Every automotive enthusiast in the country is well versed in the fact that the Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation and the Indian auto giant Maruti Suzuki India Limited are planning to launch their own Creta rivalling SUVs. However, a new media report has suggested that the manufacturing of this upcoming codeveloped SUV for both the brands will be done by Toyota alone.
The Japanese carmaker will utilize its manufacturing plant near Bengaluru in Karnataka for the production of the forthcoming utility vehicle. This new SUV will not only be produced by Toyota but will also use a localised version of the TNGA global platform, sources close to participating partners reported.
Currently, in the partnership between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki for the production of Toyota’s Glanza and the Urban Cruiser which are based on the Maruti models, Baleno and Vitara Brezza, MSIL has been taking up the responsibility for the production of the models. However, with this recent report, it seems like things are about to change.
Meanwhile, there are speculations that the next Toyota-Maruti Suzuki SUV will include a self-charging hybrid powertrain. This possibility came out as recently, the Japanese automaker launched a campaign called the ‘Hum Hai Hybrid’ for its self-charging hybrid technology. If this technology does make it to the production variants of the upcoming SUVs then it will make them the first vehicles in their class to receive such a powertrain in India.
It is likely that the SUV will use the engine from the Yaris Cross Hybrid, which is available in a few countries. The Yaris Cross is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a battery, and an electric motor that switches between hybrid and pure EV modes automatically. This configuration has a stated fuel economy of more than 26kmpl, and the ICE engine and 80PS electric motor create 115PS when combined. The SUV will also be available with a less expensive combustion engine, most likely the same 1.5-litre petrol engine but without any of the electric components.
In terms of exterior design, both the models from each OEM will feature a unique design. The test mules of this pair of SUVs has been spotted testing several times across the nation. Meanwhile, the models will likely come equipped with similar features and pretty much identical interior designs.
According to additional media reports, Toyota and Maruti’s next SUV will be competitively priced in comparison to its segment rivals. It was also reported that Toyota’s version of this SUV is expected to debut in June, which will be followed by an August launch. The SUVs once launched will be competing with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, as well as the Kia Seltos, along with Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
In other Toyota news, the Japanese manufacturer recently released two new videos to promote the hybrid technology in India. Both the videos feature a Toyota Camry which is currently the most affordable proper hybrid vehicle in our country. The videos are a part of Toyota’s new “Hum Hai Hybrid Campaign” as mentioned earlier.
Keyword: The new SUV from Toyota and Maruti will be manufactured by Toyota