Toyota’s collaboration with Suzuki has resulted in another addition to their lineup, this time based on the subcompact Fronx, crafted as an affordable subcompact SUV
- The Taisor is a subcompact SUV designed for the Indian market, heavily based on the Suzuki Fronx, with a front fascia that draws inspiration from the Land Cruiser.
- Utilizing Suzuki’s Heartect platform, it offers gasoline, mild hybrid, and CNG powertrain options.
- At 3,995 mm, it’s Toyota’s smallest global SUV, likely staying in India due to the presence of the larger Yaris Cross in other markets.
Toyota and Suzuki continue to expand their badge engineering collaboration in emerging markets such as India and South Africa. The most recent manifestation of this partnership is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, a, affordable subcompact SUV tailored for the Indian market closely derived from the Suzuki Fronx. Like its counterpart, this model utilizes Suzuki’s Heartect platform and offers gasoline, mild hybrid, and CNG powertrain options.
Toyota designers have studied the rebadging process long enough to know that subtle adjustments can yield significant alterations in a vehicle’s appearance. In this context, the smaller grille and the Toyota-specific LED graphics of the headlights help the Urban Cruiser Taisor differentiate from its Suzuki twin, despite the fact that the rest of the bodywork is shared between the two.
More: Suzuki Is Reportedly Working On A Fully Electric Minivan
In a quest to infuse more Toyota-ness into the Suzuki, the slim DRLs were inspired by the headlights of the Land Cruiser Series 300. Of course, Toyota added its own emblems, color palette, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Despite the effort, we have to admit that the larger Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV twins are a more successful case of subtle rebadging.
The interior is a spitting image of the Suzuki, with the exception of the Toyota badge on the steering wheel. There is no digital instrument cluster, but the 9-inch free-standing infotainment supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. High-spec trims also get a head-up display and a wireless charging pad. Don’t expect any sophisticated ADAS, but at least Toyota offers six airbags.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
Suzuki Fronx
Measuring 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) in length, the Urban Cruiser Taisor stands as the smallest SUV in Toyota’s global lineup, sharing this compact stature with the Daihatsu-based Raize. For perspective, the Toyota Yaris Cross available in Europe, Japan, and Australia stretches longer by 185 mm (7.3 inches).
While it remains unclear if Toyota implemented any model-specific suspension tuning on Suzuki’s Heartect architecture, the powertrains are indeed shared with the Fronx. The base model features a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter gasoline engine generating 89 hp (66 kW / 90 PS), also offered in a CNG-fueled variant.
Alternatively, drivers can opt for the turbocharged 1.0-liter mild-hybrid engine, delivering 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS). Power is directed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or various automatic options, depending on the chosen powertrain.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is currently available for ordering in India, with prices starting as low as RS 7.74 lakh ($9,279) for the base model and reaching RS 13.04 lakh ($15,633) for the fully-loaded turbo automatic variant. Interestingly, these figures position it slightly above the Suzuki Fronx, which begins at RS 7.52 lakh ($9,016).
While the size, styling, and mild-hybrid configuration of the Urban Cruiser Taisor seem suitable for the European market, it’s unlikely that Toyota will export it there. This is because the more advanced Yaris Cross already fulfills a similar role in that region. It’s worth noting that apart from India, the Suzuki Fronx is exported to the Middle East, South America, and Africa.
