Maruti-Toyota to Launch a Mid-Sized SUV in India
Suzuki and Toyota had joined hands to jointly hands to develop new products for the global markets. In India, the JV had launched the Glanza premium hatchback under the Toyota nameplate. Adding to it, Toyota will also launch the re-badged version of the Maruti Ciaz, Ertiga in India. On the other hand, Suzuki will source the Corolla sedan for the Indian as well as global markets.
Toyota and Suzuki are working on all-new C-segment MPV, which will be positioned right between the Ertiga and the Innova Crysta. What’s interesting is that the duo is also developing an all-new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market. The new mid-sized SUV will be launched in the Indian market in 2022.
The new mid-sized SUV is most likely to be launched under Maruti Suzuki nameplate. It will be manufactured at the Toyota’s Bidadi plant. The SUV will directly rival the likes of the Kia Seltos, new Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks and the upcoming SUVs including the Tata Blackbird and the Mahindra XUV400.
Details about the platform are yet to be revealed, but it is likely to use the Suzuki’s globa C-platform. This platform currently underpins the Vitara Brezza and the global Vitara. Previous reports suggest that Toyota is planning to bring the Toyota’s DNGA platform in India. This is basically the low-cost version of the TNGA platform, which underpins the Raize sub-4 meter SUV. The new mid-sized SUV will be sold through NEXA premium dealerships. It is likely to be powered by the new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is currently under development. The mid-sized SUV segment will also witness an all-new SUV, which will be co-developed by Ford and Mahindra.
