ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS AT THE REVEAL OF THE NEW TOYOTA URBAN CRUISER

Some may recall the Urban Cruiser from Toyota with its unusual styling and it was far from being popular in this corner of Europe; however the name is back to adorn their new BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) which will go on sale later this year. The name has been around since a concept vehicle back in 2006 and has been used on a number of crossover/SUV models.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a reveal of the newcomer, the chance to explore it thoroughly but the opportunity to drive it will have to wait. The first public appearance came earlier at the Brussels Motor Show, then it was a case of look, but no opportunity to get on-board. The Urban Cruiser is the latest to join the Toyota BEV family of vehicles; its signature is its chunky styling and the aim by the giant Japanese car manufacturer is that it will have a strong presence in this highly competitive sector of the market. The latest addition to Toyota’s growing range of battery electric models is a compact SUV that will give the brand a strong presence in one of the most competitive and fast-growing segments of the European BEV market.

Toyota describe the design as Urban Tech with the front having a hammerhead look with slim headlight units that are distinguishing elements in a new generation of Toyota models, while the strong rear quarters and a wrap-around rear light bar project SUV-like strength and stability. Looking at size; it is slightly larger than the popular Yaris Cross and it has a tight 5.2m turning radius which makes for nimble manoeuvring in the town or city. Thanks to a long, 2,700mm wheelbase and a flexible, sliding rear seat arrangement, interior space is surprisingly good and I discovered rear seat leg room makes for comfort for those who travel in the rear. An uncluttered cabin design is very pleasing to the eye and excellent vision thanks to the elevated seating position that gives a good all-round view from the wheel. Cabin ambience can be enhanced with a lighting system that offers no less than twelve different colour settings. The platform on which the Urban Cruiser is built is strong yet lightweight, dedicated to battery electric vehicles and the design avoids the need for cross members in the floor, so there is more space for the battery without compromising cabin space.

In terms of power choice, the Urban Cruiser is available with two battery pack options, both of which use durable but cost-efficient lithium-iron phosphate technology. A 49-kWh battery with an output of 106kW/142bhp/144 DIN bhp will be offered exclusively with front-wheel drive while a 61-kWh battery will be available in both front and all-wheel drive versions. In FWD format the 61-kWh battery will produce 128kW/172bhp/174 DIN bhp; in the AWD model, the power is slightly greater at 135kW/182bhp/184 DIN bhp. The AWD model uses an additional 48kW motor on the rear axle and is equipped with Downhill Assist Control, as well as Trail and Snow modes for extra assistance in slippery conditions. However AWD versions will not be available in all markets. In company with other Toyota vehicles, customers can expect a high level of equipment. Standard, advanced active safety and driver assistance features, including pre-collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert/keep assist systems. A fully digital user experience is promised with 10.25 inch driver’s combimeter and a 10.1 inch multimedia display, seamlessly integrated into a sleek, single unit. Ease of smartphone integration will be provided for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems and premium features will be available, including a 360-degree camera, JBL sound system and power driver’s seat adjustment and for those better days a fixed sunroof will also be offered.

In the not too distant future I hope to be able to bring driving impressions of the new Urban Cruiser and as for the range, there are as yet no official figures, however it is expected to be in the region of 400km (250m).

Ian Lynas