A compact car with a surprisingly spacious interior. Designed for city life, but looks like a mini-crossover. Aimed at young drivers, although the equipment is quite mature. The success of this model is largely predetermined: the Urban Cruiser is the European version of the well-known Toyota Ist, which has already gained popularity among Japanese youth, and then, under the name Scion xD, set off to conquer America (Scion is a special Toyota brand for young Americans).
In Europe, the car will be offered with two engines paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The new 1.3-liter petrol engine (100 hp) will be front-wheel drive, while the upgraded 1.4 turbodiesel (90 hp) will get all-wheel drive, similar to that installed on the RAV4. But don't be fooled: the word "Urban" in the name is key. Unlike its famous older brother SUV, the younger Cruiser, even in the all-wheel-drive version, is designed for roads where the main obstacle is speed bumps. The diesel version, which has more torque (peak torque of 205 Nm is available at 1800 rpm), loses to the petrol version in acceleration dynamics, but is noticeably more economical. The petrol engine, in turn, is equipped with a Stop&Start system that shuts off the engine at traffic lights to save fuel.
It is already known that the basic equipment will include a dynamic stability system and six airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. Full trim lists are still kept secret, but we have been promised a "decent" set of options. The European price of the new product is expected not to exceed 18,000 euros.
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IN DETAIL
The car's exterior looks solid and impressive, and this same approach is reflected in the thoughtful interior. The climate control unit is placed on a separate panel, with an mp3 player input (2) below it. The front seats offer good lateral support. The rear bench folds in sections, increasing the trunk from 314 to 749 liters.
Manufacturer's data
ENGINES
1329 cm³ petrol, 4 cylinders
100 hp at 6000 rpm,
132 Nm at 3800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
Manual, 6 gears,
front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
max speed – 109 km/h
acceleration 0-100 km/h – 12.5 s
DIMENSIONS (mm)
length – 3930
width – 1725
height – 1540
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DIRECT COMPETITOR Along with the "Japanese" car, a Korean contender will enter the European market – the KIA Soul. Its concept is almost identical, but all-wheel drive is not available for it. |