Paris Show: Toyota Urban Cruiser premiere
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 02 October 2008
Toyota has debuted the new Urban Cruiser small SUV at the Paris Show, likely to be available in the UK from May 2009.
Joining the ranks of the suddenly-popular small SUV market, the Urban Cruiser will be available with all-wheel drive and promises low emissions and 'unequalled' safety performance. The Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, VW Tiguana nd Renault Koleos will be among likely competitors.
The Urban Cruiser will be available with a 1.3-litre VVT petrol model with two-wheel drive and a 1.4-litre diesel with all-wheel drive
Seen for the first time, the interior features a radar screen-style instrument design and silver centre cluster, with a series of curves that make it appear to float above the centre console.
Toyota says despite the Urban Cruiser's compact appearance it will comfortable seat five plus luggage. The boot is 314 litres and extends to 749 litres with the rear seats, which fold 60:40, folded down.
The re-engineered 1.4-litre D-4D diesel and new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine are equipped with a Stop & Start system and transmit power through a new six-speed manual transmission.
The 89bhp 1.4 D-4D is fitted as standard with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and all-wheel drive, developing 160lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 2,800rpm, while CO2 emissions are 133g/km.
An all-new 99bhp 1.3 Dual VVT-i petrol unit with 2WD benefits from dual variable-valve timing to balance power, torque and excellent fuel efficiency.
The Urban Cruiser uses the same Active Torque Control AWD system as the RAV4 to optimise traction and fuel efficiency by managing torque distribution to the rear wheels.
Toyota says the Urban Cruiser benefits from Minimal Intrusion Cabin System, with systems designed to absorb energy to improve pedestrian protection. Seven airbags, including curtain shields and a driver’s knee airbag, are fitted as standard and active head restraints reduce the risk of whiplash injury.
Active safety features include ABS with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC) is also standard.
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