Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Full Review & Road Test

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, a car that's been making waves in the compact SUV segment. We're going to cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive review that will help you decide if this is the right car for you!

Exterior Design: A Head-Turner?

When it comes to exterior design, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder definitely has a distinctive look. The front fascia is bold, featuring a prominent grille with a chrome strip that extends into the LED daytime running lights. The headlights are positioned lower down on the bumper, giving the car a unique and modern appearance. Some might find it a bit unconventional, but it certainly stands out from the crowd. The side profile is characterized by sharp lines and a floating roof design, which adds to its visual appeal. The rear of the car features sleek LED taillights and a sporty bumper, completing the overall look.

Now, let's talk specifics. The Hyryder boasts a contemporary SUV stance, enhanced by its dual-tone color options that add a dash of sportiness. Its ground clearance is adequate for city driving and occasional rough roads, although it's not designed for serious off-roading. The alloy wheel designs vary depending on the trim level, with the higher variants getting more stylish and larger wheels. Overall, the exterior design of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a blend of modern aesthetics and SUV ruggedness, making it an eye-catching vehicle on the road. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it has a strong road presence.

One of the key highlights of the Hyryder’s design is its attention to detail. The chrome accents are tastefully used, adding a touch of premiumness without being too flashy. The body-colored door handles and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) contribute to a cohesive and refined look. The integrated spoiler at the rear adds a sporty touch, while the roof rails enhance its SUV appeal. Even the badging and emblems are meticulously placed, reflecting Toyota's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The Hyryder manages to strike a balance between being modern and practical, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a stylish and functional SUV.

In comparison to its competitors, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder holds its own in terms of design. While some rivals may have a more conventional SUV look, the Hyryder’s unique styling sets it apart. It's a car that's designed to make a statement, and it certainly achieves that goal. Ultimately, whether you find the design appealing is a matter of personal preference, but there's no denying that Toyota has put a lot of thought and effort into creating a distinctive and attractive SUV.

Interior and Features: What's Inside?

Stepping inside the interior and features of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, you'll find a cabin that's both comfortable and well-equipped. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality. The materials used are of decent quality, although there are some hard plastics in certain areas. The seats are supportive and offer good comfort, especially on long drives. The higher trim levels get leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the cabin.

One of the standout features of the Hyryder is its infotainment system. It comes with a large touchscreen display that's easy to use and offers a variety of functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system is responsive and intuitive, making it a breeze to navigate through the various menus and settings. The Hyryder also gets a host of other features, such as a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a push-button start. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make the car feel modern and well-equipped.

Space-wise, the Hyryder offers ample room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats have good legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults to sit in the back. The boot space is also decent, although it's not the largest in its class. It's sufficient for carrying luggage for a weekend trip, but you might need more space for longer journeys with more passengers. The Hyryder also has a number of storage compartments throughout the cabin, which are useful for stowing away small items.

Let's delve deeper into the specifics of the interior. The Hyryder's dashboard features a layered design, with different textures and colors that add visual interest. The instrument cluster is easy to read and provides all the essential information at a glance. The steering wheel is well-designed and feels good to hold, and it comes with controls for the audio system, Bluetooth, and cruise control. The seats are ergonomically designed and offer good lumbar support, which is important for long drives. The overall ambiance of the cabin is pleasant and inviting, making it a comfortable place to spend time.

In terms of safety features, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder comes with a comprehensive suite of equipment, including multiple airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and vehicle stability control. The higher trim levels also get additional safety features such as hill hold assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. These features provide added peace of mind and make the Hyryder a safe and reliable car to drive.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

Now, let's talk about the performance and handling of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The car is available with two engine options: a mild-hybrid petrol engine and a strong-hybrid petrol engine. The mild-hybrid engine offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the strong-hybrid engine delivers even better fuel economy and a more responsive driving experience. Both engines are refined and smooth, and they provide adequate power for city driving and highway cruising.

The Hyryder's handling is also quite impressive. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the car in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride quality without compromising on handling. The car feels stable and planted on the road, even at higher speeds. The brakes are also effective, providing good stopping power when needed. Overall, the Hyryder is a fun and engaging car to drive.

The mild-hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a lithium-ion battery. This setup provides a mild boost to the engine's power and helps improve fuel efficiency. The engine produces around 102 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque, which is sufficient for most driving situations. The strong-hybrid powertrain, on the other hand, combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and a larger battery pack. This setup delivers a combined output of around 115 horsepower and offers the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances.

One of the key advantages of the strong-hybrid powertrain is its fuel efficiency. The Hyryder with the strong-hybrid engine can achieve impressive fuel economy figures, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This is a major selling point for buyers who are looking to save money on fuel costs. The strong-hybrid system also provides a smoother and more refined driving experience, especially in city traffic. The electric motor provides instant torque, which makes the car feel more responsive and agile.

In terms of driving modes, the Hyryder offers multiple options, including Eco, Normal, and Power. Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Power mode delivers maximum performance. Normal mode provides a balance between the two. The car also has an EV mode, which allows you to drive on electric power alone for short distances, provided the battery has sufficient charge. The different driving modes allow you to tailor the car's performance to your specific needs and preferences.

Fuel Efficiency: How Thirsty Is It?

Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder shines in this department, especially the strong-hybrid variant. As mentioned earlier, the strong-hybrid engine can deliver impressive fuel economy figures, making it a great choice for those who want to save money on fuel costs. In real-world conditions, you can expect to get around 20-25 kmpl with the strong-hybrid engine, which is significantly better than most of its competitors. The mild-hybrid engine also offers decent fuel efficiency, but it's not as impressive as the strong-hybrid.

The Hyryder's fuel efficiency is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment. By consuming less fuel, the car produces fewer emissions, which helps reduce your carbon footprint. This is especially important in today's world, where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly prevalent. The Hyryder's fuel efficiency makes it a responsible choice for those who want to do their part in protecting the planet.

Several factors contribute to the Hyryder's impressive fuel efficiency. The strong-hybrid system is designed to maximize fuel economy by using the electric motor to assist the petrol engine whenever possible. The car also has features such as regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. The lightweight construction of the car also helps improve fuel efficiency.

To get the best fuel efficiency from your Hyryder, it's important to drive it efficiently. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a constant speed whenever possible. Use the Eco mode when driving in city traffic, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, can also help improve fuel efficiency.

In comparison to its competitors, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class, especially the strong-hybrid variant. This makes it a compelling choice for buyers who are looking to save money on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact. If fuel efficiency is a top priority for you, the Hyryder is definitely worth considering.

Pricing and Variants: What's the Damage?

Let's break down the pricing and variants of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The car is available in a range of variants, each offering different levels of features and equipment. The pricing varies depending on the variant and engine option you choose. The base variants are typically priced competitively, while the higher trim levels command a premium due to their added features.

The Hyryder is available in multiple variants, including E, S, G, and V. The base E variant comes with essential features such as power windows, air conditioning, and ABS with EBD. The S variant adds features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and steering-mounted controls. The G variant gets additional features such as automatic climate control, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof. The top-of-the-line V variant comes with all the bells and whistles, including leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features.

The pricing of the Hyryder is competitive compared to its rivals in the compact SUV segment. However, the strong-hybrid variants are priced at a premium due to the added cost of the hybrid technology. It's important to consider your budget and feature requirements when choosing a variant. If you're looking for the best value for money, the mid-range variants offer a good balance of features and price. If you want all the latest technology and features, the top-end V variant is the way to go.

When considering the overall cost of ownership, it's important to factor in not only the initial purchase price but also the running costs. The Hyryder's fuel efficiency can help you save money on fuel costs in the long run, especially if you opt for the strong-hybrid variant. The car also has a reputation for reliability, which can help reduce maintenance costs. Toyota also offers a comprehensive warranty, which provides added peace of mind.

Overall, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a compelling package in terms of pricing and variants. The car is competitively priced and offers a range of features to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly SUV or a fully-loaded model with all the latest technology, the Hyryder has something to offer.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder? Well, after a thorough review, here's the lowdown. The Hyryder is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of positives. It has a distinctive design, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and impressive fuel efficiency, especially the strong-hybrid variant. The car also handles well and offers a smooth and refined driving experience.

However, there are also a few downsides to consider. The boot space could be larger, and some of the interior materials could be of higher quality. The pricing of the strong-hybrid variants is also on the higher side. But overall, the positives outweigh the negatives, making the Hyryder a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.

If you're looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped SUV, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is definitely worth considering. It's a car that's designed to make a statement, and it delivers on its promise. Whether you're a city dweller or someone who enjoys long road trips, the Hyryder has something to offer. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive, and see if it's the right car for you!

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder comes down to your individual needs and preferences. But based on our review, we can confidently say that it's a strong contender in its class and a car that's well worth considering. Happy driving!