New Toyota Hyryder: So not surprising that Toyota isn’t a follower; it’s a trendsetter. With the introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota is bringing its robust hybrid technology to India, in the form of an urban – compact SUV.
Set to take on the traditional petrol competition as well as emerging electric dreams the Hyryder is no ordinary compact crossover, it’s unmistakable proof that the hybrid is here, and it’s here to stay.
A Styling that Tends to Sophistication
The Hyryder is a far cry from the previous crop of urban offerings from Toyota. It has new look modern and sleek front grille, double-layer DRLs and a large bumper.
The split LED headlamp arrangement lends it a rich look and the wide stance and strong shoulder lines ensure that it has a meaty road presence.
It has a decent side-on profile — not too chunky, not too blocky. Riding on trendy 17-inch alloy wheels, the rear boasts C-shaped LED tail lamps and a linked light bar with flare.
Toyota is clearly going for a more premium, urbane SUV look — and it works.
Premium on The Inside, Useful in Practice
Enter the cabin and the Hyryder only gets better and better. The two-tone dashboard – only available on higher trims – is quite premium with the help of soft-touch materials, leather padding and brushed silver inserts.
The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen is tastefully executed and offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
It also gets a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless charger and 360-degree camera, thus easing urban living.
Practicality hasn’t taken a backseat either, with lots of storage spaces and bottle holders and a boot that’s actually fairly usable (especially on the mild-hybrid version).
The rear seat comfort is good in terms of legroom and recline angle. The strong hybrid loses some boot space to accommodate the battery, but there’s still plenty for day-to-day needs.
Powertrain: This Is Where It Shines
Hyryder comes with two engine options- Maruti Suzuki-sourced 1.5L mild-hybrid and Toyota’s 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain. The tough hybrid system consists of a petrol engine combined with an electric motor and e-CVT gearbox.
Together, they produce approximately 114 bhp, but the real clincher is its ability to run in pure electric mode during low speed conditions.
At city traffic lights, the engine frequently turns off, leaving the car to run noiselessly and efficiently solely on charging from its battery. All of that equals impressive, real-world fuel mileage—more than 27 km/l.
It switches between electric and petrol power seamlessly, the drive is relaxing, quiet and stress free.
The mild-hybrid version is both less efficient, nevertheless capable, and is likely a better fit for those who can give up a little bit on up-front costs without giving too much on features.
Handling and Ride Comfort
Based on Suzuki’s Global C platform, the Hyryder delivers a comfortable ride. Ride is good and suspension does not crash through potholes or speed breakers, high speed stability is also good.
Steering is light which make it ideal to be in the drive in the city, although some drivers may feel there’s a lack of feedback at higher speeds.
It’s not a sporty SUV, but it is composed, refined, and very easy to live with, especially for commuting and family activities.
Safety and Tech
Toyota has also provided the Hyryder with six airbags, ESP, hill hold control, tire pressure management, and AWD (only in the higher models). That also includes the connected car tech, voice commands and OTA updates, too.
” Toyota’s excellent brand reputation for reliability and safety only contributes to the trust factor.
Pros:
Best-in-class fuel economy (particularly strong hybrid)
Supple, sophisticated ride and drive
Great looks and feel inside and out
Packed with comforts and amenities
Strong after sales service of Toyota
Eco-minded but with none of the range anxiety
Cons:
Strong hybrid space saver in boot
Top hybrid trims with only a small price premium
No diesel option
Performance not thrilling for the enthusiasts
New Toyota Hyryder Final Verdict
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder - a true response for mobility issues of modern cities.
It mates Toyota’s proven hybrid tech to a design and list of features that are tailor made for Indian families and city dwellers. It’s not the most powerful SUV in existence, but it hits the right marks when it comes to everyday usability, efficiency and peace of mind.
It’s difficult to conjure up a vision of the future that doesn’t include an SUV like the Hyryder — one that doesn’t need to plug in, yet sips fuel in a way that encourages you to take the long way home.
