Incoming Suzuki-based Toyota Taisor tipped to replace Urban Cruiser

Toyota’s shock announcement last month that it had ended production of the Urban Cruiser in India won’t, however, happen without a replacement come 2023.

A nameplate revived two years ago as the second model to emerge from the automaker’s joint venture with Maruti Suzuki, the first having been the Glanza/Starlet spun-off of the Baleno, the Urban Cruiser has been runaway sales success in South Africa, but not to the same extent in India compared to the model on which it is based, the now defunct Vitara Brezza.

This, together with Toyota’s ambition of wanting to be seen as less of an entry-level brand in India, reportedly contributed to the decision not to renew the Urban Cruiser for a second generation based on the new Brezza that remains an uncertainty for South Africa at present.

Cruiser taised

While Toyota has so far remained officially mum on a replacement, gaadiwaadi.com alleges that the successor will come in the form of the coupe-styled Taisor derived from the equally imminent Suzuki Baleno Cross.

Known internally as the YTB, both models have already been spotted undergoing testing in India and if reports are to be believed, will be showcased for the first time at the Delhi Auto Expo next month.

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Including the Swace and Across sold in Europe as badge engineered versions of the RAV4 and Corolla Touring Sports estate, the Taisor and Baleno Cross will bring the model count made under the joint venture to eight with the line-up also consisting of the Belta spun-off the Ciaz, the Rumion from the Eritga and most recently, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and revived Grand Vitara.

Based on prior reports, both the Taisor and Baleno Cross will ride on Suzuki’s Heartect platform with production set to take place at Toyota’s Bidadi Plant that also manufactures the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Grand Vitara, the latter having been confirmed for South Africa from early next year.

According to Gaadiwaadi, the Taisor will take styling inspiration from the Yaris Cross, while the Baleno Cross is anticipated to have a final design more reminiscent of its hatchback namesake.

If speculation is to believed, a choice of three engines are rumoured: the 1.2-litre DualJet petrol both the Baleno and Glanza have as standard in India, a hybrid of sorts – possibly the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid from the Brezza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Grand Vitara – and the 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol that could see the Taisor and Baleno Cross take aim at the Volkswagen Taigo that sports a similar body style and engine displacement.

Delhi reveal?

Although little continues to be known at present, expect more, comprising official details and teasers, to emerge in the runup to the Delhi Auto Expo that starts on 12 January.