Looking for a new car in India? You are probably juggling a lot of thoughts – a budget friendly option, super safe, low monthly maintenance, packed with the latest features, and backed by excellent company service. It is a tough checklist to tick all at once, is it not? But what if there was an option that came very close to hitting all those marks, especially if you are keen on great fuel efficiency? Enter the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG. This mid-size SUV has been making waves in the Indian market, and today we dive deep into whether it could be your next family car.

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre K-series Dual Jet, Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1462 cc
• Power (Petrol Mode): 103 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque (Petrol Mode): 136 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Power (CNG Mode): 87.8 PS at 5500 rpm
• Torque (CNG Mode): 121.5 Nm at 4200 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission only
• ARAI Certified Mileage (CNG): Approximately 26.6 km/kg

Design Overview

Exterior

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder boasts a bold and modern design that instantly grabs attention. Up front, you get a distinctive crystalline acrylic grille with a chrome finish, flanked by sleek twin LED Day Running Lamps DRLs that sit above the projector headlamps. The overall SUV stance is robust and appealing, with well-defined wheel arches. The S CNG variant comes with stylish steel wheels that have wheel covers, contributing to its urban explorer look. It is a design that definitely stands out in the crowded mid-size SUV segment, making the Hyryder a head-turner.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a dual-tone interior theme, typically black and brown or black and silver accents, which feels premium and inviting. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with all controls easily accessible. The seats are comfortable and offer good support, making long journeys a breeze for both driver and passengers. Quality of materials used, while not ultra-premium, feels durable and well-finished for its segment, reflecting Toyota reliable build quality and thoughtful ergonomics. The cabin feels airy and spacious, a great attribute for a family car.

Key Features

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG packs a decent set of essential features for its price point, balancing practicality with modern comforts:

• Infotainment System: A responsive 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Connectivity: Toyota i-Connect basic telematics services, offering some connected car features.
• Climate Control: Automatic AC to keep the cabin comfortable in varying Indian weather conditions.
• Convenience: Push Start/Stop button for keyless ignition, central locking, and power windows for all doors.
• Comfort: Rear AC vents ensure passengers in the back also stay cool and comfortable.
• Other notable features: Steering mounted audio and calling controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and dual front airbags.

Please note that premium features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or ventilated seats are typically reserved for higher variants of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and are not available in the S CNG trim.

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

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG offers a healthy ground clearance of 210 mm. This ample clearance is a huge advantage on Indian roads, allowing the SUV to effortlessly tackle rough patches, unpaved roads, and notorious speed breakers without scraping its underbelly.

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

Due to the placement of the large CNG tank in the boot, the available boot space in the Hyryder S CNG is reduced to approximately 265 litres. This is significantly less than the petrol variants 373 litres, so planning for luggage on long trips or family outings will be an essential consideration for prospective buyers.

What is the Dimensions of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG?

Here are the key dimensions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG:

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

These dimensions contribute to its commanding road presence and spacious interior.

Powertrain Options

Toyota offers the Urban Cruiser Hyryder with three distinct and efficient powertrain choices to cater to diverse customer needs:

• A 1.5-litre K-series petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
• A highly fuel-efficient 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine, coupled with an e-CVT automatic transmission, offering impressive mileage figures.
• And our focus today, the 1.5-litre K-series petrol engine factory-fitted with a CNG kit, available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers looking for an economical SUV.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Toyota, and the Hyryder S CNG comes equipped with a good array of active and passive safety features to protect its occupants:

• Dual Front Airbags for the driver and co-passenger.
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD for improved braking control.
• Vehicle Stability Control VSC to maintain vehicle stability during tricky maneuvers.
• Hill Hold Assist, which prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.
• Rear Parking Sensors for easier and safer parking.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts for secure installation of child seats.
• All-seat seatbelt reminders to ensure everyone buckles up.

NCAP Rating Table

As of now, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (or its platform sibling, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara) has not yet been officially crash-tested by either Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. We await official ratings to provide comprehensive safety scores for this mid-size SUV.

Rivals of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG

In the competitive Indian market, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG faces off against several capable contenders, especially in the growing CNG SUV and premium hatchback segments:

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara S CNG (its direct platform twin, sharing many components)
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG (a popular compact SUV with a CNG option)
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG (a crossover with a premium appeal and CNG option)
• Upcoming Tata Nexon CNG (when launched, it will be a direct competitor in the compact SUV CNG space)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros - What we like

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The 26.6 km/kg ARAI certified mileage is a game-changer, making it one of the most economical SUVs to run, significantly reducing your monthly fuel budget.
• Toyota Reliability and Service: Toyota is renowned for its bulletproof engineering, low maintenance costs, and a wide, dependable service network across India, offering great peace of mind.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Offers ample room for five adults, with good legroom and headroom, coupled with a comfortable ride quality, ideal for family trips and daily commutes.
• Commanding SUV Stance: The bold and contemporary design ensures a strong road presence and offers a higher driving position, which many Indian buyers prefer.
• Good Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and potholes common on Indian roads, providing a smooth and comfortable journey.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Running on CNG produces fewer emissions compared to petrol, making it a greener and more responsible choice for the environment.

Cons - What could be better

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly eats into the boot capacity, which is a major compromise for carrying luggage, especially on longer journeys.
• Lower Performance in CNG Mode: While adequate for city driving, the power output is noticeably lower than petrol mode, which can be felt during quick overtakes on highways or when driving uphill.
• Feature Set in S CNG: The S trim, being an entry-level CNG variant, misses out on some premium features like a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or ventilated seats, which are available in higher variants of the Hyryder.
• No Automatic Transmission: The CNG option is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, limiting convenience for buyers who prefer automatic transmissions, particularly in heavy city traffic.
• CNG Refueling Infrastructure: While improving rapidly, CNG refueling stations are still not as widespread as petrol pumps in all regions of India, requiring some planning for longer routes.

Conclusion

So, is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG the right car for you? If your priorities are super low running costs, trusted Toyota reliability, a spacious cabin for your family, and a comfortable SUV experience, then absolutely, it deserves a serious look. Yes, you do compromise a bit on boot space and some fancy features that higher variants offer, but what you gain in exceptional fuel efficiency and peace of mind is substantial. It is a smart, practical choice for the Indian family looking for a dependable and economical daily driver that also looks good and has that desirable SUV appeal. The Hyryder S CNG offers a compelling package for those who want to balance budget with modern motoring needs. Head to your nearest Toyota showroom and take it for a spin. You might just find your next family companion.