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Toyota has pulled the wraps off its all-new electric car, called the Urban Cruiser. The 4.3m long SUV will rivals cars such as the Vauxhall Mokka and Volvo EX30, and is shared with Suzuki, which will launch the car as the e Vitara.
The Urban Cruiser will be offered with two battery packs and, according to market, the option of front or all-wheel drive. Both use lithium-iron phosphate (known as LFP) technology, which is more durable, safer and cheaper than the more common Lithium Ion cells. However it is less energy dense.
The 49kWh battery will be available exclusively in the FWD version, giving an output of 142bhp. The FWD model will also be offered with the 61kWh battery and a 172bhp motor. In the all-wheel drive version the 61kWh battery delivers 181bhp from two motors.
The addition of a 48kW motor to the rear axle is designed to give reall off road ability, like in the bigger bZ4X.
The system also provides Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode which detects and brakes a spinning wheel while directing drive torque to the opposite wheel. The front-wheel drive model benefits from a “snow mode” which controls drive torque to help reduce wheel-slip when driving on snow-covered roads.
All Urban Cruisers are equipped with an energy-saving heat pump for the air conditioning system and manually operated battery pre-heating to optimise charge speeds and performance in colder conditions.
Wheels are 18 or 19-inch diameter alloys, according to model grade, fitted with sharply full wheel covers that save weight and improve the car’s aerodynamics.
The Urban Cruiser’s comparatively long wheelbase (+140mm vs a Yaris Cross) is said to give versatile interior space.
A sliding rear seat system allows the occupants to choose between extra legroom on the back or more luggage space. The seats split-fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can also be reclined.
The Urban Cruiser will make its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January, with the UK model launch following during the third quarter of the year. The British model range, specification and pricing will be announced in the Spring.
