Toyota has made a comeback in the sub-four-meter compact SUV segment with the introduction of the Urban Cruiser Taisor. It's a rebranded version of the Maruti Fronx and represents the sixth vehicle resulting from the Suzuki-Toyota badge-sharing deal. The Taisor holds significant importance for Toyota as it competes directly with the Kia Sonet which currently holds the title of the most feature-loaded car in its segment.
Design Highlights
Typically, comparisons would involve examining grilles, wheels, and other exterior features. However, there's a unique perspective to consider here. While the Sonet stands as a distinct product, bearing a resemblance to the Venue but with subtle differences, the Taisor is essentially a rebadged Maruti Fronx. This means that when you see the Taisor, you're reminded of the Fronx.
If exterior design plays a crucial role in your decision-making process, it essentially comes down to choosing between a Maruti-badged model or a Toyota-badged one. Comparing the exterior design of both vehicles, the Sonet presents a more conventional SUV design with tall edges and a high back, while the Taisor exhibits coupe SUV-like features with a sloping rear roofline and flared wheel arches.
Feature List
In terms of features, comparing the fully-loaded X-Line variant of the Sonet with the top-spec Taisor V Turbo, both share common elements such as climate control with rear vents, a touchscreen infotainment system with phone mirroring, a 360-degree camera, and linked automobile technologies. However, the Sonet offers additional features like a powered driver’s seat, a fully digital instrument cluster, and Level 1 ADAS. On the safety front, both vehicles offer six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a traction control program.
Powertrain Options
Starting with the Taisor, it is available with a 1.2-liter petrol or a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine. The former delivers 88bhp/113Nm in the petrol guise and 76bhp/100Nm in the CNG guise. A five-speed AMT or a five-speed manual transmission is available as options. The turbo petrol variant produces 99bhp/147Nm and can be paired with a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter AT.
Moving on to the Sonet, it offers a 1.2-liter NA petrol engine producing 82bhp/115Nm or a 1.0-liter GDi turbo petrol engine producing 118bhp/172Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, or a seven-speed DCT. Additionally, there's a 1.5-liter diesel engine delivering 114bhp/250Nm, available with a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, or a six-speed torque converter AT. While both cars are evenly matched in terms of NA petrol performance, the Sonet holds an advantage in turbo petrol power, torque, and transmission options. When comparing diesel versus CNG, the former offers better mileage and more transmission options.
Pricing and Competition
The Taisor series starts at Rs. 7.74 lahks and tops out at Rs. 13.04 lakh, while the Kia Sonet range starts at Rs. 8 lakh and goes up to Rs. 15.75 lakh. The higher price of the Sonet is attributed to its top-spec diesel model. In terms of petrol variants, the Sonet range tops out at Rs. 14.75 lakh.