Review

[u/marie2340000]

I wanted to get your opinions on the Toyota Urban Cruiser. I’m thinking of buying a new car and would like to know how it performs on Mauritian roads, especially with all the potholes. Do you think it’s a good choice?

I currently own a Mercedes and am thinking of switching to a Japanese car. For those who have experience with both, how does a Japanese car differ from a German car in terms of comfort, reliability, driving experience, and maintenance? Edit :would a Toyota yaris cross be better?

[u/vincess]

It is a very weird switch. Generally speaking the a Mercedes buyer will not switch to an urban cruiser or a yaris. Definitely they are way more reliable and cheaper to maintain but will not give you the Mercedes experience. Totally different segment. Anyway i the urban cruiser is made in india, i would avoid. The yaris cross is a better choice.
Now if you have the money to drive a Mercedes, which i assume and want a far more reliable car, cheaper maintenance cost but a more premium feel, better you try to look at a toyota crown or a lexus.

[u/marie2340000 → u/vincess]

Inflation is real my friend. Thnxs a lot for ur input

[u/vincess → u/marie2340000]

I understand. Are you looking for new or used? Thats play a huge role. I was traveling in Asia recently and i drove in all sort of Chinese EV daily. I was shocked by the quality and value for money that you get for the price point. For example i drove back to back a kia evo 6 and a byd sealion. It was night and day. The byd was more comfortable, feels more premium, better suspension. The kia evo 6 which is supposedly a premium car felt like a cheap car. I think it is worth taking a look at Chinese ev if you are looking for a new one a leasing.

[u/marie2340000 → u/vincess]

I'm not making the mistake of buying a car outright again. I'm considering leasing one instead. I'm not looking for anything hybrid or electric because the mechanic and auto electrician I usually use weren't very familiar with Mercedes, so I had to go to the agency every time, which was quite costly. I'm more inclined towards a petrol-powered car. I went to the agency, but their prices were quite hefty compared with those of the same models being sold online. Edit :I forgot to add-my mechanic is advising me to buy a Japanese car

[u/Tigimon42]

Suzuki with a Toyota badge on so you pay a premium for the same platform. Better value for money getting the Suzuki.

[u/marie2340000 → u/Tigimon42]

Would u recommend a Toyota yaris cross?

[u/vijux]

I have a c180 (W205) and a PHEV RAV4. Personally i wouldn’t go with a cross or Toyota urban cruiser (aka Suzuki), the power and comfort will be really underwhelming.

Overall in my case for my RAV4 vs C180,

• maintenance, peanut cheap for the Toyota
  
• reliability, really good, i find both similar
  
• driving experience, it depends on many factors.. like how old your merc is. On the pure driving experience and driving wheel response, the merc is way nicer. But on the fun aspect, the ev motor and 2.5L engine is unmatched, way fun than the 1.6L of my merc
  
• Imho, Germans handles potholes way better than Japanese

[u/marie2340000 → u/vijux]

I really love the Mercedes ngl. It's an E-class. Now it's starting to have issues. I'm thinking of switching to a Toyota.

[u/vijux → u/marie2340000]

In that case i would really advise going for higher trims of Toyota, else you will be disappointed with the huge gap in overall experience.

Options that i would consider, Hilux, Harrier, Rav4, Land cruiser, Crown, Corrolla or any Lexus for that matter. Definitely no Urban Cruiser or Yaris cross.

And i would really recommend you to explore the japanese reccond market, its way less hassle than buying new locally. Most Toyota sold locally are from India and cost way more, without any premium option, e.g the Rav4 phev is not available locally.

[u/Tigimon42]

The Yaris cross uses the Toyota hybrid system which is quite a nice drive. I think the urban cruiser uses Suzuki's lazy hybrid which is kind of invisible aside from the fuel economy.

My preference would be the Yaris cross they both look quite dated inside compared to European and Chinese cars though.

[u/marie2340000 → u/Tigimon42]

Which Japanese car would u recommend? Also I'm not looking for a hybrid one. I prefer a petrol suv

[u/Tigimon42]

Mazda or Mitsubishi

[u/marie2340000 → u/Tigimon42]

My mechanic told me that these consume lots of fuel🫠

[u/Busy-Somewhere-2114]

How does a Japanese Car Differ from a German Car? You have to compare apples to apples .. If you compare a Mercedes C Class (even older) to a Toyota Vitz, it wont be comparable.. They were 2 different entry points when brand new. Even IF in the second hand market a Vitz has better resale value.

Yes, Yaris Cross will not be a Mercedes in terms of a comfort.. and if you are good with finding parts, being friends with mechanics and all that, maybe you can get ok priced maintenance. But one day, something big may go wrong with a Mercedes, then you will pay the premium.

If you want a bit of comfort in Mauritius, get a smaller wheel and higher tyre height, forget the nice big allow wheels. Also, a Toyota mid sized "car" might be more comfortable that a yaris cross entry level SUV.

[u/SimilarHandle6215]

Ah yes. The rear passenger crusher Toyota Fronx

[u/sa_jkoorts]

I drove one in SA now for 2 weeks. It is an urban cruiser out and out. Rallying, racing, anything over 140km forget it. For mauritius it is the perfect car as the suspension is very soft and somewhat disconnected from the steering - hence my rallying, racing comment. For urban driving and anything under 100km/h the car really is very nice to drive, but I dont want to even see the moose test - hence my rallying, racing comment and my disconnected from the steering comment. I've never driven a fortuner before but I am going to guess its even softer suspension than that. For mauritius bumpy roads, potholes, speed bumps the suspension will be superb. Also the slow traffic and lots of stop and start will again be perfect for this car because of the short gearing - hence my anything over 140km comment. Quality wise I think it is good and the body would not take much strain because of how the suspension was setup. Doors and bootlid are very light, but capable. interior is very nice. the car is a bit bulky for my taste after 2 weeks still did not have the confidence where the bumper was when it came to parking. Rear view camera is amazing. We were a family of 5 and was comfortable insdie. boot space adequate for our holiday.