We informed you earlier that Toyota will launch a premium hatchback and a sub-4 meter SUV based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Vitara Brezza in India in 2019. If latest media report is to be believed, Toyota will first launch the Baleno based hatchback in India. Suzuki Motor Corp will supply around 25,000 Baleno’s to Toyota Motor Corp every year. It is reported that the Toyota-badged Baleno will go on sale in the first quarter of the next financial year (April-June 2019).
The hatchback to be sold through Toyota’s dealership network will receive significant design changes to carry Toyota’s identity. It will come equipped with a new set of bumpers, Toyota’s family grille design, revised headlamps and tail-lights. The alloy wheels and ORVMs will also receive changes. Cabin changes are yet to be known, but we believe that Toyota is not likely to make major upgrades inside. It could receive new upholstery for seats and new interior colour scheme. Toyota could also add more safety features including multiple airbags in the top-spec model. Read – Maruti Suzuki Cars To Be Developed At Toyota’s Bidadi Plant
Speaking to Livemint, a source close to one of the two companies, said, “The decision has already been taken by both the headquarters in Japan and the first vehicle to be launched will be Baleno. “The changes to be made have already been approved as well and both the companies have already decided on the number of vehicles to be supplied” He added. Also See – Toyota Baleno Hatchback – What To Expect
Previous media reports claim that Toyota’s upcoming affordable cars including re-badged Baleno and Vitara Brezza will be sold under a new sub-brand – ‘Toyota Compact’. It is reported that all compact Toyota cars will be sold under this nameplate in developing nations including India. Similar to the Baleno RS, Toyota might also launch the TRD Sportivo to sell the turbocharged Baleno. The premium hatchback will come in three engine options – a 100bhp, 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol, a 1.2-litre petrol and a tried & tested 1.3-litre MJD diesel. Toyota could also use the 1.4-litre D4D diesel engine to power the Baleno. Also See – Maruti To Launch Toyota Corolla Based Sedan
Toyota CH-R Images
