Introduction
Toyota has re-entered the sub-four compact SUV segment with the Urban Cruiser Taisor. It’s a rebadged version of the Maruti Fronx and is the sixth car off the Suzuki-Toyota badge-sharing deal. Plus, Taisor is an important one for Toyota as at the top-end of things, it will take on the Kia Sonet which is currently the most feature-loaded car in the segment.
Design highlights
Now normally, we would compare grille to grille, wheels to wheels, etc. but there’s a different angle to this. The Sonet is a product in itself, yes, it has roughly the same outline as the Venue but only if you look really (really) close. The Taisor, on the other hand, is a rebadged Maruti Fronx which means, when you look at the Taisor, the Fronx will come to mind.
So, if exterior design is a huge factor in your choice, then it is down to whether you want a Maruti badged model or a Toyota badged model. If you do compare the exterior design of both cars then the Sonet has the more conventional SUV design with tall edges and a high back while the Taisor is coupe SUV like with a sloping rear roofline and flared wheel arches.
Feature list
On the features front, if we go for the fully-loaded X-Line variant Sonet versus the top-spec Taisor V Turbo, then they both have common elements like climate control with rear vents, 360-degree camera, connected car technology, and touchscreen infotainment with phone mirroring.
Over the Taisor, the Sonet gets a powered driver’s seat, fully digital instrument cluster, and Level 1 ADAS. On the safety front, you get six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a traction control programme as a part of the deal.
Powertrain options
First the Taisor
It can be had with a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.0-litre turbo petrol. The former produces 88bhp/113Nm in the petrol guise and 76bhp/100Nm in the CNG guise. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. The turbo petrol, meanwhile, produces 99bhp/147Nm and can be had with a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter AT.
Now the Sonet
The Sonet is available with a 1.2-litre NA petrol that produces 82bhp/115Nm or a 1.0-litre GDi turbo petrol that produces 118bhp/172Nm and can be had with a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, or a seven-speed DCT. Finally, there is a 1.5-litre diesel that produces 114bhp/250Nm and can be had with a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, or a six-speed torque converter AT. In terms of the NA petrol, both cars are evenly matched. But in the case of turbo petrol, the Sonet has the upper hand when considering power, torque, and transmissions. Diesel versus CNG, the former has better mileage and more transmission options.
Pricing and competition
The Kia Sonet range starts at Rs. 8 lakh and tops out at Rs. 15.75 lakh, while the Taisor range starts at Rs. 7.74 lakh and tops out at Rs. 13.04 lakh. In the case of the former it’s because we are looking at the top-spec diesel model. Petrol for petrol, the Sonet range tops out at Rs. 14.75 lakh.
