News Over 9,000 Toyota Urban Cruiser Recalled Over Airbag Issue

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has issued a voluntary recall for the Urban Cruiser subcompact SUV that was launched in September last year. A total of 9,498 units of the model built between 28^th July 2020 and 11^th February 2021 come under the recall exercise. The key reason behind it is a possible issue related to the driver side airbag module assembly. The authorized Toyota dealers will contact owners of the affected vehicles to inspect their cars and rectify the faulty component at free of cost.

Toyota Urban Cruiser comes in three trims (Mid, High and Premium) and two engine-gearbox combinations. Powering the compact SUV is a 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that’s good for 105bhp and 138Nm of torque. It can be had with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The mild hybrid technology is exclusively available on the automatic variants.  

The SUV’s manual version offers a claimed mileage of 17.03kmpl and its automatic model (with mild hybrid system) promises 18.76kmpl. In terms of fuel efficient and performance, the Urban Cruiser is identical to the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Both models can be differentiated by their front design and signature badges.

Toyota Urban Cruiser is one of the top selling vehicles of the Japanese carmaker in India. In January and February 2021, the company retailed total of 3,005 units and 2,549 units of the subcompact SUV respectively. In the sub-4 meter SUV space, the competition has become fiercer with the entry of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.

In other updates, the Japanese carmaker is planning to launch the Toyota RAV4 and C-HR SUVs in India. Both models, if launched, will be brought via CBU route under the new import law that allows a carmaker import 2,500 units annually without any homologation process. Reports suggest that the Toyota RAV4 with hybrid powertrain will hit roads before 2021 Diwali season.