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Toyota's SUV model promises to revolutionize the global market with an irresistible price. Vehicle enters the market challenging giants such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai creta, Jeep Renegade and everyone else.
If the compact SUV market already seemed competitive, the Toyota has decided to intensify the competition even further with a launch that promises to shake up its rivals.
An SUV with an affordable price, compact design and a proposal focused on economy and practicality is the brand's new bet.
Without giving away the final destination of this model, it is the price that draws attention: less than R$95 thousand to challenge the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta, Jeep Renegade and other established models.
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In the second half of 2024, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, developed in partnership with Suzuki, entered the African market with a different name — Starlet Cross — and is already stands out for its competitiveness in the segment.
Initially designed for the Indian market, where it benefits from tax incentives for compact vehicles, the Urban Cruiser Taisor represents a strategic move by Toyota and Suzuki to compete in emerging countries with strong demand for affordable SUVs.
Strategic collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki
Since 2017, the partnership between Toyota and Suzuki has allowed the launch of compact vehicles that take advantage of the know-how of both manufacturers.
In this release, the Toyota contributed its advanced electrification technologies, while Suzuki applied its experience in compact vehicles, creating competitive models such as the Suzuki Fronx and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor.
The result is a compact, practical and affordable SUV that aims to stand out in emerging markets for its low cost and efficiency.
Competitive price and compact design
In the South African market, the Starlet Cross arrives with a price tag of 299.900 rand, approximately R$92.604, which represents an affordable offering in relation to traditional compact SUVs.
With a design that prioritizes economy and practicality, the vehicle meets the needs of consumers looking for an urban, economical model capable of meeting daily needs.
In the Indian market, its 3,99-meter-long version offers lower rates, a major attraction for local consumers.
Diverse engine options
To serve different markets, the model offers adapted versions.
In the Indian market, The Urban Cruiser Taisor has two engine options: a 1.2 naturally aspirated 90 hp for entry-level versions and a 1.0 mild-hybrid turbo with 100 hp for more complete versions.
In South Africa, the Starlet Cross model was adapted with a 1.5 naturally aspirated 105 hp engine, similar to that found in the Toyota Yaris sold in Brazil.
This engine differential allows Toyota to meet the specific needs of each region, ensuring that the vehicle remains competitive in the markets in which it operates.
Equipment and accessible proposal
With a focus on accessibility, the Starlet Cross offers a basic but functional set of equipment.
Among the main features, the highlights are LED headlights and taillights, stability control, hill start assist, two airbags and a multimedia center with a 7-inch screen.
The slim list reflects the model's purpose as a compact, economical and affordable SUV, ideal for an audience that essentially seeks practicality.
It's in Brazil?
For Brazilians who are waiting for the arrival of affordable and competitive models, Toyota will follow an alternative path.
According to information from the sector, the brand decided to focus on the production of the Toyota Yaris Cross in Brazil, with its production scheduled to begin in Sorocaba (SP) at the end of 2024.
This model is expected to be launched in dealerships in 2025 and arrives as a strong local alternative to the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta and Jeep Renegade, among others.
Local production better meets the demands of the Brazilian market, with specific adjustments and a focus on technology and connectivity, in addition to the potential for job creation in the region.
Partnership that opens new possibilities
According to industry sources, the Toyota-Suzuki collaboration continues to develop innovative solutions for the global market.
Since 2017, both automakers have benefited from their respective expertise, offering attractive and practical options for emerging markets.
With this affordable model, Toyota reinforces its commitment to bringing competitive alternatives to the public, challenging the permanence of current, more expensive compact SUVs.
And you, would you like to see this affordable Toyota model in Brazil, or do you think the Yaris Cross will be enough to compete with its local rivals? Comment your opinion!
Yes, I would like to meet him.
What matters most in Brazil is the price. Any new car with an affordable price will be a sales f***.
Haven't car manufacturers realized this yet?
“If” it really comes close to the value of the report, it will blow away the competition.
I hope so, but I don't believe it!
less than 95k? I know... 94,999k really, it will still be naked like uno and celta!
Oh my God!!! We are getting dizzy and paralyzed waiting for so many launches. Of course we hope for prices within our reality. Hybrids well below 150k already!