New Toyota crossover SUV coming in April

Toyota plans to introduce the Urban Cruiser Taisor to its roster in April, which is its own version of the popular Suzuki Fronx, reports TopAuto.

The Suzuki Fronx has been a major success in South Africa since its launch approximately six months ago. The car’s sales are on par with many of the brand’s other popular options.

The Fronx is Suzuki’s latest crossover, and it arrived in the country in August of last year after the Vitara Brezza’s discontinuation.

This crossover is one of the few that can still be purchased for less than R300,000 in South Africa.

Since the unveiling of the Fronx in January 2023, there have been rumours that Toyota will launch a badge-engineered version of the crossover.

This is because they no longer have a wallet-friendly entry in their portfolio following the discontinuation of their first-generation Urban Cruiser at the end of 2022.

Following this, Toyota introduced the second-generation Urban Cruiser based on the Suzuki Grand Vitara; however, this new vehicle launched with a much higher price tag than the first-generation model.

TopAuto noted that there has been a lot of speculation that Toyota might be launching a new SUV model, and rumours have intensified after Toyota filed a trademark application for an “Urban Cruiser Taisor” in India in August 2023.

However, according to Autocar India, Toyota has confirmed that it will globally debut the Urban Cruiser Taisor on 3 April 2024.

TopAuto added the new Urban Cruiser Taisor is a vehicle resulting from the partnership between Toyota and Suzuki, similar to other models such as the Celerio and Vitz, Baleno and Starlet, Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser, and Ertiga and Rumion.

The Taisor model is anticipated to have only minor cosmetic modifications on the exterior and interior. However, it is expected to have the same internal components as the Fronx.

The new model may have some differences in bumper and light designs, a unique Toyota grille, and new wheel options.

It is highly likely that the new Urban Cruiser Taisor will use the same powertrain as the Fronx. This includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 77kW and 138Nm of torque.

The engine will likely be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Based on previous collaborations between Toyota and Suzuki, the Urban Cruiser Taisor is expected to be slightly more expensive than the Suzuki, which currently sells for R288,900 in South Africa.

It should be noted that Toyota has not yet made any official statements regarding the release of its new crossover in South Africa.

However, given the popularity of both the original Urban Cruiser and the Fronx, it would be more unexpected if the Taisor is not made available in South Africa.

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