IT sounds like the name given to the square-jawed star of an all-action road movie and to be fair, the Urban Cruiser certainly lives up to that rather expectant billing.

With rugged I-mean-business looks thanks to its somewhat aggressive front end grinning through the grille, menacing tinted windows and distinctive rear with neat light clusters, the Urban Cruiser is the perfect vehicle for the active family.

It oozes versatility with plenty of storage facilities throughout and rear seats that can easily be folded flat to further enhance the load capacity.

But the real beauty of this vehicle is its economy - both in the initial outlay and running costs. For the Urban Cruiser has been fitted with Toyota's Optimal Drive with stop/start technology and clever engine timing features that result in lower fuel consumption.

And when you add in the asking price of just over £16,000, the Urban Cruiser becomes the perfect vehicle for the family that keeps a watchful eye on the budget whilst enjoying life to the full.

Inside, the vehicle is packed with quality features, including climate control with pollen filter, a great audio system with six speakers, CD player and MP3 compatibility, a dual glove box, leather steering wheel, remote central locking, sat nav (£950 extra) and plenty more besides.

In and around town, it handles beautifully with outstanding manoeuvrability and excellent all-round visibility and with the advanced engine technology built-up traffic barely effects the fuel gauge. Passengers are treated to plenty of room and the high-sided design means rear seat occupants have plenty of head and leg room.

Out on the open road, I found the Urban Cruiser seemed to take a while to pick up the pace, but once there, the 1.33-litre petrol driven engine certainly held its own as it worked through the tightly-grouped six-speed transmission.

But to be brutally honest the Urban Cruiser is not designed for the speed merchants on our roads today. Its target market is the active family that simply wants outstanding value for money.

Toyota has fitted a comprehensive list of safety specifications to the vehicle such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, energy-absorbing crumple zones, numerous airbags and a whole lot more besides.