Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation had agreed for a capital alliance to establish and promote a long-term partnership and collaboration in new fields back in 2018. Both carmakers also agreed to sell each other’s vehicles in India. Toyota has already introduced its re-badged version of the Maruti Brezza (Toyota Urban Cruiser – which is now discontinued), Grand Vitara (Toyota Hyryder) and Baleno (Toyota Glanza). The next in the pipeline is the re-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx coupe SUV that’s likely to hit roads during 2023 festive season.
Now it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to roll out the first re-badged Toyota, and it will be based on the Innova Hycross MPV. It will be the second strong hybrid vehicle from the Indo-Japanese automaker in the country. Reports suggest that Toyota Kirloskar Motor will supply 9,000 – 10,000 units of the Innova Hycross to Maruti Suzuki on annual basis. The model is expected to be named Maruti Suzuki Engage as the company recently trademarked the name.
Maruti’s new premium MPV will appear slightly different, while its interior, features and powertrains will be similar to the Toyota Innova Hycross. The latter one is based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform and comes with a 2.0L naturally aspirated and 2.0L strong hybrid powertrain. The non-hybrid unit delivers a peak power of 172bhp and 205Nm of torque with a CVT gearbox. The strong hybrid setup, on the other hand, makes 184bhp with an e-Drive transmission. Toyota’s MPV offers a claimed mileage of 16.71kmpl with naturally aspirated motor and 23.24kmpl with strong hybrid unit.
The new Maruti Engage MPV will have Toyota’s ADAS tech offering features such as blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system. The standard safety kit will include 6 airbags, electronic stability program, ABS with EBD and traction control. Similar to the Innova Hycross, the Engage will get a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, memory function for the driver’s seat and many more goodies.
