Al-Futtaim Toyota launches an all-new compact SUV, the Toyota Urban Cruiser with youthful bold looks and an electrified Neo Drive system

Al-Futtaim Toyota continues its run as the SUV category leader with the latest new entrant, the compact crossover, Toyota Urban Cruiser. The sleek new model brings a new edge to the Toyota lineup, featuring the innovative Neo Drive technology to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota Urban Cruiser has been engineered with the ever-changing needs and preferences of the company’s global consumer base in mind. Boasting a sleek, crossover SUV-like design, the five-seater vehicle exudes style and sophistication and features a spacious and roomy cabin with ample space for both passengers and their luggage. Whether traveling solo or as a group, the new Urban Cruiser promises a comfortable and convenient ride that caters to requirements of today’s active lifestyles.

Commenting on the launch, Jacques Brent, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Toyota & Lexus, said: “2023 is such an important year of Toyota with many exciting new launches, and we are certainly quite thrilled to see the new Urban Cruiser mark its arrival. This model truly adds a new dimension to the well-established credentials of Toyota, with added design and performance cues that will appeal universally, especially among younger audiences. With Dubai’s rapid population rise owing to the stepping up of D33 Economic Agenda, we see a huge potential and demand for the Urban Cruiser; a car that not only looks great but also feels great with its sustainable driving innovation, which is the demand of today’s market and times.”

The vehicle owes much of its smooth acceleration and dynamic on-road performance to the new Neo Drive Powertrain, which is the first of its kind in the Toyota lineup. It features a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that functions as both an electrified generator and motor. Combined with a compact Lithium-Ion battery, the powertrain delivers 102 hp and 138 Nm of torque, and is paired with six-speed automatic transmission that offers enhanced performance during low-speed and stop-start conditions. This ensures customers benefit from reduced emissions and lower operating costs thanks to exceptional fuel efficiency of 19.8 km/l.

The 2023 Urban Cruiser’s highly rigid body and suspension, along with a 5.4-meter turning radius for greater maneuverability, all contribute to its outstanding handling, stability, and ride comfort. The vehicle boasts MacPherson strut-type front suspension, ensuring a smooth and secure ride with direct and linear driving dynamics. Meanwhile, the back is fitted with a torsion beam suspension system, which provides greater stability even when cruising at high speeds or taking sharp turns.

The compact five-seater’s striking exterior is characterized by a unique crystal acrylic upper grille with premium chrome garnish. The resulting modern, advanced appearance is further enhanced by a wide lateral bar that flows from each DRL and crosses through the Toyota emblem. A wide, trapezoidal lower grille embodies the vehicle’s toughness, while the side view reveals a distinctive character line runs from the front to the rear, expressing length and presence that is complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels. At the back, a chrome garnish connects the two combination lamps to create an advanced impression.

The new Urban Cruiser’s spacious cabin is designed for greater comfort and convenience. An outstanding field of view also immensely enhances the driver and passenger experience. Its wide instrument panel, with soft padding present throughout the interior, exudes refined elegance. The vehicle’s head-up display,  4.2-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display, along with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel equipped with audio system and vehicle operation controls, all make for a seamless driving experience no matter where the road takes you.

Other impressive features include a 7-inch or 9-inch multimedia screen with seamless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto^TM integration, and a wireless smartphone charging system. Additionally, the interior offers three USB ports, a four-speaker sound system, a powerful rear AC vent, and 60/40 split reclining rear seats.

As with any Toyota model, the new Urban Cruiser comes complete with a comprehensive array of safety features. These include six SRS airbags (front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the front seats, and side-curtain airbags for the front and rear seats), 3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) Seatbelts for all occupants, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Rear Parking Sensors, Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), and many more.

A choice of seven exciting exterior hues adds to the new Urban Cruiser’s striking visual appeal, including Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Metallic Grey, Pearl Red, Pearl Black, Brown Family Color, and Speedy Blue. Further personalization is made possible with the addition of several dual-tone variants – Pearl Black can be combined with Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Pearl Red or Speedy Blue. The vehicle’s interior features an equally stylish color scheme, with a mono-tone Black and dual-tone Black and Bordeaux options. The new Toyota Urban Cruiser also comes with 17-inch wheels, further adding to its powerful, luxurious look.