions and lower for the strong hybrid variants. Since it’s a Toyota, you can probably count on excellent maintenance, but many people will probably confuse it with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Everything from the frame and interior to the K15C engine is manufactured by Maruti Suzuki, while the second engine and advanced hybrid technology come from Toyota. It will be fascinating to see how the two car companies’ prices compare come September. Launch of the Hyryder had been scheduled on August 16 but was delayed for reasons known only by Toyota.