It is no secret that Suzuki and Toyota joint venture is readying an all-new C-segment MPV, which will be based on the front-wheel-drive monocoque platform. The new MPV is rumoured to be launched in the second half of 2021 under the Maruti Suzuki nameplate. Adding to it, Toyota will also launch a new MPV based on the same platform in India.
The new MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. It will directly rival the Mahindra Marazzo and the upcoming C-segment MPVs from Hyundai and Kia Motors. In fact, MG Motors is also planning to launch the 360M MPV (Unveiled at Auto Expo 2020) in India.
Maruti Suzuki is likely to play a key role in the development of new products under the Suzuki-Toyota joint venture. It is expected that the new model will source the engine options with Maruti Suzuki. Indo-Japanese brand is readying a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which could power the upcoming mid-sized SUV and the MPV. The C-segment MPV could also use the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with mild-hybrid system. Previous reports claim that Maruti Suzuki could bring back the diesel cars if demand exists. Also See – Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Launch In 2022
The new C-segment MPV will be sold through NEXA premium dealership network. The new MPV could be based on the Toyota’s low-cost DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform that also underpins the Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. This platform is rumoured to be used to develop a new mid-sized SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.
The report claims that Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch 5 new SUVs in the country by 2023, which means 1 new product every six months from mid-2021. The company will introduce the next-gen Vitara Brezza in the first half of 2022 and a new crossover to rival Tata Nexon in the second half of 2022. A new mid-sized SUV to challenge Hyundai Creta will go on sale in 2022, while the locally developed 5-door Suzuki Jimny is reportedly to launch in early 2023.
