Now Reading: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor – A Smarter Buy Than the Skoda Kylaq?
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Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor – A Smarter Buy Than the Skoda Kylaq?
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor – A Smarter Buy Than the Skoda Kylaq?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota’s latest entry into the compact SUV space, and it arrives with a clear mission: combine the efficiency and affordability of Maruti’s Fronx with Toyota’s reliability, design flair, and premium ownership experience.
We drove the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol Manual variant to see if this new entrant can really challenge established players like the Skoda Kushaq, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue — and here’s what we found.
Performance: Light, Lively, and Efficient
Under the hood lies a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 PS and 147 Nm of torque. Those figures may not sound groundbreaking, but paired with a kerb weight just over 1,000 kg, the Taisor feels eager and energetic.
The 5-speed manual gearbox is smooth and precise, and the clutch is light enough for daily city driving. In traffic, the car feels peppy and responsive, while on the highway, it cruises comfortably at triple-digit speeds with enough mid-range punch for quick overtakes.
Despite being a turbo engine, the Taisor delivers impressive efficiency, with Toyota claiming 21.18 km/l — making it one of the most fuel-efficient turbo-petrol manuals in India.
Features and Technology: Loaded and Connected
Toyota hasn’t held back on equipment. The Taisor Turbo MT comes packed with features typically found in more expensive cars.
A 9-inch SmartPlay Cast touchscreen takes centre stage, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with over-the-air updates. The Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key info like speed and navigation onto the windshield — a segment standout.
Other highlights include, 360° camera with dynamic guidelines, Wireless phone charger, Rear AC vents and USB-C charging ports and Cruise control.
Toyota iConnect connected-car features, letting you monitor the car, lock/unlock it, and even control the climate from your phone or smartwatch.
It’s clear Toyota wanted the Taisor to feel modern, connected, and tech-forward, not just efficient and reliable.
Safety: A Solid Family Car
Toyota’s reputation for safety continues here. The Taisor Turbo MT comes equipped with, Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, Rear parking sensors and camera. These features are standard across turbo variants — not limited to the top trim — giving the Taisor a solid edge in safety confidence. Whether it’s urban driving or hilly terrain, the car feels secure and composed.
Ownership Experience: The Toyota Advantage
While the Taisor shares its platform with the Maruti Fronx, the Toyota ownership experience gives it a distinct edge.
You get Toyota’s 3-year / 1,00,000 km warranty (extendable up to 5 years / 2,20,000 km) and access to over 650 service touchpoints across 300+ cities.
Toyota’s service network, reliability, and resale value remain unmatched in this segment — a huge reason many buyers prefer this badge over rivals like Skoda or Volkswagen.
What Could Be Better!
Rear Space
The rear seat is comfortable for two passengers, but taller adults may find legroom and headroom slightly limited. The 308-litre boot is adequate for daily use or short trips, but it’s not the most generous in its class.
Pricing
At ₹11.62 lakh (ex-showroom), the Taisor Turbo MT undercuts the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI MT by about ₹1.3 lakh. However, the Kushaq is a larger car and feels more solidly built. The Taisor, while well-equipped, could have been priced a bit more aggressively given its compact footprint.
Verdict: Smarter, Lighter, and More Practical
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Turbo MT may not have the European solidity of the Skoda Kushaq, but it brings its own strengths — better efficiency, excellent features, Toyota reliability, and easier everyday usability.
If you want a compact SUV that’s fun to drive, loaded with tech, safe for the family, and backed by Toyota’s ownership peace of mind, the Taisor is a smart and well-rounded choice.
