Dj Chilu 
Toyota in India has pulled the plug on the Urban Cruiser, suggesting the popular baby crossover’s time in South Africa will soon come to an abrupt end, too…
UPDATE: Toyota SA Motors says it has enough stock of the Urban Cruiser to carry it into the new year.
In a surprise move, Toyota’s Indian division has discontinued the Urban Cruiser. Since the model is produced only in that country, it seems all but certain the Suzuki-built (and outgoing Brezza-based) crossover will also soon exit the South African market.
Interestingly, zero units were registered in India in October, with the vehicle also having been removed from Toyota India’s website. Now, Autocar India has received confirmation the Urban Cruiser is indeed a thing of the past. Perhaps more pertinent, though, is the claim a fresh version based on the New Vitara Brezza is not on the cards.
According to the report, the main reason Toyota has seemingly opted not to move the Urban Cruiser into a new generation involves the notion it would be priced to close to the larger Urban cruiser Hyryder (apparently in part thanks to “royalties” that would have to be paid to alliance partner, Suzuki).
So, what are the ramifications for South Africa? Well, for now the Urban Cruiser is still listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website. Launched locally as recently as March 2021, the model quickly became a firm favourite with South African buyers.
October 2022 was another strong sales month for the budget crossover, which with 1 820 registrations placed third – behind only the Hilux and Corolla Cross – on the list of SA’s Best Selling Vehicles. Year to date, as many as 14 713 units have been sold in South Africa, making it one of Toyota’s top-performing models locally.
Though nothing is yet official, it seems likely any stock Toyota SA Motors has built up will start depleting soon (unless the factory in India continues producing for export markets for a little while longer). Once the Urban Cruiser officially exits the local line-up, it will leave a gaping hole.
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