Toyota Taisor real world fuel economy tested, explained

The Urban Cruiser Taisor is Maruti Fronx’s mechanically identical twin and available with the same powertrain options: a 1.2-litre petrol with either a 5-speed manual or an automated manual transmission (AMT) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter (automatic). We tested the turbo-petrol-manual variant to evaluate its real-world efficiency.

1. Taisor’s ARAI-rated efficiency is 21.18kpl
2. The SUV gets mild-hybrid tech
3. Its turbo-MT version weighs 1,015-1,030kg

Toyota Taisor real world economy

Taisor Turbo MT has a real world efficiency of 13.8kpl

Equipped with mild-hybrid technology, the Taisor Turbo benefits from additional torque support and an automatic engine stop-start system to aid fuel economy. This configuration boasts an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 21.18kpl. However, in our real-world tests, the Taisor returned 10.9kpl in the city and 16.7kpl on the highway – respectable figures but quite distant from the official claims.

The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 100hp and delivers power through a flat torque curve with minimal turbo lag. The mild-hybrid system subtly assists the engine under load, which helps the Taisor feel responsive and easy to drive in urban conditions without the need for aggressive throttle inputs. Despite being 80kg heavier than the now-discontinued Baleno RS (which had a similar powertrain), the 1,030kg Taisor Turbo is 1.2kpl more efficient in city driving.

At highway speeds, the engine runs at 2,700rpm in fifth gear while cruising at 100kph. A sixth gear would have made highway cruising more relaxed and could have further improved its fuel economy.

Taisor 1.2 petrol real-world economy can be benchmarked against Maruti Fronx

Although we haven’t tested the Taisor’s 1.2-litre petrol variant, the mechanically identical Maruti Fronx offers a useful benchmark, delivering 13.5kpl in the city and 20kpl on the highway with the manual and 13kpl (city) and 18.8kpl (highway) with the AMT.

Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing

Before our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, there is only one person in each car, running the aircon and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tank to full again.