Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what it will cost to maintain every month, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. It's a lot to consider! Today, we are taking a closer look at a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for Indian buyers: the new Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT. Let's dive in and see if this urban SUV is the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT comes with a reliable and well-proven engine option that focuses on smooth city driving and decent fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.5L K15C Neo Drive (Mild Hybrid)
• Cylinders: 4-cylinder
• Maximum Power: 103 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 137 Nm (at 4400 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (AT)
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

The Hyryder makes a strong statement on the road with its modern and muscular design.

• Exterior Design: The Hyryder boasts a bold and athletic look. Upfront, it gets sleek twin LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that flow into a prominent grille. The main headlamp cluster is placed lower on the bumper, giving it a distinctive face. From the side, strong character lines and squared-off wheel arches give it an SUV stance. The rear features slim, C-shaped LED tail lamps that wrap around, adding to its premium appeal. The S AT variant generally comes with stylish alloy wheels and body-colored door handles and ORVMs.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you'll find a well-laid-out cabin designed for comfort and practicality. The S AT variant offers a dual-tone interior theme (usually black and brown), giving it an upmarket feel. The dashboard is clean and ergonomic, with controls placed intuitively. The seats are comfortable, providing good support for both city commutes and longer journeys. There's ample head and legroom for all passengers, making it a spacious family car.

Key Features (S AT Variant)

Even as a mid-range variant, the Hyryder S AT comes packed with useful features to enhance your driving experience.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch Touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Starting System: Push Button Start/Stop
• Steering: Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Convenience: Cruise Control, Rear AC Vents, Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Connectivity: Toyota i-Connect (Connected Car Technology - basic features)
• Lighting: LED DRLs, LED Tail Lamps
• Safety (beyond standard): Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Defogger

Please note: Features like Panoramic Sunroof, 360-degree Camera, and Wireless Charging are typically available in higher variants (G and V) of the Hyryder.

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

• Ground Clearance: 210 mm

This good ground clearance helps the Hyryder tackle rough Indian roads and speed breakers with ease, giving you peace of mind.

What is the Boot Space of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT?

• Boot Space: 373 Litres

For the S AT (mild-hybrid) variant, the boot space is quite generous, making it practical for family trips and carrying luggage. The strong hybrid variant has a smaller boot due to battery placement.

What are the Dimensions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder?

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

These dimensions place the Hyryder squarely in the compact SUV segment, offering a good balance of interior space and maneuverability.

Powertrain Options

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder stands out by offering two distinct petrol engine options to cater to different needs:

• Neo Drive (Mild Hybrid): This is what powers the S AT variant we are discussing. It features a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine with smart hybrid technology. This system uses an integrated starter generator and a small battery to assist the engine, providing torque assist during acceleration and allowing for idle start/stop, which helps improve fuel efficiency. It is available with both 5-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmissions.
• Strong Hybrid: This option uses Toyota's advanced 1.5-litre TNGA Atkinson Cycle engine paired with an electric motor and a larger battery pack. This system can drive the car on electric power alone for short distances, offering exceptional fuel economy. It comes exclusively with an e-CVT automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Toyota, and the Hyryder comes equipped with a good range of features to keep you and your passengers safe.

• Airbags: 2 Airbags (Driver and Passenger) are standard in the S AT variant. Higher variants offer 6 airbags.
• Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist: Yes
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Assist: Hill Hold Control (to prevent rollback on inclines)

Parking Assist: Rear Parking SensorsOther: ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Seatbelt Reminders, High-Speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

The safety of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has been put to the test, and it has performed admirably.

The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is a significant achievement, assuring buyers of its strong build and safety performance.

Rivals of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Hyryder S AT goes head-to-head with several popular models:

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (its sibling)
• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT.

Pros:

• Toyota Reliability: Known for its bulletproof reliability and low maintenance costs.
• Good Fuel Efficiency: The mild-hybrid system (Neo Drive) helps deliver impressive mileage figures for an SUV of its size, especially in city driving.
• Refined Engine & Smooth AT: The 1.5L engine is smooth and quiet, and the 6-speed automatic transmission offers comfortable, jerk-free shifts.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for Indian roads, soaking up bumps and undulations well, providing a comfortable ride for occupants.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers good space for five adults, with ample legroom and headroom.
• Attractive Design: Stands out with its modern and muscular looks.
• 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating: Provides excellent assurance regarding occupant safety.
• Toyota Service Network: Extensive and trusted service network across India.

Cons:

• Basic Features on S AT: While adequate, the S AT misses out on some premium features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging that are available in rivals' mid-variants or Hyryder's higher trims.
• Performance is Adequate, Not Sporty: The mild-hybrid engine is efficient and refined, but it won't excite enthusiasts looking for strong acceleration.
• Price: Can be on the higher side compared to some rivals, especially when comparing features across variants.
• No Ventilated Seats: A feature commonly found in some rivals, which would be a welcome addition in India's climate.

Conclusion

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT emerges as a very strong contender in the crowded compact SUV segment. It brings together Toyota's legendary reliability, decent fuel efficiency thanks to its mild-hybrid system, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and now, a commendable 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. While the S AT variant might not be loaded with every single fancy feature, it offers all the essentials you need for a comfortable and safe driving experience.

If you are looking for an automatic SUV that is reliable, spacious, safe, and relatively fuel-efficient for your daily commutes and occasional long drives, and you trust Toyota's service and brand value, the Hyryder S AT should definitely be on your shortlist. We recommend taking a test drive to experience its comfort and driveability firsthand.