In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has emerged as a game-changer, blending Toyota’s renowned reliability with cutting-edge hybrid technology.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the Hyryder, exploring its design, performance, features, and market positioning.
Design and Aesthetics: A Bold Statement
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder makes a striking first impression with its bold and dynamic exterior design. Key design elements include:
- Distinctive Front Grille: A unique crystal acrylic grille with chrome garnish that captures attention and sets the tone for the vehicle’s premium appearance.
- LED Lighting: Projector LED headlamps and twin LED daytime running lamps that not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the vehicle’s modern aesthetic.
- Sleek Profile: The SUV boasts a well-proportioned silhouette, complemented by R17 (43.18 cm) alloy wheels that add to its dynamic stance.
- Dual-tone Options: Available in various dual-tone color schemes, allowing for personalization and added visual appeal.
- Rear Design: LED tail lamps and a sporty rear skid plate complete the look, ensuring the Hyryder looks good from every angle.
The overall design language successfully marries ruggedness with sophistication, appealing to a wide range of consumers who appreciate a blend of style and substance.
Interior Comfort and Features: Elevating the Driving Experience
Step inside the Hyryder, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class:
- Premium Interiors: The black and brown color scheme, coupled with soft-touch materials on the dashboard, exudes a sense of luxury.
- Spacious Cabin: With a wheelbase of 2600 mm, the Hyryder offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Ventilated Seats: A segment-first feature that significantly enhances comfort, especially in hot Indian summers.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Another premium feature that adds to the sense of spaciousness and allows for an airy cabin feel.
- Advanced Infotainment: A 9-inch (22.86 cm) Smart Playcast touchscreen system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Digital Cluster: A 7-inch (17.78 cm) TFT multi-information display provides all essential information at a glance.
- Head-Up Display: This feature allows drivers to access crucial information without taking their eyes off the road.
- Wireless Charging: A convenient addition for those with compatible smartphones.
These features collectively create an interior environment that’s not just comfortable but also technologically advanced, setting new standards in the compact SUV segment.
Performance and Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Power
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers multiple powertrain options, catering to different consumer preferences:
- Hybrid Powertrain:
- 1.5-liter TNGA Atkinson Cycle engine paired with an electric motor
- Combined output of 115 PS
- e-CVT transmission
- Impressive fuel efficiency of up to 27.97 km/l (ARAI certified)
- Neo Drive (Mild Hybrid):
- 1.5-liter K-series engine with ISG (Integrated Starter Generator)
- Maximum output of 103 PS
- Available with both manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions
- Fuel efficiency ranging from 19.39 to 21.12 km/l
- CNG Option:
- 1.5-liter K-series engine optimized for CNG
- Power output of 87.2 PS
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Impressive fuel efficiency in CNG mode
The hybrid variant, in particular, has been a talking point, offering exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
The smooth transition between electric and petrol power sources ensures a refined driving experience, especially in urban conditions.
Driving Dynamics: Balancing Comfort and Control
The Hyryder’s driving characteristics have been tuned to suit Indian road conditions:
- Suspension Setup: A well-balanced suspension system that absorbs road imperfections effectively while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
- Steering Feel: Light steering for easy maneuverability in city traffic, with adequate feedback at highway speeds.
- NVH Levels: Good insulation ensures a quiet cabin, although some engine noise is noticeable when the petrol engine kicks in during hard acceleration in the hybrid variant.
- AWD Option: Available in select variants, offering better traction and control in challenging driving conditions.
- Drive Modes: Multiple drive modes (in select variants) allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences and driving conditions.
While not positioned as a performance-oriented SUV, the Hyryder offers a comfortable and assured driving experience that should satisfy most users in its target demographic.
Safety Features: Prioritizing Occupant Protection
Toyota has equipped the Hyryder with a comprehensive safety package:
- 6 Airbags: Available in higher trims, offering all-around protection.
- Vehicle Stability Control: Enhances stability during cornering and on slippery surfaces.
- Hill Hold Control: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on inclines.
- 360-Degree Camera: Aids in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Ensures secure installation of child seats.
- ABS with EBD: Standard across all variants for efficient braking.
- Advanced Body Structure: Designed to absorb and disperse impact energy effectively.
These features collectively make the Hyryder one of the safer options in its segment, aligning with Toyota’s global reputation for prioritizing safety.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
One of the Hyryder’s strongest selling points is its exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly in the hybrid variant:
- Hybrid variant: Up to 27.97 km/l
- Neo Drive (Petrol): 19.39 to 21.12 km/l
- CNG variant: Impressive efficiency in CNG mode
This focus on efficiency not only translates to lower running costs for owners but also reduces the vehicle’s environmental impact.
The hybrid technology, in particular, results in lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional petrol-only powertrains.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder enters a highly competitive segment, facing off against established players like:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Skoda Kushaq
Toyota’s strategy seems to be positioning the Hyryder as a premium offering within this space, leveraging its hybrid technology and feature-rich package.
The collaboration with Maruti Suzuki (evident in the shared platform with the Grand Vitara) allows for competitive pricing while offering Toyota’s renowned quality and after-sales support.
Price and Variants
The Hyryder is offered in a range of variants to cater to different budget and feature preferences:
- E Variant: Starting from ₹11.14 Lakh
- S Variant: Starting from ₹12.81 Lakh
- G Variant: Starting from ₹14.49 Lakh
- V Variant: Starting from ₹16.04 Lakh
- Hybrid Variants: Starting from ₹16.66 Lakh
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi, and subject to change)
This pricing strategy positions the Hyryder competitively within the segment, with the hybrid variants offering a unique value proposition in terms of long-term fuel savings.
Owner Experiences and Reviews
Early owner reviews of the Hyryder have been largely positive, with common praises including:
- Exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly in the hybrid variant
- Comfortable and feature-rich interiors
- Smooth and quiet operation in electric mode
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service
Some areas of improvement noted by owners include:
- Engine noise at higher RPMs in the petrol variants
- Infotainment system responsiveness in some units
- Limited boot space compared to some competitors
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder : A Compelling Package with a Green Edge
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder represents a significant step forward in the compact SUV segment, particularly in the Indian context.
By introducing strong hybrid technology at a relatively accessible price point, Toyota has not only differentiated the Hyryder from its competitors but also addressed the growing concern for fuel efficiency and environmental impact among Indian consumers.
Key strengths of the Hyryder include:
- Class-leading fuel efficiency in the hybrid variant
- Premium features like ventilated seats and panoramic sunroof
- Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability
- Comfortable and well-appointed interiors
- Comprehensive safety features
Areas where there’s room for improvement:
- Boot space could be more generous
- Petrol engine refinement at higher RPMs
- Infotainment system responsiveness in some units
For buyers looking for a compact SUV that offers a blend of efficiency, comfort, and premium features, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder presents a compelling case. Its hybrid technology not only promises lower running costs but also aligns with the growing global focus on reducing automotive emissions.
As the automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on electrification and sustainable mobility, the Hyryder positions Toyota well to meet these changing consumer preferences.
While it may not be the cheapest option in its segment, the long-term value proposition, especially for the hybrid variant, makes it a smart choice for discerning buyers.
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder, then, is not just another entrant in the crowded compact SUV market. It represents Toyota’s vision for the future of mobility in India – efficient, feature-rich, and with a reduced environmental footprint.
As the market continues to shift towards more sustainable options, the Hyryder stands as a pioneer, potentially setting the trend for future developments in this highly competitive segment.