Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You think about your budget, how safe the car is, what your monthly running costs will be, the latest features you get, and of course, how good the company service is. It is a lot to consider! But what if there was an SUV that ticked most of these boxes, especially if you are looking for fuel efficiency and reliability?

Today, we are diving deep into the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G CNG. This car has been making waves in the Indian market, offering a compelling package for families and daily commuters alike. Let us find out if it is the right car for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L K-series Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Petrol Mode Power: 103 PS at 6000 rpm
• Petrol Mode Torque: 136.8 Nm at 4400 rpm
• CNG Mode Power: 87.83 PS at 5500 rpm
• CNG Mode Torque: 121.5 Nm at 4200 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (for CNG variant)
• Fuel Efficiency (CNG): Impressive 26.6 km/kg

Design Overview

The Hyryder boasts a stylish and contemporary design that truly stands out.

• Exterior: It has a strong SUV road presence. The front gets a bold crystal acrylic grille with chrome accents, sleek LED Daytime Running Lamps DRLs, and split headlamp design. The side profile is clean with prominent wheel arches and stylish alloy wheels. At the rear, you find slim LED tail lamps that give it a premium feel. It is a design that looks modern yet robust.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a dual-tone cabin that feels spacious and premium. The dashboard design is clean and user-friendly. High-quality materials are used, giving it a comfortable and upmarket feel. The seats are well-cushioned for long journeys, and there is ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Key Features

The G CNG variant comes packed with features to make your drives enjoyable and convenient.

• 9-inch SmartPlay Pro Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
• Toyota i-Connect Connected Car Technology
• Panoramic Sunroof (yes, even in the G trim)
• 360-degree Camera system for easy parking
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Automatic Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• Engine Push Start Stop button
• Rear AC Vents

What is the Ground Clearance of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder?

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a healthy 210 mm of ground clearance, which is great for tackling Indian roads and mild off-roading.

What is the Boot Space of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G CNG?

While the standard petrol Hyryder offers around 373 litres of boot space, the CNG variant has a reduced boot space of approximately 265 litres due to the CNG tank placement. It is still usable for daily needs but something to keep in mind for longer trips with lots of luggage.

What are the Dimensions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder?

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1795 mm
• Height: 1645 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder comes with three main powertrain choices, catering to different needs:

• Neo Drive (Mild-Hybrid Petrol): A 1.5L K-series engine with mild-hybrid technology, available with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
• Strong Hybrid Petrol: A more advanced 1.5L engine paired with an electric motor for excellent fuel economy, available with an e-CVT gearbox.
• CNG (Mild-Hybrid Petrol): The focus of our review, this variant uses the same 1.5L mild-hybrid engine specifically tuned for CNG, available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety Features

Toyota prioritizes safety, and the Hyryder G CNG comes with a good list of safety equipment.

• 2 Airbags (front driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Brake Assist BA
• Electronic Stability Program ESP
• Hill Hold Control
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Vehicle Stability Control VSC

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern, and the Hyryder shares its platform with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, which has been tested for safety.

Note: The Global NCAP rating is for the platform shared by the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Rivals of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G CNG

In the competitive Indian market, the Hyryder G CNG faces off against some strong contenders, especially in the mid-size SUV segment.

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG
• Hyundai Creta (petrol/diesel only, but a segment leader)
• Kia Seltos (petrol/diesel only)
• Honda Elevate (petrol only)
• Tata Nexon CNG (a smaller but growing CNG SUV option)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us look at the balanced picture of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G CNG.

Pros (Advantages)

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The 26.6 km/kg mileage in CNG mode is a huge money-saver for daily commutes.
• Toyota Reliability and Service: Toyota is known for its bulletproof reliability and strong after-sales service network across India.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5L engine is smooth and performs well for city driving and highway cruising.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Offers ample space for five adults and a comfortable ride quality.
• Feature-Rich G Trim: Comes loaded with modern features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and connected car tech.
• Good Safety Rating: A 4-star Global NCAP rating provides peace of mind.
• High Ground Clearance: Handles rough patches and speed breakers with ease.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly eats into the boot capacity, making it less ideal for heavy luggage.
• Slightly Lower Performance in CNG Mode: While adequate, performance is noticeably subdued compared to petrol mode.
• CNG Only with Manual Transmission: No automatic gearbox option for the CNG variant might be a deal-breaker for some.
• Waiting Periods: Popularity can sometimes lead to longer waiting times for delivery.
• Price: While economical to run, the upfront cost can be on the higher side compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G CNG emerges as a very strong contender in the Indian mid-size SUV segment, especially if your priority is low running costs without compromising on features, space, and safety. It combines Toyota's legendary reliability with the economy of CNG, making it a sensible choice for families and individuals who clock a lot of kilometers.

If you are looking for an SUV that offers a great balance of fuel efficiency, a feature-packed cabin, decent safety, and the trusted Toyota badge, the Hyryder G CNG is definitely worth considering. While the reduced boot space and manual-only transmission in CNG might be minor compromises, its overall value proposition is incredibly strong. Go ahead, take a test drive and experience it for yourself!