Toyota’s new compact SUV “Urban Cruiser Tizer” may be released in Japan!

Toyota India will unveil the new Urban Cruiser Tizer for the first time in the world on April 3, 2024. This model is an OEM version of Suzuki’s new Fronx . This time, we will explain what kind of model it is based on the Fronx and compare it to the Raize. This model will be released as a new Toyota compact SUV, but given its size and other factors, it is likely to be released in Japan under a different name as the successor to the Raize.

Toyota’s new compact SUV in India

• The car’s name is “Urban Cruiser Tiser” and is an OEM model of Suzuki’s new “Fronx”.
• Features distinctive LED daylights and horizontal LED taillights

The car in the video also features a new grille with distinctive LED daytime running lights and Toyota emblem, as well as horizontal LED taillights. Toyota may add new 17-inch wheels in addition to redesigned front and rear bumpers.

It has been said for some time that the new “Fronx” will be an OEM product for Toyota, and furthermore, due to the Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. fraud scandal, it has also been rumored that the “Urban Cruiser Tiser” will be the successor to the “Raize.”

About the new Suzuki “Fronx”

The Suzuki Frontus is built on Suzuki’s latest Heartect platform, measuring 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide, 1,550mm high, and featuring a 2,520mm wheelbase. It’s 5mm longer, 20mm wider, and 50mm taller than the Suzuki Baleno, which shares the same wheelbase. Its front end resembles the Grand Vitara’s, with split headlights, a chrome insert in the grille, and an aluminum-style skid plate. Its 17-inch aluminum wheels, pronounced fenders and rear shoulders give it a sportier profile. At the rear, the sloping rear glass, covered by a roof spoiler, marks Suzuki’s first foray into the coupe-SUV trend. The model also features full-width LED taillights and a sizable aluminum-style skid plate that doubles as a diffuser.

The dual-tone dashboard is similar to that of the Suzuki Baleno, but with a forged metal-like matte finish and high-gloss silver inserts for a slightly more premium feel. The 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment is wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an Arkamys audio system, rear-seat air conditioning vents, six airbags, and a suite of connected car features.

About the new Toyota “Raize”

The hybrid system employs the ” e-SMART HYBRID ” concept. It features a newly developed 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine (WA-VEX) and a motor . This engine utilizes a long stroke and a ” high tumble straight port ” design for efficient, rapid combustion, achieving a maximum thermal efficiency of 40%.  The engine is dedicated to power generation . The resulting electricity is used for 100% motor-powered driving in a series hybrid configuration. The vehicle boasts an impressive WLCT mode fuel economy of 28.0km/L (2WD), compared to the 1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine’s WLCT mode fuel economy of 18.6km/L, making the hybrid engine a perfect choice for fuel economy. Furthermore, the vehicle offers driving performance comparable to that of a 1.5L engine. A ” Smart Pedal (S-PDL)” driving mode is also available. Sound insulation and vibration-damping materials are optimally positioned throughout the body to reduce road and wind noise. The gasoline model uses a newly developed 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine (WA-VE) in 2WD, achieving a fuel economy of 20.7km/L in WLTC mode , while the 4WD model uses the conventional 1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine. The top grade “Z” and hybrid vehicles are equipped with an ” electric parking brake ” and ” auto brake hold “. The preventive safety function “Smart Assist” is standard equipment on all vehicles, and collision warning and collision avoidance support functions that enable pedestrian detection at night and sign recognition functions (no entry/maximum speed/stop sign) have been added.

Suzuki “FRONX” VS Toyota “Raize” body size comparison

The Suzuki “Fronx” is larger in body size , with a length of ±0mm, a width of +70mm, and a height of -70mm. The Yaris Cross has a wheelbase of -5mm. There is a big difference in the overall width, and the overall height is therefore lower.

Personally, I find a total length of under 4,000mm and a width of 1,765mm to be quite unusual for a Japanese car, and I find it very appealing. The reason is that a width of 1,695mm or more looks cooler. Furthermore, cars under 4,000mm in length are easier to maneuver, and the minimum turning radius is the same for both, at 4.9-5.0m, so there shouldn’t be any driving problems. Of course, it remains to be seen whether this car will be accepted in Japan, as its width does not fit within the commonly-used “5-number” size. There seems to be less awareness of vehicle width than in the past, and even popular cars like the Prius and Yaris Cross do not fit within the “5-number” size.

Suzuki “FRONX” vs Toyota “Raize” engine comparison

Gasoline engine comparison

Hybrid engine comparison

Suzuki Front Points

The starting price may be low (in India, the gasoline version is priced from 746,500 Indian rupees (approximately 1.34 million yen) and the hybrid version from 972,500 Indian rupees (approximately 1.74 million yen)), which seems relatively cheap considering the body size and design. However, the engine will inevitably be a mild hybrid or gasoline engine, so the Raize Raize will differ from the e-SMART HYBRID.

Final words

The Raize is equipped with an e-SMART HYBRID and boasts excellent fuel economy of 28.0km/L in WLTC mode, while the Fronx is a mild hybrid, so it’s expected to achieve a fuel economy of around 17km/L (because the XBEE, which has roughly the same specifications, achieves 18.2km/L (2WD)). The Fronx’s WLTC mode fuel economy of 28.0km/L wins out. However, the Fronx is certainly not without its appeal, given its spacious body size and design. And considering that sales will inevitably be slowed down in 2024 due to Daihatsu’s fraud scandal, the timing of the Fronx or Toyota OEM vehicles’ domestic launch seems very favorable.