Toyota has always excelled in finding that dynamic match in the automotive market, and when it comes to giving people what they want the new Toyota Urban Cruiser is creating more than a stir at Pentagon. It's a car designed to be chic and has more than a sublime feeling of luxury, combining sporty off-road looks with the practicality of a family hatchback.  Built on the same platform as the Yaris, it's a town-friendly alternative to family hatchbacks and super minis. There's room for five due to some very clever space-saving innovations perfected in the Toyota IQ. The car is for those who want the rugged four by four feeling without the 'Chelsea Tractor' image and is a softer alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Aimed at singles and couples in their thirties and forties, rival models include the Suzuki SX4, the Kia Soul and the much-publicised Nissan Qashqai.

Initially rolled out with a single trim level, standard features include high gloss 16" alloy wheels and rear privacy glass that immediately sets the car apart on looks alone. On the inside you'll find automatic air-conditioning, reclining rear seats, Bluetooth® connectivity and a six-speaker audio system with auxiliary input sockets to connect MP3 players. Safety and security is in the form of an engine immobiliser, keyless entry and a very useful auto-dimming rear view mirror. Additionally, a Tomtom 'sat nav' or other 12v accessory can be plugged into the conveniently located power outlet.

Two models are currently available; the two-wheel drive 1.3 litre petrol and the four-wheel drive 1.4 litre diesel. Both models produce around a humble 130g/km of CO2 and with the Toyota 'Optimal Drive' feature, official fuel figures are an impressive 51.4-mpg for the petrol and 57.6-mpg combined for the diesel.

Glen Barker, test driver at Pentagon Toyota says, "At a time where running costs and green ethics are at the forefront of consumer minds, the Urban Cruiser is a real contender in the market. The car is designed for those with busy, active lifestyles who want to do their bit for the environment but aren't prepared to compromise on style."