2022 Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder launched in India – B-SUV with 1.5L mild and full hybrid powertrain
Toyota has launched Urban Cruiser HyRyder in India, and while it may share part of its name with the 4-meter compact SUV revealed in August 2020, this B-SUV is something different. A model born out of Toyota’s partnership with Maruti Suzuki, HyRyder shares its platform with the upcoming Grand Vitara.
As such, the HyRyder is a larger vehicle than the Urban cruiser, measures 4,365 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,635 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Meanwhile, the Urban Cruiser is 3,995 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,640 mm high and the wheelbase is only 2,500 mm long. For further context, HyRyder is equal in size to Proton X50 and Honda HR-V first.
In terms of design, the new Toyota SUV features dual slim LED DRLs with a chrome border extending to the closed grille. Said grille is a piece of crystal acrylic with a piano black finish and is largely closed, save for the two slots in its base.
The main headlights are bi-halogen or LED, occupying the corners of the lower window, flanked by large trapezoidal air intakes. The carved bumper comes with a lip gloss finish as well as a bonnet that looks like flesh, while the sides have black body panels as you’d expect in an SUV.
As for the sides, you’ll see a cubic design with large windows and thick C-pillars, while the rear has two-piece taillights with C-shaped details that extend into the rear doors. Like the front, there is a light-colored trim at the base of the bumper and the corners containing the reverse lights and reflectors.
Inside, the main highlight of the multi-layered dashboard is the touchscreen infotainment system (seven- or nine-inches), located at the top above the central air vents, air conditioning controls, power outlets, and more. power, storage compartment and lift for the gear lever. lever selector. For the driver, there’s a multi-function steering wheel and a 4.2- or 7-inch instrument cluster display, depending on the grade.
Rear passengers get a 60:40 split folding bench with a reclining backrest as well as rear vents and USB ports. As a more premium offering, the HyRyder also boasts amenities like leather seats, ambient lighting, an Arkamys adjustable sound system, a panoramic roof, a head-up display, automatic climate control, and automatic climate control. Active with PM2.5 filter, cruise control, a wireless charger, keyless entry and start, Toyota i-Connect telematics / connectivity service, six airbags and passive safety system – these options are also variant dependent.
Toyota doesn’t hold back when it comes to puns related to the HyRyder, with one of them being “it’s time to move to the hybrid life”. Yes, this is an eco-friendly SUV and there are two electric powertrains on offer.
The first is the M15A-FXE currently in use in Aqua (Prius c) and hybrid versions of Yaris, Yaris Cross and Mazda 2. The 1.5-liter Atkinson three-cylinder engine produces 92.4 PS of power at 5,550 rpm and 122 Nm of torque from 3,800 to 4,800 rpm, mated to an e-Drive CVT transmission.
The front-wheel drive system also uses a lithium-ion battery for the electric motor with a capacity of 80.2 PS (59 kW) and 141 Nm for a total system output of 115.56 PS (85 kW). This self-charging powertrain is used in the Hybrid variant of the HyRyder, with three levels (S, G and V) available.
The second powertrain is a mild hybrid system developed by Suzuki and dubbed NeoDrive by Toyota, featuring a 1.5-liter K15C naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 101.9 hp at 6,000 rpm. / min and 135 Nm at 4,400 rpm, powered by an integrated starter alternator (ISG) and a 6 Ah lithium-ion battery.
The NeoDrive powertrain is available with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, along with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive – a first in the mid-size SUV segment in India. Four variants (E, S, G and V) are available for the NeoDrive variant, which has a curb weight of 1,155 to 1,275 kg compared to the heavier Hybrid from 1,270 to 1,310 kg.
Both variants come with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, along with 17-inch wheels (215/60 tyres) in machined steel or alloy. Seven monochromatic colors are offered, with four dual tone options applied to selected layers.
Production of the HyRyder will only begin in August and pricing will be announced at a later date, though the estimated price starts at one million Indian rupees (RM55,741). Toyota’s electrified SUV will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia SeltosMG Astor, Volkswagen TaigunSkoda Kushaq and its close brother, the new Grand Vitara
