Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5XS Test Review

The Toyota Urban Cruiser was launched earlier in 2021 as the companys contender in the highly popular Crossover/ SUV segment. We tested the top of the range XR automatic version previously.

Much has been said and written regarding the Suzuki origins of this model but the sales success of the Urban Cruiser has proven that the buying public vote with their feet and their cheque books and that between 800 and 1000 units have left Toyota showrooms every month since launch.

This test is of the middle spec XS version with the 5 speed manual transmission linked to the front wheels. The 1.5l 4 cylinder engine delivers 77kW and 138Nm with the light and easy manual gearbox and clutch making general driving light and pleasant, even in traffic situations.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performance and found the car generally zippy and never lacking in power, even for overtaking although this does necessitate shifting down a gear or two when doing so.

My only complaint regarding the overall performance is that at 120km/h on the freeway, the gearing has the engine at just under 4000 revs and I feel that this is too high and creates excessive engine noise. A 6th gear option, even just on top models would be a great improvement.

Fuel economy for the test period involving a lot of urban driving was 6.85l/100km.

The Urban Cruiser range offers 3 specification levels with all using the same engine/ gearbox combinations and the automatic option on the upper 2 models. As always, its a case of you pay your money and you take your choice! Personally, I feel that at the more affordable end of the market, I would forego some luxuries in the interests of reducing the initial purchase price.

To highlight some of the items that the XR model provides over the XS tested are cruise control, cooled glovebox, front armrest, LED foglights, additional 12V socket in the boot, auto headlights and auto wipers. Saving even more money and opting for the base Xi version will delete the rear wiper, steel wheels in place of alloys, reverse camera and manual air-conditioning instead of auto.

Pricing for the Xi model is R255 300, the XS as tested is R273 200 and the XR is R300 400. As always its for the buyer to decide, but I consider the middle child to provide great value in the range.

All models include a 3 service/ 45 000km service plan.

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