Toyota is currently dominating two segments – premium MPV and D-segment SUV – with Innova Crysta and Fortuner respectively. However, the Japanese brand failed to mark strong presence in the mass market segment. The company hopes to change this with the help of Maruti Suzuki. Suzuki and Toyota have joined hands to mutually develop new cars, platforms and technology for India as well as global markets.
Toyota has already launched the Glanza hatchback and Urban Cruiser compact SUV, which are based on the Baleno and the Brezza respectively. The company plans to introduce new models based on existing Maruti Suzuki cars. Also, the brand will import some of its global models under government import policy that allows automaker to introduce 2,500 cars without going through local homologation process. In this article, we talk about top 4 new Toyota cars to be launched in the Indian market in the next 6 to 9 months –
Rebadged Ciaz/ Toyota Belta
Toyota will soon launch the Ciaz based new mid-sized sedan, which is reportedly to be called the Toyota Belta. The company has trademarked the Belta nameplate. The sedan will come as a replacement of the Yaris sedan, which was recently discontinued. The Toyota Belta will retain the styling of the Ciaz; however, it will get the chromed ‘Toyota’ badge on the centre of the grille. The sedan will be powered by the same 104bhp, 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Rebadged Ertiga/XL6
It is reported that Toyota will launch the re-badged Ertiga or XL6 before Diwali, 2021. The new model will receive subtle design changes in form of revised grille, updated bumper and new alloy wheels. The cabin will be sourced directly from the Ertiga/XL6; however, interior colour scheme could be altered. The MPV will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid system.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota is currently testing the RAV4 hybrid SUV in India. The new RAV4 will arrive as a CBU model and is expected to be priced around Rs 50-60 Lakh. The SUV is rumoured to be launched by mid-2021, before Diwali. It is based on the TNGA platform, which also underpins the C-HR crossover and Prius. The SUV is propelled by a new 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission. In the hybrid avatar, the engine is paired to Toyota Hybrid System II with Electronically-Controlled Continously-Variable Transmission (E-VCT). The SUV offers a combined power output of 218bhp.
There is a motor/generator mounted on the rear axle, which allows the hybrid powertrain to drive power to all-4 wheels. It offers up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in less than 9 seconds. The driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes. The SUV also comes equipped with features like Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
Toyota Hilux
Toyota is currently testing the Hilux pick-up truck, which is expected to be launched in our market in 2021. It is based on the same ladder-on-frame chassis that also underpins the Fortuner SUV and the Innova Crysta. Not just platform, the pickup also shares the engine option, braking and suspension mechanism from its siblings. Powering the Hilux is a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 201bhp and 500Nm. Other engine options include a 147bhp, 2.4L diesel and a 2.7L petrol. Both 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain systems are on offer.
