Toyota has announced that a CNG variant of the new Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV will soon be introduced. This will then be the first CNG-powered model in the midsize SUV segment. Although prices are yet to be revealed, Toyota has opened bookings for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG for a token amount of Rs 25,000. The company has also launched the CNG-powered Glanza hatchback.
- Hyryder CNG to be available in mid-spec S and G trims
- Booking amount set at Rs 25,000
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG: first in segment
This is going to be a big distinction for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder which is going to be only model in its class to be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit, for now. Unsurprisingly, the CNG kit will be offered with the Maruti-sourced 1.5-litre K15C, four-cylinder engine that already does duty in Ertiga and XL6 CNG-spec MPVs.
Although Toyota has not officially revealed the power and torque figures of the Hyryder CNG, this engine produces 88hp and 121.5Nm in CNG mode in the XL6. Therefore, one can expect the output figures in the Hyryder to be around the same mark. Toyota, however, has confirmed that it will solely be offered with the 5-speed manual gearbox – as is the case with most CNG models – and has also quoted its fuel efficiency to be 26.10 km/kg. This is marginally less than the XL6 MPV’s fuel efficiency (26.32km/kg), although it is yet to be certified by ARAI.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG: trims and features
Toyota has also revealed that the Hyryder CNG will be offered on the mid-spec S and G trims of the standard SUV. This means the company will not be skimming out on features as the G trim comes pretty generously equipped with features such as full-LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, ambient interior lighting and side and curtain airbags.
When it goes on sale, the Hyryder could be the most premium CNG model available in the country. Therefore, with the Hyryder CNG launch, CNG cars will not necessarily limited to entry-level models anymore.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG: rivals
The Hyryder CNG will inevitably have a Maruti counterpart in the Grand Vitara CNG soon, which will be its only rival in the foreseeable future. And while the segment is currently inclined towards petrol-only models with the likes of Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor and Nissan Kicks, there are diesel powertrain options also available with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
However, the duo of Maruti and Toyota are really setting themselves apart from the class, first with their strong-hybrid powertrain and now with the segment-first factory-fitted CNG kit. For those strictly prioritising fuel efficiency, if the strong-hybrid variants were pricey, the CNG variants should fill up that space just right.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
