Toyota has recently launched two new utility vehicles – the Urban Cruiser Hyryder & the Innova Hycross in the Indian market. The company is also preparing a new SUV Coupe, which will be based on the new Suzuki Fronx. A new media report claims that Toyota is also working on a larger 3-row SUV based on the Corolla Cross. The new Corolla Cross 7-seater SUV for India will take on the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700 and the Jeep Meridian.
The Toyota Corolla Cross on sale in global markets is positioned against the Hyundai Creta and the Honda HR-V. This SUV has a wheelbase of 2,640mm that is in-line with the Creta. The new Toyota Corolla Cross 7-seater SUV will be based on TNGA-C platform that underpins the Innova Hycross. The new SUV could share components and powertrains with the Hycross. In fact, the SUV could be manufactured on the same production line.
The Toyota Innova Hycross has a wheelbase of 2,850mm, while the Corolla Cross 5-seater model rides on 2,640mm wheelbase. The company could increase the wheelbase by around 150mm, which should help the brand to add an extra pair of seats. Toyota is currently selling the Fortuner in the 3-row SUV segment; however, it is priced significantly higher. The new Hycross platform based 7-seater SUV would be positioned below the Fortuner, and will challenge the Jeep Meridian, Mahindra XUV700 and others.
The new Toyota Corolla Cross 7-seater SUV will have flexible seats, as the rear seats could be folded down to create flat floor. The SUV could also get an electrically operated tailgate. The company will add longer rear doors for easy access to 3rd row seats, and engineers are likely to make some changes to the C and D pillars of the SUV. A slimmer D pillar and larger glass house area should help in improving visibility in the third row.
The TNGA-C platform will allow Toyota to choose either a more affordable torsion beam suspension or an all-independent multi-link one; low-friction dampers. The new SUV is likely to receive design changes to make it look different from the global-spec model. It is likely to share the engine options for the Hycross. It is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 172bhp, 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 186bhp, 2.0-litre petrol with Toyota’s self charging strong hybrid tech.
Source – AutoCarIndia
