Toyota has released a new teaser, which confirms an all-new mid-sized SUV to debut soon. To be called the Toyota Frontlander, the new SUV will be unveiled in an important global market for the company – China. It is basically the re-badged and revised version of the Corolla Cross, which is on sale in the Brazil, the United States, Japan and Thailand.
The new Toyota Frontlander will receive changes in-line with the Japanese-spec Corolla Cross. It will receive aesthetic changes such as new front grille, bumper with larger air-intakes and a newly designed 18-inch wheels. Adding to it, the internal elements of the headlamps and tail-lamps have also been revised along with redesigned rear bumper. Interior details of the SUV have yet to be revealed.
For the Chinese market, the SUV will be produced and marketed in partnership with local manufacturer GAC. Toyota is already selling few of its global SUVs with different names in China. It sells the Wildlander and the Corwn Kluger, which are re-badged versions of the global RAV4 and the Highlander respectively.
The Toyota Frontlander is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) modular platform that underpins a wide range of sedans and SUVs globally. Mechanical details are yet to be released, but the SUV is expected to receive naturally-aspirated petrol and hybrid fuel options. The hybrid version will get the tried & tested 1.8L petrol engine with an electric propulsion. AWD (all-wheel-drive) versions will be offered as standard.
The new Frontlander is scheduled to be launched in China in November, during the Guangzhou Auto Show. It is expected to be left-hand drive model only, while the right-hand-drive – the Corolla Cross – is on sale in markets like Thailand. It is early to comment whether the Corolla Cross will make its way to our market. Toyota is expected to introduce the RAV4 SUV to the Indian market, which has already been spotted.
