Toyota’s Baleno Based Hatchback – Launch & New Details Emerge
Toyota’s version of the Baleno hatchback is expected to arrive in the end of 2019.
It is no secret that Toyota and Suzuki has entered into a strategic partnership. In this partnership, the two automakers will help each other to enter into new segments. Adding to it, the alliance will develop mass market electric cars, new technologies and platform. Moreover, Maruti Suzuki will utilize Toyota’s facility in India to develop its models.
Maruti Suzuki will provide the Baleno hatchback and Vitara Brezza compact SUV to its alliance partner. Toyota will make some changes to its design to give the new models the brand’s signature profile. We already informed you that Toyota will first launch the Baleno based hatchback in the late 2019, which will be followed by a re-badged Vitara Brezza in early 2020. Also See – Toyota Baleno Hatchback – What To Expect?
Except for some design changes, the Toyota’s version of the Baleno hatchback won’t receive any mechanical changes. Maruti Suzuki has already confirmed that the BSVI engines will be ready by the end of this year. And, it is expected that the Toyota’s version will receive the BSVI compliant 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that currently powers the Maruti Baleno and Swift twins. Also See – Maruti to launch Toyota Corolla based sedan in India
Not just regular model, Toyota could also introduce the performance oriented version of the Baleno hatchback. It will receive the 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine producing 100.5bhp and 150Nm of torque. The hatchback is not likely to receive diesel engine, as the current 1.3-litre MJD diesel engine will be discontinued once BSVI emission norms come into effect. Moreover, the diesel and petrol car price difference will go up to 2.5 lakh and this will make the Baleno diesel very expensive for the price sensitive Indian market. Read – Toyota-Badged Maruti Brezza & Baleno To Have High Local Components
The Toyota’s version of the Baleno hatchback is expected to be priced slightly higher than the Maruti model. It could cost somewhere between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 9 lakh. The hatchback will rival the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the upcoming Tata 45X based hatchback.
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