Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has expanded its SUV portfolio with the launch of the Urban Cruiser Taisor in India. This new offering, based on the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, enters the competitive compact SUV segment with starting prices lower than what Toyota vehicles typically command.
Urban Cruiser Taisor in India Collabs with Maruti Suzuki
The Urban Cruiser Taisor is the sixth product to emerge from the successful collaboration between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki in India. This partnership allows both companies to utilize each other’s strengths, with Toyota benefiting from Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer network and production facilities.
Bookings Open, Deliveries Expected to Begin
Customers can now book the Urban Cruiser Taisor in India at any authorized Toyota dealership across the country. Bookings commenced in April, with deliveries expected to begin in May 2024.
Distinct Design
While the Taisor shares its platform and overall status with the Fronx, Toyota has incorporated some new designs to differentiate its offering. The most noticeable changes are at the front, where a revised grille with a bolder mesh design replaces the Fronx’s look. Additionally, the bumpers have been redesigned, and the LED daytime running lights (DRLs) have been restyled for a more unique appearance. New wheel designs complete the exterior differentiation.
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Fresh Interior and Feature-Packed
Stepping inside the Taisor, drivers will find a fresh interior theme with new seat cushioning. The cabin retains the Fronx’s layout but gets a boost in features. The Taisor has a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting for a personalized touch, steering-mounted controls for convenience, and a 360-degree surround camera system for enhanced parking safety. Additionally, some variants offer a head-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight.
Engine Options and Transmission Choices
The Urban Cruiser Taisor carries over the powertrain options from the Fronx. This means customers can choose between a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 88 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque or a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol motor churning out 99 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque. Transmission options for the 1.2-liter engine include a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The 1.0-liter turbo petrol gets a choice of a manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic torque converter unit for a smoother driving experience. Notably, Toyota is also offering a factory-fitted CNG kit option with select variants, serving customers seeking a more fuel-efficient alternative.
Toyota Taisor Price in India
Interestingly, the pricing strategy for the Taisor differs between the two engine options. When comparing the 1.2-liter models, the Taisor carries a premium of up to ₹25,000, estimated at $300 dollar, over the corresponding Fronx variants. However, for the more powerful 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol models, the price difference narrows down to just ₹1,000 between the two SUVs.
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The Urban Cruiser Taisor enters a strong competitive segment with established players. Its primary rivals include the Maruti Fronx (its platform sibling), Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the upcoming Mahindra XUV300.
The arrival of the Urban Cruiser Taisor in India is a strategic move by Toyota to tap into the growing compact SUV market at a more accessible price point. While it shares its platform and core features with the Fronx, the subtle design changes and higher perceived quality could be enough to sway some buyers towards the Toyota badge. With deliveries commencing soon, it will be interesting to see how the Taisor fares against its well-established competitors in the Indian market.
