Baby RAV4: Toyota launches 2023 Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Toyota introduces subcompact hybrid SUV in India
With today's skyrocketing fuel prices, switching to hybrid powertrains is a highly viable option. And here's an attractive new model from Toyota – the 2023 Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Toyota India has launched the all-new subcompact SUV featuring a self-charging hybrid powertrain. That's right. It's all-new. This is not just a standard Urban Cruiser fitted with a hybrid system, but it's a totally new chassis.
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is 4365mm long, 1795mm wide, and 1635mm tall. Compared to the standard Urban Cruiser which measures 3995mm long, 1790mm wide, and 1640mm tall, the Hyryder is 370mm longer, 5mm wider, but sits 5mm lower than the Vitara Brezza-based Urban Cruiser.
As seen from the pre-launch sneak peek from Toyota India, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder has an aggressive-looking front fascia featuring a split-headlight design with the LED daytime running lights fitted up top and the headlights mounted at the bumper. The signature Toyota blue hybrid badge is fitted just above the wide trapezoidal lower grille.
There's the typical crossover body cladding on the wheel arches that house the stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, and round the back, the slim C-shaped LED taillights are complemented by a chrome garnish plate.
On the inside, there's a black and brown interior motif for hybrid variants of the Hyryder, while the ISG-only Neodrive variants get an all-black upholstery. Toyota India didn't scrimp on giving the Hyryder premium features like ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and a panoramic roof, among others.
In addition, the Hyryder has Toyota's i-connect smartphone connectivity system which allows the user to do things like remote start, alter climate control settings and monitor vehicle status through a smartphone app that also connects to a smartwatch.
As for its electrified powertrain options – there are two to choose from. One is a 1.5-liter TNGA engine that has its ICE generating 92.4 PS at 5500 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 3800-4800 rpm, plus its AC synchronous motor that puts out 80.2 PS and 141 Nm of torque. When combined, the total system output makes 115 PS. The power is then sent to the front wheels via the e-Drive system.
On the other hand, the 1.5-liter K-series engine for the Neodrive variants produces 102 PS at 6000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 4400 RPM. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. For all intents and purposes, this is the mild-hybrid powertrain seen on the Suzuki Ertiga, XL6, and the recently launched Brezza crossover. However, unlike the Suzuki Brezza, the Hyryder is available with an all-wheel-drive system for the manual transmission variant.
For its safety features, the Hyryder has six airbags for the top-spec variants. ABS with EBD, VSC, and Hill Hold Control is standard for all models. However, one thing the Hyryder doesn't have is the Toyota Safety Sense, which means it doesn't get Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and even Blind Spot Warning.
Now the question is, will it be offered here in the Philippines to slot in between the Raize and the Corolla Cross? Well, it could be a long shot since Toyota Motor Philippines mainly sources their units from Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan, plus the Hyryder could cannibalize the sales of the Corolla Cross locally.
Perhaps, the closest thing we could get to an Urban Cruiser Hyryder is through the Suzuki Brezza, which is more likely to arrive here in the country.
