Toyota Urban Cruiser makes public debut at Brussels Motor Show
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser all-electric SUV has made its first public debut, appearing at the Brussels Motor Show ahead of its launch later this year.
The Urban Cruiser joins the bZ4X as Toyota’s second fully electric car and will give the brand a strong presence in one of the most competitive and fast-growing segments of the European battery electric vehicle (BEV) market.
The counterpart to the Suzuki e Vitara SUV unveiled in November, it launches under the carmakers’ ongoing collaboration and sits on Suzuki’s new Heartect-e architecture designed specifically for BEVs to maximise battery capacity and onboard space.
It’s slightly larger than Toyota’s Yaris Cross full hybrid compact SUV that it sits above. A turning radius of just 5.2m aids manoeuvrability while the long, 2,700mm wheelbase and flexible sliding rear seat arrangement are said to deliver generous interior space.
Model range for each market is yet to be announced but the line-up includes two lithium-iron phosphate battery options – 49kWh and 61kWh – plus front- and all-wheel drive powertrains to cover a wide range of customer preferences.
The entry-level model teams up the 49kWh battery with a 144hp front-mounted motor that delivers 189Nm. Sitting above it, the middle variant features the 61kWh battery and a 172hp front-mounted motor with the same 189Nm of torque. The top-rung version gets the same 61kWh battery and an extra 65hp motor at the rear, giving 184hp of power and 300Nm of torque, along with all-wheel drive. It also features Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode and Snow modes.
As with its Suzuki twin, the electric range hasn’t been disclosed yet. All versions come with a heat pump as standard and drivers can use the MyToyota app to check the state of their vehicle’s battery charge, locate convenient charging stations and schedule and monitor charging sessions. Toyota HomeCharge domestic wallbox will also be available.
The Urban Cruiser will be equipped as standard with a range of advanced active safety and driver assistance features, including pre-collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert/keep assist systems.
A fully digital user experience includes a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.1-inch multimedia screen, integrated into a single unit. Smartphone integration will be provided for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
Technology also includes a 360-degree camera, JBL sound system and power driver’s seat adjustment. A fixed sunroof will also be offered.
Sales open in Europe in late summer this year.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
