Toyota Taisor Review: Is It the Best City Car Under ₹15 Lakh?

The sub-4 meter compact SUV segment in India is becoming increasingly competitive, with options starting at ₹6 lakh. One of the newest additions is the Toyota Taisor, a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Despite being based on the Fronx, the Taisor brings subtle styling updates and Toyota’s brand appeal. But is it the best car for city commutes under ₹15 lakh? We tested the 1.0L turbo-petrol MT variant extensively across 600 kilometers of city and highway driving. Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Summary

Performance: A Turbocharged Urban Companion

The Toyota Taisor is offered with two engine options:

• 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: Inline four-cylinder, available with a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.

• 1.0L Turbocharged Petrol: Inline three-cylinder, producing 100 bhp and 145 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

We tested the turbo-petrol with a manual transmission, and it delivered a surprisingly peppy performance for city rides. There is noticeable turbo lag below 2,000 RPM, requiring frequent downshifts, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, the mid-range performance is where the Taisor shines, offering smooth and confident acceleration.

The engine feels a bit flat at the top-end, redlining around 6,200 RPM, but for most city and occasional highway drives, the performance is more than adequate. Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 21.5 km/l for this variant, and in real-world driving conditions, we achieved around 17.6 km/l, which is commendable.

Ride Quality and Driving Experience

The ride quality in the Taisor leans towards the softer side, which makes it suitable for Indian city roads filled with potholes and uneven patches. It soaked up most of the imperfections quite well, though sharper bumps and expansion joints do filter through to the cabin.

Body roll is noticeable at higher speeds or around tight corners, and the steering feels light, which is great for city maneuverability but lacks feedback at highway speeds. For quick overtakes or spirited driving, a bit more weight on the steering would have enhanced the experience.

Design and Exterior Appeal

While the Taisor shares its underpinnings and most body panels with the Fronx, Toyota has made efforts to give it a distinctive identity. Changes include:

• Redesigned front grille with chrome detailing

• New alloy wheel design that looks sportier

• LED DRLs and projector headlamps, though the beam throw could have been better for night driving

• Roof rails and dual-tone paint options that add to the urban SUV character

From the side and rear, it looks nearly identical to the Fronx. The boot space is practical, although the high loading lip may make loading heavy items a bit cumbersome.

Interior, Comfort and Features

The cabin layout is carried over from the Fronx, with minor design tweaks. The front seats are well-bolstered and supportive for long drives, but Toyota has used fabric upholstery, even in the top variant, which feels like a cost-cutting measure at this price point.

Rear seat comfort is decent in terms of legroom, knee room, and shoulder space, but the low roofline compromises headroom, especially for taller passengers. Three adults in the rear seat will find it a bit cramped.

Features Missing for the Price

While the Taisor offers a 360-degree camera, touchscreen infotainment, and automatic climate control, it misses out on key features that competitors offer:

• Ventilated front seats

• Driving modes

• Sunroof

• ADAS safety features

• Wireless phone charging

Additionally, the 360-degree camera quality is acceptable during the day but gets pixelated at night, reducing its usefulness.

Pricing and Value

The Toyota Taisor is priced competitively:

• Base Variant: ₹9.12 lakh (on-road, Noida)

• Top Variant: ₹15.58 lakh (on-road, Noida)

• Tested Variant (V 1.0 MT Dual Tone): ₹13.94 lakh (on-road, Noida)

For the price, the Taisor offers a reliable package with decent performance and brand backing from Toyota. However, it could use better feature packaging to stay ahead in a crowded segment.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Toyota Taisor?

If you’re in the market for a stylish, compact urban SUV with solid performance and Toyota’s reliability, the Taisor deserves your attention. However, it is not the most feature-rich option, and value-conscious buyers may find better-equipped alternatives at similar or even lower prices.

Still, for city-focused buyers who prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, the Taisor is a worthy contender in the sub-₹15 lakh segment.

FAQs: Toyota Taisor

Q1: Is the Toyota Taisor the same as Maruti Fronx?

A. Yes, it is a rebadged version with minor cosmetic changes and the same engine, platform, and features.

Q2: What is the mileage of the Taisor turbo petrol?

A. Claimed mileage is 21.5 km/l. In real-world city driving, expect around 17-18 km/l.

Q3: Does the Taisor have a sunroof?

A. No, the Toyota Taisor does not offer a sunroof even in the top variant.

Q4: How is the ride comfort for city driving?

A. It offers a soft and comfortable ride on city roads, making it suitable for daily commuting.

Q5: Is Toyota Taisor a good buy under ₹15 lakh?

A. Yes, if reliability, design, and decent performance are your priorities. But if you’re looking for features like ADAS or a sunroof, better options exist.

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