Currently, Toyota has two Maruti-Suzuki based products in its Indian product portfolio – Glanza hatchback and Urban Cruiser subcompact SUV. In coming months, the Japanese carmaker is reported to introduce the Maruti Ciaz based mid-size sedan that’s likely to be named Toyota Belta. The Belta will be followed by Toyota’s re-badged version of the Maruti Ertiga MPV. It seems likely the Japanese carmaker is also planning to foray into the mass hatchback space with the WagonR based model. Recently, an uncamouflaged prototype of the new Toyota hatchback was spotted in India.
Design and styling of the upcoming new Toyota hatchback looks similar to the Maruti WagonR. The latter one features large split headlamps with LED DRLs, 13-inch wheels, a larger glasshouse, Ertiga-like floating roof, subtle creases on the front and rear fenders and doors and vertically stacked taiillamps. The fog lamp assembly is positioned lower down the front bumper. The test mule of the new Toyota hatchback features an entirely revised front fascia featuring sharply designed headlamps and bumper. Some of its other design highlights include angular stance, LED taillamps, high mounted stop lamp, body-coloured door handles and ORVMs and black cladding around the window and rear bumper.
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Just so you know, the third-generation Maruti WagonR was launched in early 2019. The model is based on the Suzuki’s Heartect platform that makes it lighter and capable to meet the new crash test norms. Compared to previous version, the new-generation model sits on 35mm longer wheelbase and measures 125mm wider. The new WagonR offers driver’s side airbag, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD along with other mandatory safety fitments.
As mentioned above, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is planning to launch the Maruti Ciaz based sedan in August 2021. The re-badged version is likely to receive minor cosmetic changes. Under the hood, the sedan will feature the same 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol motor that’s good enough for 104bhp and 138Nm. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
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