The Drive Report: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Much like the Fronx, the Taisor is also available with two petrol powertrain options

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are two cars that share a good deal more than just questionable or rather, confounding names. The former is essentially a badge-engineered version of the latter, the result of a partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota which has spawned three other clones. It’s a win-win for both brands, getting to utilise their individual production capacities and technological strong suits. Given that 44% of Toyota’s overall sales now come from re-badged Maruti Suzukis, the venture has clearly begun to pay dividends, particularly because many consumers prefer the added brand value that a Toyota brings.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Visually distinct

It doesn’t take a particularly eagle-eyed individual to spot the similarities between the Taisor and the Fronx. But there are crucial design elements that set the two apart. For starters there’s the front DRL design, which is similar to the Hyryder and gives the Taisor a cleaner, more streamlined look that works just as much in its favour as it does in the Hyryder. While both the Fronx and the Taisor are a part of an ever-increasing tribe of propped-up, FWD hatchbacks disguised as crossover-SUVs – the Taisor does a more convincing job of looking the part. The hexagonal grille, the fog lamp cluster and a new 16-inch alloy design add a bit more flavour to the design that’s perfectly in line with Toyota’s family looks.

At the rear, the taillamps’ design has changed a tad bit with new C-shaped LEDs connected to what is essentially the same tailgate LED panel that’s found on the Fronx. No sheet metal design changes can be found here but the overall effect does work in favour of Toyota more than it does Maruti Suzuki. The Taisor looks robust and purposeful instead of cluttered and confused like several crossovers do.

Interior of Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Interior

The interiors are pretty much identical to the Fronx. You get the same all-black steering wheel, except there’s a Toyota badge on it. This isn’t to say the interior is lacking in any way since Maruti Suzuki have seriously upped their game when it comes to interior quality. There’s a black and reddish-brown finish that gives the interiors a more sumptuous appearance. This being the top-end automatic version you also get paddle shifters which indicate that the overall manufacturing quality has been retained here, if not dialled-up a notch. This isn’t an exceptionally plush cabin but it is an ergonomic one and doesn’t feel lacking in essential creature comforts. You get HUD (Heads-up-display), wireless charging, rear AC vents, a 360-degree camera, ESP and Hill-Start assist - there’s plenty to work with here. The 9-inch touchscreen does seem a tad outdated but only in terms of resolution. In every other way, it’s intuitive and quick in its responses, especially when loading-up the wireless Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto).

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Performance 

Much like the Fronx, the Taisor is also available with two petrol powertrain options. The first is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated one, the other being a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit. The latter is certainly the more engaging unit with a lot more zing on offer. In fact, it’s easily one of the best performing 1.0-litre turbo units out there. Much better than the one on the Kia Sonet where you’re really required to step on the throttle before you can get any real response from it. Not here though, sure there’s a bit of turbo lag, but the Taisor feels quite responsive and peppy. It’ll make some noise while doing it, but it does overtake when you need it to. It’s got a nice, free-revving nature to it that encourages you to push it a bit more. What also helps is the fact that it gets a mild-hybrid system aiding acceleration under a full load.

Although this performance is best served via a 5-speed manual, most urban dwellers will prefer the 6-speed AT. This is because it gives you the option of taking total manual control, either via slotting the lever in “M” mode, wherein it doesn’t upshift automatically, or via the paddle shifters.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Verdict

The Taisor is exclusively for long-time Maruti Suzuki buyers who now wish to enter the Toyota club. As such it is unlike any other car made by Toyota (owing to the fact that it isn’t made by them). The fact that Toyota has thrown-in an additional year of warranty (adding to a total of 3 years) and not added a premium on the turbo Taisor, makes this a fairly tantalising proposition for those looking for a premium hatchback with the fortification and accoutrements of a small SUV. The only thing working against it is your inability to tap into Maruti Suzuki’s expansive service network, but in all other respects, the Taisor packs greater appeal.