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Overview
The launch of Toyota’s latest crossover, the Taisor, has created a notable buzz in the automotive world. Thanks to a collaboration with Maruti Suzuki, which has rendered the Taisor a sibling to the popular Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota aims to capture the attention of crossover enthusiasts with some unique Taisor twists. After an extensive first drive, we delve into what sets the Taisor apart, evaluating its performance, interior quality, and overall driving experience.
Performance and Driveability – A Closer Look
The Toyota Taisor comes with a variety of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences, including a 1.0-liter turbocharged unit, a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol, and an E-CNG variant, offering flexibility in engine choice. Our test vehicle, equipped with the 1.0-liter turbo engine, demonstrated admirable performance. This engine variant, available with both a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, is also a mild hybrid, promising both power and efficiency.
This powertrain delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. Despite its three-cylinder classification, the engine runs quietly and exhibits commendable refinement. Its low-end torque is gentle, making it manageable in city traffic, but pass the 2,500rpm mark, and the Taisor reveals its zest for acceleration, pushing eagerly towards its 6,000rpm redline. Additionally, the mild hybrid system subtly enhances performance while aiding fuel efficiency, contributing to a claimed mileage of 20kmpl, mirroring the efficiency delivered by its cousin, the Fronx.
Interior and Comfort – Familiar yet Satisfactory
Inside, the Taisor distinguishes itself minimally from the Fronx, barring the Toyota emblem on the steering wheel. However, this lightly altered cabin ambiance does not detract from the fact that, like its Maruti counterpart, the Taisor offers a commendably ergonomic, spacious, and high-quality interior. The second-row accommodation provides ample legroom, headroom, and thigh support, although individuals above six feet may desire more space due to the sloping roofline. Storage solutions are plentiful, and the boot space of 308 liters suffices for typical family usage.
Despite packing numerous features, there’s a sentiment that Toyota could have pushed the envelope further to achieve more distinct differentiation from the Fronx, especially concerning the novelty features like sunroof, leatherette, and ventilated seats, which are absent in the Taisor.
Ride and Handling – Comfort Meets Stability
The Taisor boasts a suspension setup and footprint identical to the Fronx, translating to a ride that’s both comfortable and composed. Its 190mm ground clearance is adequate for navigating city obstacles with ease, while the absorbent suspension effectively isolates occupants from road imperfections. At highway speeds, the Taisor remains stable and assured, with commendable straight-line stability and an absorbent ride that bolsters long-distance travel comfort.
The Verdict: Is the Taisor Worth Your Consideration?
The Toyota Taisor builds upon the strong foundation laid by the Maruti Suzuki Fronx but aims to attract buyers with Toyota’s tailored approach. Offering a standard warranty of three years or 100,000 km, far surpassing Maruti’s warranty for the Fronx, and including five years of complimentary roadside assistance, the Taisor appeals to those prioritizing post-sales service excellence, despite its slightly higher price point.
For those enamored by crossover aesthetics, craving a blend of features, space, and diverse engine options, the Toyota Taisor presents itself as a compelling contender in the segment. Its ties to the Fronx are evident yet its distinct Toyota flair and the promise of robust after-sales support might just tip the scales in its favor for prospective buyers.
Features that make it a must try are:
- Turbo engine performance
- Toyota’s service experience
- Good ride quality
- Smartwatch connectivity
- Remote vehicle ignition
- Head-up display
To know more, visit the official website of Toyota India.
