Toyota Urban Cruiser Dares You to Be Boldly Curious in New Campaign by Toyota South Africa Motors & Studio One
Toyota South Africa Motors, in collaboration with Publicis Groupe’s Studio One, has launched a vibrant new advertising campaign for the Toyota Urban Cruiser—one that celebrates curiosity, adventure, and the joy of exploring your city with confidence.
Set in the iconic, purple-washed streets of Pretoria during Jacaranda season, the TV ad tells a charming story of a couple trying to meet up—each driving their own Urban Cruiser. With so many “usual spots” to explore, they end up missing each other repeatedly, until a heartwarming twist brings them together. The message is clear: “Be Boldly Curious.” It’s both an invitation and a challenge to discover the hidden corners of your city.
A Feel-Good Story With a Purpose
“We wanted to create a feel-good campaign that will inspire people to go out there, explore, and enjoy life. Shooting in the ‘Jacaranda City’ while the trees are in full bloom was the perfect, inviting backdrop for a story that dares you to be boldly curious.”
Kate de Bruyn, Creative Director at Studio One, shared the inspiration behind the ad:
The visual backdrop blends naturally with the Urban Cruiser’s stylish design, making the ad as eye-catching as it is uplifting.
Designed for Everyday Exploration
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is built to enable spontaneous discovery. Its bold black-and-chrome grille, paired with a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre engine delivering an impressive 6.1ℓ/100 km, offers a mix of flair and function.
Inside, the SUV is packed with convenience features, including:
- 9-inch infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Multiple USB ports
- Spacious 373ℓ boot
Comfort meets practicality, offering drivers and passengers everything needed for easy city adventures.
Safety Where It Matters Most
Toyota prioritises safety, equipping the Urban Cruiser with essential features like:
- ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Hill Assist Control (HAC)
- Driver and passenger airbags (plus side & curtain airbags on XR models)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear child locks
An Invitation to Explore
“The Urban Cruiser is the perfect car to explore a city in, whether you go it alone or share the experience with friends and family… You can go wherever your curiosity leads, knowing your vehicle is backed by Toyota quality, durability and reliability.”
Rethabile Bopape, Senior Manager for Advertising & Digital at Toyota South Africa Motors, highlights the Urban Cruiser’s spirit:
The campaign spans TV, cinema, outdoor, print, radio and digital platforms—ensuring the message of curiosity reaches audiences everywhere.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is available now at Toyota dealerships nationwide.
CREDITS
Toyota South Africa Motors Marketing Team
- General Manager, Marketing Communications: Tasneem Lorgat
- Senior Manager, Advertising & Digital: Rethabile Bopape
- Marketing Manager, Advertising & Digital: Lebohang Matsoso
Agency: Studio One, Publicis Groupe Africa
- Executive Creative Director: Peet Engelbrecht
- Creative Director: Kate de Bruyn
- Art Director: Megan Hills
- Junior Copywriter: Katinka Joubert
- Production Lead: Sally Walland
- Group Account Director: Shiraz Mckenzie
- Account Director: Precious Zondi
Production – Darling Films
- Director: Jeana Khoury
- Executive Producers: Lorraine Smit & Melina McDonald
- Producer: Saskia Finlayson
- Cinematographer/DOP: Michael Cleary
- 1st AD: Cameryn Clarke
- Production Manager: Kyra Critchfield
- Production Art Director: Margaux Du Preez
- Wardrobe Stylists: Carla Uys & Lebo Lubisi
- Grips: Tyler Geldenhuys
- Gaffer: Andre Beumer
- Hair & Makeup: Alex Botha
- Unit Manager: Douglas Machogo
Post-Production – Mushroom Media
- Offline Editor: Jo Gibbon
- Online: Mushroom Media
- Colourist: Warwick Allen
Audio – Hey Papa Legend
- Music & Sound Composition: Hey Papa Legend
- Music Supervisor (Licensed): Hey Papa Legend
- Sound Designer: Myles McDonald
- Sound Engineers: Myles McDonald & Pasja Schneider
- Recording Studio: Hey Papa Legend