After re-badged Baleno and the Brezza, Toyota is ready to launch the re-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in the country. The re-badged versions of the Baleno and the Brezza are called the Toyota Glanza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser respectively. It is reported that the re-badged Ciaz will be called the Toyota Belta.
A new media report claims that Maruti Suzuki has started producing the Toyota Belta at its manufacturing facility in Manesar. In fact, the production-ready model has been spied in red colour. The Belta is the third model under the Suzuki and Toyota partnership in our market. Since the production of the car has begun, it is expected that the launch could take place in the next few weeks.
The Toyota Belta mid-sized sedan will be positioned against the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Vento. It will replace the Yaris sedan, which was discontinued earlier this year. It is reported that the Yaris production line will be used to develop a new mid-sized SUV, which will be sold under Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. However, both versions will have different design and interiors.
Similar to the Glanza and the Urban Cruiser, the Belta will receive few design changes to keep things fresh in the market. The vehicle gets a slightly revised front grille that has Toyota logo. It is expected to get newly designed alloy wheels. The interior layout and features will be exactly similar to the Maruti Ciaz; however, it could get different colour scheme.
In terms of features, the sedan will get a SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a semi-digital instrument console, multi-functional steering wheel, powered ORVMs, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, reverse camera and others.
The Toyota Belta will be powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 104bhp of maximum power and 138Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
