Toyota has revealed its new Urban Cruiser compact SUV, the car bearing the same name as a previous model that went out of production in 2014, but nothing else.

The new Urban Cruiser is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), part of a joint programme with Suzuki that has also produced the e-Vitara. It will double the full-electric options in the Toyota model range, a vital move as the brand strives to meet the demands of the UK zero-emissions vehicle mandate.

While appearing to play catch-up, Toyota intends to offer 15 zero-emission vehicles in its range by 2026, including six battery electric vehicles using a dedicated platform.

The model will be available with two battery sizes – 49kWh and 61kWh – and front and all-wheel drive powertrains. The 49kWh battery will only be offered in the FWD version, matched to a motor of 106kW/144hp.

Front-drive buyers will also be able to choose the 61kWh battery, its motor offering 128kW/174hp. The same unit will be the only AWD option but with a more powerful motor of 135kW/184hp.

Toyota is yet to give any details of performance, range or recharging options for the Urban Cruiser – industry sources suggest the larger battery will be targeting a range of around 250 miles with recharging at up to 150kW.

All versions will be equipped with an energy-saving heat pump for the air conditioning system and manually operated battery pre-heating to optimise performance in colder conditions.

Inside the five-seat car, expected to be a rival to the likes of the Peugeot e-3008 and MINI Aceman in what is currently a highly competitive segment, occupants will have use of a 10.1in infotainment display and a 10.25in digital driver’s display.

The Urban Cruiser is built on a platform produced by Suzuki and will be produced in India. The model will make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January and will go on sale in the third quarter of 2025 – UK model options and pricing will be announced at a later date.