Japanese automaker, Toyota is getting aggressive with its product strategy for the fast growing Indian auto industry. The company’s latest cars & SUVs including the Glanza, Hyryder and the Innova Hycross have received an overwhelming response from car buyers. In order to further boost sales, Toyota has decided to open a third production unit in Chennai. Adding to it, Toyota is also planning to launch 4 new SUVs including 3 new 7-seater models in the country by 2026.
Toyota Hyryder 7-Seater
We reported earlier that Maruti Suzuki will launch a new 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara platform in the country in 2025. The new SUV will be manufactured at the company’s new production facility in Haryana, which will be operational in 2025. It is reported that Toyota will also have its own version of the 3-row SUV (7-Seater Hyryder) in the country in 2025.
The 3-row Hyryder will be built and supplied by Maruti Suzuki to Toyota. The wheelbase of the SUV will be increased to accommodate the third row. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700. It is most likely to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol with strong hybrid tech.
Toyota Corolla Cross 7-Seater
The company is also working on a new premium 7-seater SUV, which will be positioned between the upcoming 7-seater Hyryder and the Fortuner SUV. The new SUV will be based on Toyota’s global TNGA-C platform that also underpins the Innova Hycross and the Corolla Cross. It is most likely to be the 7-seater version of the Corolla Cross. The new SUV is expected to be positioned against the Jeep Meridian.
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. 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.
New-gen Toyota Fortuner
Toyota has started working on the next gen Fortuner SUV, which is likely to be introduced sometime in 2025. It will be designed and developed on an all-new TNGA-F architecture, which currently underpins multiple global cars including the Land Cruiser 300 and the Tacoma pickup. This platform is compatible with different body styles and multiple engine options including ICE and hybrid. It is expected to be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup. The engine will be coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This hybrid setup comprises of a 48-volt battery, a small electric motor generator and other components. The hybrid setup is likely to improve the fuel efficiency by 10% and will provide enhanced torque assist.
More Toyota SUVs – Taisor, Urban SUV EV
Toyota is also developing an all-new sub-4 meter SUV/Crossover, which will be based on the Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover. Rumoured to be called the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, the sub-4 meter crossover will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and others. It will retain the overall profile; however, the crossover will receive signature Toyota styling. The Taisor will be offered with two engine options – a 1.2L NA petrol and a 1.0L turbo petrol.
Toyota is also developing an all-new compact electric SUV for the developing nations including India. Called the Toyota Urban SUV, the new e-SUV is based on an all-new Born-electric platform that underpins the Maruti Suzuki eVX EV. It will share lots of components and features with the Maruti eVX, and this process will help in achieving competitive pricing. It will be based on an all-new skateboard platform, which will also underpin multiple Suzuki and Toyota electric vehicles. Internally called 27PL, the new skateboard platform will be derived from Toyota’s 40PL electric skateboard architecture. It will be built in India at Suzuki’s Gujarat facility for domestic as well as global markets. The electric SUV is expected to be equipped with a 60kWh battery pack and is likely to offer a range of around 400-500km on a single charge.
