Toyota India launches Hyryder at Rs 15.11 lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched its first midsize SUV, the Hyryder, with prices starting from Rs 15.11 lakh, going up to Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Toyota has, for now, only announced prices for the top four variants – the stong-hybrid and the mild-hybrid AWD variants. Prices for the remaining mild-hybrid variants will be announced in a phased manner. 

Bookings for the new SUV are already underway for a token amount of Rs 25,000. Maruti’s version of the midsize SUV, called the Grand Vitara, is also expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.

Exterior styling
From the front, the Hyryder features slender double layer Daytime Running Lights that neatly fuse into the ‘Crystal Acrylic’ grille. There’s a prominent chrome strip that runs end to end on the grille with the Toyota logo in the centre. It features a large air intake that's flanked by squarish looking headlamp units.

On the side, the Hyryder boasts of a conventional SUV shape, and should you choose the strong hybrid model, it also gets prominent Hybrid badges on the doors – below the wing mirrors – like Toyota Hybrid models sold abroad.

At the rear, it features slim C-shaped tail-lights that extend into the tailgate with dual C-shaped LED elements. There’s a thick chrome strip that connects the tail-lights and it also houses the Toyota logo. Toyota is offering seven single-tone and four dual-tone exterior paint shades on the Hyryder.

Interior design
The hyryder’s dashboard is similar in layout as compared to recent Maruti Suzuki and Toyota models like the Baleno, Glanza and the new Brezza. The dual-tone interior looks upmarket and gets padded leather with chrome and soft-touch materials on the door pads. Toyota has gone for a black and brown theme for the interior which not only looks refreshing but is a more practical alternative to the usual beige. Do note, however, that the brown and black combo is offered only with the strong hybrid powertrain. The mild-hybrid models will get an all-black interior theme instead. 

There are some elements shared with other Maruti Suzuki models like AC controls, AC vents and even the 9-inch touchscreen which Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have developed together. The three-spoke steering wheel is also borrowed from Maruti Suzuki and is similar to the one that does duty on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza.

Mild and strong hybrid powerplants
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the first midsize SUV to get strong hybrid technology. It is equipped with Toyota’s e-drive, fourth generation hybrid tech that's found in global Toyota models like the Yaris hatchback and the Yaris Cross SUV. The Hyryder strong hybrid variant gets Toyota’s 1.5-litre TNGA Atkinson Cycle engine that makes 92hp and 122Nm of torque, and is paired to an eCVT gearbox. The engine is paired to an electric motor that makes 79hp and 141Nm of torque, and combined, they produce 114hp.

The strong hybrid system gets a 177.6V lithium-ion battery, and Toyota says that the strong hybrid power plant delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.97kpl.

In addition to the strong hybrid powerplant, the Hyryder will also get a mild-hybrid set-up that has been developed by Maruti Suzuki. It features the 1.5-litre K15C engine, which is also found on models like the new Brezza, XL6 and the Ertiga. Dubbed as ‘Neo Drive’, the motor makes 103hp and 137Nm of torque, and is paired either to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

The mild-hybrid engine paired to the 5-speed manual gets AWD as an option. While not the first midsize SUV to offer AWD (the now discontinued Renault Duster had an option of AWD for a while), it is currently the only SUV in its class to offer AWD.

Trim details and equipment on offer
The Hyryder is available in four trim levels – E, S, G and V – and of the two engines on offer, the mild-hybrid tech will be standard across the range. The strong hybrid, meanwhile, is offered on the S, G and V trims. The AWD is only reserved for the top-spec V trim.

The Hyryder, in its highest spec, gets features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, a full digital instrument cluster, head-up display, connected car tech and voice assist with Google and Siri compatibility. Additional features include 17-inch alloy wheels and cooled seats. For a detailed variant wise break-up click here.

Safety is taken care of by up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-hold assist, 3-point seatbelts for all three rear passengers and all-wheel disc brakes.

Hyryder bookings, warranty details and rivals
As mentioned earlier, bookings for the midsize SUV are already underway for a token amount of Rs 25,000. Toyota is offering a 3 year/1,00,000km warranty, which can be extended to 5 year/2,20,000km. The carmaker is also offering an 8 year/1,60,000km warranty on the strong hybrid battery.

Key rivals to the Toyota Hyryder include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, as well as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.