A Toyota with Suzuki genes

Hybrid pioneer Toyota is now also expanding its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles, which previously only consisted of the rather hapless crossover SUV with the unwieldy name bZ4X. A new Urban Cruiser is to be added to the range this year - a compact SUV that was previously on the road as a combustion engine in the Toyota ancestral gallery. It will now become a battery-electric B-SUV model with modern technology and a flexible interior. "This will spark the transition from hybrid to BEV," says the new Toyota Managing Director Mario Köhler. "We can hit the bull's eye with the second strong product."

A look at the market dynamics proves him right. Electric B-SUVs are still rare at the moment, but they are expected to make up 50 percent of the segment by 2028. So it's no wonder that Toyota wants to get in on the act. The Urban Cruiser is being built in India and developed as a sister model to the Suzuki eVitara. The close relationship is not only evident in the design, but also in the dimensions. With a length of 4.28 meters, a high hood, sharp lines and underbody protection, the model has a robust look. Depending on the equipment, it rolls up on 18- or 19-inch wheels.

Despite its compact dimensions, the SUV surprises with a variable interior. The rear bench can be moved by 16 centimetres, creating more legroom or additional storage space as required. Even more practical are the 40:20:40 split backrests - a feature that is rarely found in this class.

The cockpit combines modern technology with classic controls. A 10.25-inch digital display provides driving information, while the infotainment system is controlled via a 10.1-inch touchscreen. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there is an app that can be used to control the charge status and charge planning remotely. Classic buttons and rotary controls for central functions are retained. A JBL sound system, a glass roof and a power-adjustable driver's seat are available as options.

Three drive options are available: a 144 hp version with a 49 kWh battery and front-wheel drive, a 174 hp version with 61 kWh and also front-wheel drive and a 184 hp all-wheel drive model with the same battery. Toyota specifies a range of up to 400 kilometers, charging with a maximum of 150 kW DC or 11 kW AC. A heat pump is fitted as standard. The market launch is in September, with the configurator opening in April. The entry-level price is likely to be around 30,000 euros - on a par with the VW ID.3 and Opel Frontera Electric.