Toyota is all set to launch its new compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser. This is essentially the rebadged version of the best selling Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with Toyota specific cosmetic changes.

Exterior:

    The Urban Cruiser borrows its front grille from the Fortuner but carries forward the LED headlamps from the Vitara Brezza without any changes. The front bumper however is completely redesigned to give the Urban Cruiser a unique look. The sides and rear, however, don't have any changes except for the Toyota and Urban Cruiser branding on the tailgate. The 16” alloy wheels to are the same as on the

Interior:

    The interior of the Urban Cruiser gets even fewer changes when compared to the Brezza. The design, layout and materials are exactly the same and the only differentiation will be Brown colour seat upholstery.

Variants:

Similar to the Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser will be available in three variants; Mid, High and Premium.

    Based on the Vitara Brezza, the new Urban Cruiser MID variant offers the following standard features:

• LED headlamps with DRLs

• LED tail lamps

• Auto climate control

• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

• Push-button start with the smart key

• 2DIN audio system

• Steering mounted audio controls

• Power windows

• Electric ORVMs

• Reverse sensors

Apart from these, the HIGH variant will include the following additional features:

• 16” alloy wheels

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Roof rails

• 7” touchscreen system

• Android Auto & Apple car play

• Reverse camera

• Cruise control

• Rear wiper & defogger

Additional features on the top-spec PREMIUM variant will include:

• LED fog lamps

• 16” diamond cut alloys

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Front and rear armrests

Safety:

       Safety features on the Toyota Urban Cruiser BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• Dual airbags

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• Engine immobilizer

• Hill hold on AT variants

Powertrains:

       The Urban Cruiser will carry forward the same 1.5L K-series petrol engine from the Vitara Brezza producing 105bhp power & 138nm torque through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Torque converter automatic gearbox. The Automatic variants will also receive mild hybrid system with auto engine start/stop and regenerative braking.

Launch & price:

        The new Toyota Urban Cruiser will be priced at a slight premium over the Vitara Brezza with expected pricing from ?8.5L to ?11.5L ex-showroom. When launched the Toyota Urban Cruiser will compete against the Tata Nexon, Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300 and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza itself. Bookings for the Urban Cruiser is currently open. Stay tuned for further details and pricing.

Toyota is all set to launch the new facelifted 2021 Innova Crysta MPV soon in Indonesia. New photos have surfaced of this updated model from Indonesia. An Indian launch is expected to happen early next year. Here are some key highlights of this new model:

Exterior:

While the overall dimensions remain exactly the same, the facelift model will feature an all-new front grille finished in glossy black with five slats while the outer portion of the grille sports chrome finishing which is further connected to the headlights. The front fascia resembles the Toyota Highlander SUV and Hilux pick up truck to a

The bumper has also been made to resemble an SUV and looks more beefy with a faux skid plate. The fog lamps are located lower down in the bumper on the lower variants whereas the higher variants get LED DRLs integrated with the fog lamps on the regular location. There are no major changes on the sides except for the new dual tone Alloy wheels. The rear too, looks exactly the same except for minor changes in the tail lamps.

Interior:

The interior of the new Crysta offers a n.ew, larger infotainment system which is expected to feature Android auto and Apple carplay. The Indian version is expected to receive a different faux wood treatment as well. Apart from these changes, the overall layout and comfort will remain the same.

Powertrain:

Mechanically, no changes are expected and the updated model is expected to get the same engine options as before. The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox generates a maximum power of 150PS and maximum torque of 343NM. The 6-speed automatic equipped diesel variants however generate slightly higher torque figure of 360NM. The 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine on the other hand produces a maximum power of 167PS and Max torque of 245NM through either a 5 speed Manual or 6 speed Automatic transmission.

Launch and pricing:

This new facelifted Innova Crysta when launched next year is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current one. At present, the base petrol variant is available in India with an ex-showroom price tag of Rs.15.66 lakhs while the top-spec diesel variant is priced at Rs.23.63 lakhs. Stay tuned for further updates on the new Innova Crysta.

However, the case is different for Volkswagen’s Polo GT TSI. It is fast like a hot hatch should be, it has an automatic transmission, it is comfortable and it is also very expensive for a hatchback. Yet, people have surprisingly opted it over many other options as it isn’t a rare sight to spot one on the road.

The older model of the Polo GT TSI had a 1.2 litre inline 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produced 105 bhp and 175 NM of torque, mated to its popular quick shifting 7- Speed Dual Clutch transmission. However, the BS6 version of

Only time will tell whether the absence of the DSG gearbox has made a significant difference to the GT TSI’s charm. However, the 1.0 engine could fetch more mileage than ARAI’s claimed 17.21 kmpl figure of the BS4 GT TSI.       

The BS6 Polo GT TSI is priced at Rs. 9.60 Lakhs (Ex- showroom) which is around 1.6 Lakhs more than that Standard variant of the VW Polo and around Rs. 50000 more than the Polo Highline Plus automatic.

The new avatar however is better as the VW Polo GT TSI gets a larger rear spoiler, a blackened roof, Black side mirrors and GT badges at the front and rear. But is the GT variant that much better than the Highline Plus variant? And is the new GT TSI all that better with the new engine and gearbox? We’ll surely let you know once we get our hands on one!