Toyota Taisor : Toyota Taisor represents the company’s new offering in the hotly-contest compact SUV space in India.

Dolphin In partnership with Maruti Suzuki, Toyota has officially rolled-out its first product on Indian roads, the Taisor, which is effectively a re-badged Fronx customized to incorporate the Toyota’s design language as well as local taste.

It is designed to bring together the its practical urban attributes, fuel efficiency, premium styling and a high level of tech and equipment at an affordable price.

With the Taisor, Toyota is not only selling a car but pitching a familiar yet different product supported by its legendary after sales network and robust brand equity in India.

Urban Prepared Style with Toyota Touch

So, while the Taisor shares its bones (and few other things) with the Fronx, enough has been changed for it to feel fresh.

Primary visual changes at the front include a new grille, that is part of Toyota’s global SUV family, and refreshed bumpers, while the DRLs are LEDs, giving this Toyota an equally sharp and aggressive look.

Its coupe-styled roofline, black cladding around the wheel arches, and dual-tone alloy wheels also give it a sporty look.

Rear design is subtle but clean, and the connected tail lamps serve to update the look. Compact yet not bashful, the Taisor plants itself nicely among cityscapes, yet provides plenty enough personality for those dreamers who want their vehicle to pop.

Plush and Well-Appointed Cockpit

On the inside, the Toyota Taisor keeps much the same design as its sibling, with new colored trims and upholstery patterns providing a hint of brand identity.

The dashboard also gets a floating 9-inch infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, cruise control, push button start and rear AC vents are the features that make it a very well equipped car for the segment.

The cabin feels well put together, and though hard plastics are used throughout in places youll be touching, the overall execution feels good for the money.

With cushy front seats and adequate rear space, the Taisor is well-sized for small families, again, but also daily commuters or even young buyers on the style-and-convenience prowl.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The Taisor is available with two petrol engine options – a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol.

The smaller 1.2-litre engine has been optimised for smooth, frugal urban driving, although a turbocharged is available for those after a bit more punch on the highway.

Each engine is available with manual or automatic transmissions.

In urban areas, the 5-speed AMT with the 1.2-litre engine is the pick of the lot for those who look for fuel efficiency and convenience.

The Taisor is also a fun-to-drive compact SUV thanks to its turbo 6-speed automatic powertrain, pack hustle as hell, you know. A CNG-equipped version of the 1.2-litre engine is also available, along with for those buyers who are looking for long-term value.

Ride Quality and Handling

The Taisor is setup for comfort. The suspension setup does a good job of soaking bumps and potholes, which is perfectly suited to Indian roads.

The soft steering and small size make the car a breeze to drive in the city, but it is a very stable car at highway speeds also.

It’s not the most engaging SUV in the segment to drive, but it’s predictable and confidence-inspiring for daily and occasional long drives.

Safety and Reliability

Mechanically, the Taisor is equipped with six airbags (top-spec), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera and ESC on a few variants.

Though it doesn’t yet include advanced ADAS features, the basic safety kit is plenty comprehensive for most customers.

And because it’s a Toyota, you also get low running costs, cars that last for ages and strong residual values, thanks to the Japanese manufacturer’s good reputation with the public and extensive dealer network.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo – A premium features SUV in afforable price

Pros

Aggressive styling with multiple Toyota design cues

A variety of engine and fuel choices, including CNG

A cabin that’s both comfortable and full of features

City friendly ride quality

Supported by Toyota’s excellent service and reliability

Cons

Priced as a Turbo, not an S model

No diesel engine option

Some of the interior plastics are simply nice

No ADAS features available

Mechanically not much differentiation from the Maruti Fronx

Toyota Taisor: Verdict

The Toyota Taisor is a sensible, chic and reliable compact SUV that offers a decent package for urban Indian buyers.

I has a great balance of style, fuel efficiency, Sonker, and Toyota’s brand confidence. Whether you’re downsizing from a big sedan, or you’ve outgrown your Barina-sized hatch, there are compelling reasons to weigh up the Taisor as a sensible, long-term proposition that can make an ideal companion for city commuting and weekend road trips.