Rahul Somvanshi
Toyota’s unveiling of the Urban SUV Concept at their annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels has sparked interest among EV enthusiasts. This concept is a precursor to a new EV expected to launch next year, marking Toyota’s continued expansion into the electric vehicle market. Designed to rival the Volvo EX30, Toyota’s Urban electric SUV will be a key player in the low-cost EV market, offering a competitive edge in both design and functionality.
The Urban SUV Concept stands out with its bold, “no compromise” design, featuring strong wheel arches and a tall stance that echoes the successful hybrid electric Yaris Cross. Despite its compact size, the crossover SUV maximizes interior space, offering flexibility for both passenger and cargo needs. Customers will have the choice between two battery options – one focusing on affordability and the other on extended range. This dual battery strategy aligns with Toyota’s commitment to providing options that cater to various consumer needs.
In terms of dimensions, the Urban SUV measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, positioning it as a direct competitor to Volvo’s new EX30. It will be available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, embodying Toyota’s dedication to versatility and performance.
Toyota plans to introduce six dedicated BEV models by 2026, aiming to exclusively offer zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Europe by 2035 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2040. The Urban SUV Concept is part of this broader strategy, representing Toyota’s vision for a future where carbon neutrality is achieved through the introduction of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative fuel, and zero-emissions powertrain technologies.
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Performance specs of the production version are still sparse, but it’s confirmed that the model will offer front- and all-wheel drive options and two different battery sizes. The Urban SUV is expected to follow Toyota’s current electric car nomenclature, possibly being named bZ2 or bZ2X.
Price-wise, the new model is expected to start at around £35,000, aligning with other compact SUVs in the market like the Volvo EX30, Kia Niro, and Jeep Avenger. Andrea Carlucci, Toyota’s European vice president of product strategy and marketing, mentioned that the Urban SUV would be Toyota’s smallest electric car “at least for a while,” indicating a focus on developing larger EV models for the time being.
With its strategic size, versatile design, and range of powertrain and battery options, Toyota’s Urban SUV Concept is a significant addition to the burgeoning EV market, offering a glimpse into the future of electric mobility.
