Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor In-Depth Review: The Brave and Awesome Compact SUV
The all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor marks Toyota’s bold entry into the highly competitive compact SUV coupe segment, encouraging you to “Make Your Way.” It’s a vehicle built for those who follow their heart, blending brave styling with awesome technology and versatile performance. The Taisor offers an impressive range of powertrain choices, including a high-revving 1.0L Turbo engine, an efficient 1.2L petrol engine, and an economical E-CNG option. With its premium trapezoidal grille, connected LED tail lamps, and a cabin loaded with segment-leading tech like a Head-Up Display and 360 View Camera, the Taisor is engineered to deliver style, thrills, and the trusted safety of the Toyota brand.
Key Features to Make Your Way
The Taisor is equipped with a suite of advanced features for a modern driving experience.
Powerful Turbo Engine:
A high-revving 998cc Turbo petrol engine delivers an exhilarating 100.06 PS of power, paired with a slick 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.
Standard Safety Suite:
Equipped with 6 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Hill Hold Assist as standard across all variants, ensuring safety is paramount.
Head-Up Display:
Projects vital driving information like speed and RPM directly onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.
360 View Camera:
Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and navigating tight spaces incredibly easy and safe.
Connected LED Tail Lamps:
A sleek, full-width connected LED combination lamp gives the Taisor a futuristic and unmistakable rear profile.
Smartplay Cast Infotainment:
Available with a large 22.86cm (9-inch) touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and OTA updates.
Economical E-CNG Option:
The 1.2L engine is also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit, delivering an exceptional fuel efficiency of 28.51 km/kg.
Dual-Tone Exterior:
Top-end variants are available in striking dual-tone color options, pairing select body colours with a sporty Midnight Black roof.
Wireless Charger:
Keep your compatible devices charged on the go without the hassle of cables, adding to the cabin’s clean and modern feel.
Competitive Edge: What Sets It Apart
The Urban Cruiser Taisor makes its way into a crowded segment with several key advantages:
- Power of Choice: Unlike many rivals, the Taisor offers three distinct powertrain personalities: an exciting 1.0L Turbo for performance lovers, a super-efficient 1.2L petrol for city driving, and a hyper-economical E-CNG for maximum savings. This broadens its appeal significantly.
- Democratization of Premium Tech: By offering segment-first features like a Head-Up Display and a 360 View Camera, Toyota brings technology usually reserved for much higher segments into the mainstream compact SUV space.
- Safety as Standard: Making 6 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) standard across all variants is a class-leading move that heavily prioritizes occupant safety, regardless of the budget.
- The Toyota Ownership Promise: Backed by a 3-year/1,00,000 km warranty, an extensive service network, and Toyota’s legacy of reliability, owning a Taisor comes with an unparalleled peace of mind.
Full Technical Specifications
Engine & Performance
- 1.0L Turbo Engine:998cc, 73.6 kW (100.06 PS) Power, 147.6 Nm Torque
- 1.2L Petrol Engine:1197cc, 66 kW (89.73 PS) Power, 113 Nm Torque
- 1.2L E-CNG Engine:1197cc, 57 kW (77.5 PS) Power, 98.5 Nm Torque
- Turbo Transmissions:5-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT
- 1.2L Petrol Transmissions:5-Speed MT / 5-Speed AMT
- CNG Transmission:5-Speed MT
- Turbo Fuel Efficiency:up to 21.18 km/l (MT) / 19.86 km/l (AT)
- 1.2L Petrol Fuel Efficiency:up to 21.71 km/l (MT) / 22.79 km/l (AMT)
- CNG Fuel Efficiency:28.51 km/kg
Dimensions, Weight & Capacity
- Length:3995 mm
- Width:1765 mm
- Height:1550 mm
- Wheelbase:2520 mm
- Boot Space:308 Litres
- Kerb Weight:965 kg – 1060 kg
- Gross Weight:1450 kg – 1480 kg
- Fuel Tank:37 Litres (Petrol), 55L (CNG Water Eq.)
Exteriors
- Grille:Toyota signature grille with chrome garnish
- Headlamps:Halogen Projector or LED Multi-reflector
- DRLs:Twin LED DRLs (S+ onwards)
- Tail Lamps:Connected LED Combi lamps (Centre LIT on G,V)
- Wheels:16-inch Steel or Alloy (Machined on V)
- Antenna:Shark Fin Antenna
- ORVMs:Body-coloured with Turn Indicator (S onwards)
Interiors & Comfort
- Interior Theme:Dual Tone
- Steering:Flat Bottom, Tilt (Tilt & Telescopic on G,V)
- AC System:Automatic Climate Control
- Rear AC Vents:Available (G, V)
- Driver Seat:Height Adjustable (G, V)
- Armrest:Front Sliding with Storage (G, V)
- Push Start/Stop:Available (G, V)
Infotainment & Connectivity
- System:17.78cm (7-inch) or 22.86cm (9-inch) Smartplay Cast
- Connectivity:Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay (S onwards)
- Sound System:4 Speakers, 2 Tweeters (G, V)
- Connected Tech:Toyota i-Connect (G, V)
- Instrument Cluster:TFT Color MID (G, V)
Safety & Security
- Airbags:Dual Front, Side & Curtain (Standard on all variants)
- Stability Control:VSC (Standard)
- Braking:ABS with EBD (Standard)
- Assistance:Hill Hold Assist (Standard)
- Parking Aids:Reverse Sensors (Standard), Rear Camera (G, V), 360 View (V)
- Seat Belts:All 3-Point ELR Seat Belts
- Child Safety:ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint System
Variant-Wise Feature Highlights & Pricing
Taisor E
1.2L MT: ₹7,88,500 | 1.2L CNG: ₹8,86,500
The essential package with a strong safety focus.
- 1.2L Petrol / CNG Engine with 5MT
- 6 Airbags (Front, Side & Curtain)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) & Hill Hold
- Halogen Projector Headlamps
- Automatic Climate Control
Taisor S & S+
S MT: ₹8,74,500 | S+ MT: ₹9,10,500 | S AMT: ₹9,32,500 | S+ AMT: ₹9,68,500
Adds connectivity and key convenience features.
- All features of E, plus:
- 17.78cm (7-inch) Touchscreen Infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Steering Mounted Controls
- LED Multi-reflector Headlamps (S+ only)
Taisor G & V (Turbo)
G MT: ₹10,70,500 | V MT: ₹11,62,500 | G AT: ₹12,10,500 | V AT: ₹13,02,500
The top-tier trims with the Turbo engine and premium technology.
- All features of S+, plus:
- 1.0L Turbo Engine with 5MT/6AT
- Connected LED Rear Combi Lamps
- Toyota i-Connect & Wireless Charger
- V Only: 22.86cm (9-inch) Screen, Head-Up Display, 360 View Camera, Cruise Control, Machined Alloys
Performance Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros: What We Love
- Multiple Powertrain Choices: Offering a punchy Turbo, an efficient 1.2L Petrol, and an economical CNG variant gives buyers unmatched choice.
- Loaded with Premium Technology: Features like the Head-Up Display, 360 View Camera, and wireless charging elevate the cabin experience.
- Excellent Standard Safety Kit: Providing 6 airbags, VSC, and Hill Hold Assist as standard on all variants is a significant and commendable advantage.
Cons: Points for Consideration
- Base Model is Very Basic: The ‘E’ variant misses out on an infotainment system and many visual elements like wheel covers.
- Key Features Reserved for Top Trim: The most desirable features like the HUD, 360 camera, and larger 9-inch screen are exclusive to the top-tier ‘V’ variant.
- No Diesel Option: While the petrol and CNG are efficient, buyers looking for a diesel powertrain for long-distance cruising will need to look elsewhere.
Who Should Buy The Toyota Taisor?
The Urban Cruiser Taisor is an excellent choice for:
- The Style-Conscious Buyer: Individuals who want a compact SUV that stands out with its modern, coupe-like design and stylish details.
- The Tech-Savvy Driver: Those who appreciate having the latest gadgets, from a Head-Up Display and 360 camera to seamless wireless connectivity.
- The Safety-First Family: With 6 airbags and VSC standard across all trims, it’s a reassuring choice for those who prioritize safety.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might look for a different vehicle if:
- You Need Maximum Rear Headroom: The sporty, sloping roofline of the coupe-SUV design might slightly compromise headroom for very tall rear passengers.
- You Are on a Very Tight Budget: While the starting price is competitive, the base ‘E’ model lacks many features, and the more desirable trims are priced higher.
- You Are a Driving Purist: While the Turbo engine is punchy, those seeking a truly athletic, corner-carving driving experience might look at specialized performance SUVs.
Final Verdict: A Brave, Stylish, and Well-Rounded Contender
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is a confident and compelling entry into the compact SUV segment. It masterfully combines a brave and stylish design with an “awesome” list of modern technology and a versatile range of powertrains. Its masterstroke is making a strong safety package with 6 airbags and VSC standard, a move that will surely resonate with buyers. While the most exciting features are reserved for the top trims, the Taisor offers a well-rounded package at every price point. For the buyer who wants to make their own way with style, technology, choice, and the unbreakable trust of the Toyota brand, the Taisor is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)