Test drive Toyota Urban Cruiser
We are talking, make no mistake, about the class where Clio, Punto, 207 and similar "houses" are. But as if the abundance of its offering wasn't enough, more and more niche models are popping up, from those that are "merely" more expensive varieties, that is, a little more prestigious, to more specialized ones, such as small soft SUVs or small limousines. . vans.
The term limousine van in this class should be understood differently than we are used to. You won't find a car as big as the Espace or the Scenic here. Perhaps his closest first representative from this niche, Meriva; everything that appeared later is different and to some extent (at least at first glance) more and more alike: Modus, Soul, C3 Picasso. In a city cruiser.
In the spirit of this mindset, the first thing to mention is the (tentative) price: because of this, the Urban Cruiser will want to become more prestigious. Until the end of the edition, the agent did not even give an approximate price, so the equipment can be installed only at the prices set for Germany: with a UC gasoline engine it will cost 17 thousand euros, and with a turbodiesel. as much as 23 thousand! If the same thing happens to us, then the price will definitely not be for the better.
The exact Slovenian prices will be known on the day this magazine is published, but let's be surprised and focus on the car until then. Toyota says UC offers the B-segment added value that customers are looking for.
Even on the exterior, the Urban Crusier is quite convincing: due to the fact that the axles of the wheels are extended almost to the edge of the body, the wheelbase is relatively large, and, despite the slightly increased height (compared to the classic representatives of this class), its width withstands even more.
And the hips are very high, or in other words: the side windows are relatively low. Thus, the UC sits firmly on the ground, the body gives off a solid appearance and the car looks shorter than it actually is, although, on the other hand, its length is less than four meters. At the base and front, the Urban Cruiser also showcases the typical Toyota face.
The shape of the interior matches the exterior but offers (for Toyota) a surprising degree of playfulness – especially on the dashboard. Non-reflective-coated Optitron sensors are stored in three irregular grooves where engine speed and rev counter are aligned - the second continues where the first ends, which Toyota says is somewhat reminiscent of an airplane. display.
At least as dynamic and unusual is the appearance of the dashboard center console, which resembles a vertical wave from the side, but stands out at the front with contrasting color and air conditioning controls placed in a circle.
The official material lists a number of useful boxes in the interior, and the quality of workmanship and design is equally important. The hard plastic (which is otherwise well camouflaged) and the base plastic steering wheel deflect slightly.
The interior is always dark gray, but each of the three packages has a different pattern on the seats. The rear bench is divided into a third and is adjustable in the corner of the backrest, but in the case of the all-wheel drive versions it also adjusts in the longitudinal direction, which changes the basic boot volume by a maximum of 74 liters.
Two engines were dedicated to this newcomer. The first is a new gasoline engine with a light and compact design, but with a long stroke (small bore), dual VVT (variable intake and exhaust camshaft angle), an aerodynamically designed plastic intake manifold and Stop & Start economy technology, which is known for that the starter mechanism is always engaged. This makes the restart quieter and faster.
The second engine is weaker in power and more powerful in torque, which is technically updated: it has new piezo injectors for injection and injection pressure of 1.600 bar and is equipped with a particulate filter as standard. The manual six-speed transmission is also new to both engines, and (for now) an automatic transmission is not available for either version.
These are mostly front-wheel drive, and when combined with a turbo diesel, they also offer Active Torque Control AWD, which is linked to other electronically controlled control systems, including ESP (or VSC).
The all-wheel drive, which makes the UC two inches above the ground, is primarily designed to drive only the front wheels, and in degraded under-wheel conditions, it can transfer up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. At speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour, the driver can lock the center differential by pressing on the tires, which will improve driving in mud or snow.
The Urban Cruiser safety package is commendable: in addition to the aforementioned VSC stabilization system, there is also a standard package of seven airbags, pretensioners and power limiters on all seat belts, as well as active front airbags.
After testing and writing, the Urban Cruiser will likely satisfy many more demanding customers, but this vehicle still has wiggle room for a better overall experience: at least one more (more powerful) petrol engine and a more appropriate price for (our ) market. But without it, UC is one of the best Toyotas.
Equipment
In addition to the safety package, the Terra basic package includes a remote central locking system, electrically adjustable front side windows and exterior mirrors (also heated), an audio system that reads mp3 files and broadcasts advertisements through six speakers, an on-board computer, four steering wheels a height-adjustable and height-adjustable driver's seat, electric power steering with variable power boost, and an economy driving indicator that tells you when and how the driver should shift the transmission.
Manual air conditioning, Bluetooth and leather on the steering wheel are European specification only in the second equipment package (Luna), while the Sol package also includes a navigation device and automatic air conditioning. It is very likely that in Slovenia the list of equipment in individual packages will be slightly different.
Vinko Kernc, photo: Vinko Kernc, factory
