Two of the largest Japanese automakers – Toyota and Suzuki – have finished conceiving their second love child for India. And, they’ve christened it the Urban Cruiser. The Fortuner-maker has started accepting bookings for the upcoming model, with a minimum token amount of Rs 11,000. You can do so online via Toyota India’s official website, or by contacting/visiting the nearest authorised dealership.

What is it?

In essence, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a rebadged and restyled Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. They share a similar bond as the Glanza does with the Baleno. That means in pretty much every respect, both the sub-4 metre SUVs are identical. To try and make customers believe that it has worked hard, Toyota has injected a couple of tweaks to the original design. The front grille, for instance, is more Fortuner-like; there’s a new colour (brown) on offer, and the interiors get a different dual-tone treatment. And, of course, the Suzuki badges make way for Toyota logos.

Propulsion systems?

No surprises here! The Urban Cruiser borrows the engine-transmission options from the Vitara Brezza. That means there’s a 1.5-litre petrol mill, which produces 104bhp/138Nm. It is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic (torque converter). Those opting for the two-pedal setup will also benefit from a mild-hybrid system which, as we know, aids in quicker acceleration and in saving fuel.

Variants and features?

In all probability, Toyota will follow the same mantra as it did with the Glanza – selling only mid- and high-end variants of the donor car. Now, that trick will keep the entry-level Urban Cruiser considerably expensive than the Vitara Brezza. Another way to look at it is that even the base-spec will be handsomely-equipped.

As for the list of features, it includes automatic climate control, push-button start/stop, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto-dimming IRVM and rain-sensing wipers. The SUV will also offer dual function LED DRL-cum-indicators, LED fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and dual-barrel LED projector headlamps.

Is Toyota giving anything extra over the Suzuki product?

Yes. Standard warranty. With the Urban Cruiser, Toyota’s offering a warranty cover of three years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever is earlier. Maruti Suzuki, on the other hand, gives a 2 year/40,000km warranty with the Vitara Brezza.

Rivals?

That’s a long list. Apart from competing with the Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser will also lock horns with the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon and the Honda WR-V. Soon, the Kia Sonet will join the party, followed by the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger.