Electric B-segment SUV
Toyota wants to have six fully electric models in European showrooms by 2026, so far only the bZ4X can be found there. There will certainly be a second model in 2024 and the Urban SUV Concept indicates what kind of car that will be. A B-segment SUV, which with its dimensions will compete with the Peugeot e-2008 and all the other compact electric SUVs from the Stellantis family.
The Urban SUV Concept is 4.30 meters long, which means it measures 13 centimeters longer from front to rear bumper than the popular Yaris Cross. It is obvious that the Urban SUV Concept will get a real Toyota EV name, with the two letters bZ standing for beyond Zero, followed by a number and the letter ‘, and its lines are even more pronounced than that of the Yaris Cross. The angular wheel arches have been made bigger by Toyota and Lexus, although you also see this design trend emerging in other brands. The Urban SUV Concept therefore resembles a small Kia EV9 from the side.
Urban SUV longer, wider and higher than Yaris Cross
In addition to being longer, the Urban SUV Concept is wider (1.82 meters) and higher (1.62 meters) than the Yaris Cross. This means you can actually place it between the Yaris Cross and the Corolla Cross. Toyota offers the buyer the option to choose between different battery packs and associated different ranges. As with the larger bZ4X, there is also the choice of 2WD or 4WD. The size of the different battery packs and how powerful the electric motor(s) will be announced when the production version is unveiled in 2024.
Between this Urban SUV Concept and the bZ4X, another electric SUV will be added to the range, the car that was already shown a year ago as a bZ Compact SUV. You could regard it as a kind of electric brother of the C-HR.
Production model shown in the first half of 2024
Toyota does not yet provide any specifications for the Urban SUV Concept other than the dimensions. The production model will premiere in the first half of the new year. The study stands on 20-inch wheels and still has typical design elements of concept cars. For example, exterior mirrors and windshield wipers are missing and the door handles are far from final. We do see handles for the rear doors concealed in the door pillar. Toyota promises a flexible interior, which indicates the presence of a sliding rear seat.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl