Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: the Maruti Fronx’s Fierce Sibling

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Since late 2023, the Indian automotive scene has been buzzing with the news of Toyota entering the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Their weapon of choice? A Maruti Suzuki Fronx with a Toyota badge and some distinct tweaks christened the Urban Cruiser Taisor (a name hinted at by a previously registered Toyota trademark).

This article will be your one-stop guide to everything we know about the Taisor, from its design elements to its expected features, engine options, and rivals.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Unveiling the Exterior: A Toyota Touch on the Fronx’s Foundation

While the Taisor will share the Fronx’s core body structure, Toyota has infused its design language to create a distinct visual identity. Here’s what to expect:

A Bold New Grille: Say goodbye to the Fronx’s grille and hello to a Toyota-specific design that proudly houses the brand’s emblem.

Tweaked Bumpers and Lights: The front and rear bumpers will receive unique sculpting, and the headlights and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) will boast a Toyota-inspired design.

Distinct Tail Lamp Design: The rear end will shed the Fronx’s tail lamp design for a look that aligns more with Toyota’s aesthetics.

These changes were partially revealed in a recent Toyota teaser, showcasing the upcoming crossover in a new, vibrant orange color not available on the Fronx.

A Peek Inside: Familiarity with a Hint of Toyota Flair

While the basic dashboard layout might be carried over from the Fronx, Toyota might introduce a cabin color scheme that diverges from Maruti’s black and burgundy theme. A lighter beige interior could be on the cards for the Taisor, creating a more airy and spacious feel.

Expect most features from the Fronx to find their way into the Taisor as well. This includes:

A feature-rich 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for seamless smartphone integration.

A heads-up display to keep your eyes on the road.

Automatic climate control for maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature.

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Cruise control for effortless highway cruising.

On the safety front, the Taisor is expected to inherit the Fronx’s safety net, including:

  • Up to six airbags for comprehensive occupant protection.
  • ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution) to prevent wheel locking and maintain steering control during hard braking.
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced vehicle stability, particularly during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
  • Hill hold assist to prevent the vehicle from rolling back on inclines.
  • ISOFIX child seat anchors for safe and secure child seat installation.
  • A 360-degree camera system for a bird’s-eye view while parking or navigating tight spaces.

Powertrain Options: Sharing is Caring

Similar to past Maruti-Toyota collaborations, the Taisor is likely to borrow its engines and gearboxes from the Fronx. Here are the potential powertrains on offer:

1.2-liter Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: This fuel-efficient option is expected to be mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for a smooth driving experience.

1.0-liter Boosterjet Turbo-Petrol Engine: For those seeking a more spirited performance, the 1.0-liter Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine churning out 100 PS and 148 Nm of torque could be the answer. This engine might be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission for a wider range of driving preferences.

While a CNG variant is a possibility in the future, it likely won’t be available at launch.

Price and Competition: Where Does the Taisor Stand?

Taking cues from the Fronx’s pricing, the Taisor is expected to fall within the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom). It might carry a slight premium over comparable Fronx variants to reflect the Toyota badge and potentially unique features.

The Tailor will be entering a fiercely competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment in India. Here are some of its potential rivals:

  • Maruti Suzuki Fronx (its mechanical twin)
  • Tata Nexon
  • Kia Sonet
  • Hyundai Venue
  • Mahindra XUV300
  • Nissan Magnite
  • Renault Kiger
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: When will the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor launch in India?

A: The official launch date for the Taisor is expected to be April 3, 2024.

Q: What is the expected price range of the Taisor?

A: The Taisor is likely to be priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom), with a slight premium over comparable Maruti Fronx variants.

Q: What engines will the Taisor offer?

A: The Taisor is expected to share its engines with the Fronx. This includes a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol Boosterjet engine. Transmission options might include a 5-speed manual, AMT, and a 6-speed automatic.

Q: Will the Taisor get a CNG variant?

A: A CNG variant is a possibility in the future, but it likely won’t be available at launch.

Q: What are the main differences between the Taisor and the Maruti Fronx?

A: While they share the same platform, the Taisor will have distinct design elements like a Toyota grille, tweaked bumpers, and potentially different tail lamps. The interiors might also have a different color scheme.

Q: What are the expected features of the Taisor?

A: The Taisor is expected to inherit most features from the Fronx, including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heads-up display, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a comprehensive safety package with airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360-degree camera.

Q: Who are the main competitors of the Taisor?

A: The Taisor will face stiff competition in the sub-4 meter SUV segment from established players like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.