Toyota will showcase the much-awaited Urban Cruiser Hyryder mid-sized SUV on July 1, 2022. Moreover, Maruti Suzuki’s version of the SUV will also make its global debut next month. In a press release, Toyota-Suzuki has confirmed that the production of the new SUVs will begin in August 2022 at Toyota’s production facility in Bidadi, Karnataka.
It is also confirmed that the new SUV model is developed by Suzuki. Maruti Suzuki India Limited and TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.) will market the new model in India as Suzuki and Toyota models, respectively. The companies are also planning to export the new model to markets outside India including Africa. It is reported that Toyota’s mid-sized SUV will be called the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki’s SUV will be called the Vitara.
The new SUVs will be offered with mild hybrid and strong hybrid engines. The mild hybrid unit is developed by Suzuki, which will be the 1.5-litre K15C dualjet petrol engine with a mild hybrid system. This engine currently powers the Brezza, XL6, Ertiga and the Ciaz. It is capable of producing 103bhp and 137Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
The Toyota’s strong hybrid unit will be a 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. This engine is reportedly to produce around 116PS of power and will be paired to an e-CVT unit. The mild hybrid system will come with FWD & AWD system, while the strong hybrid setup will come with the self-charging & FWD (front-wheel drive) system.
It was speculated that the new Maruti Suzuki and Toyota SUVs will be based on the TNGA-B or DNGA platform. However, it is now confirmed that the new models will be based on the Suzuki’s Global-C platform that underpins the Brezza, S-Cross and the global Suzuki Vitara. The new Maruti Suzuki Vitara is reportedly to replace the global Vitara, which is on sale in overseas market since 2015.
