Maruti, Toyota Will Launch Rs 10 Lakh SUV To Beat Hyundai Creta, Seltos In India: Launch Date, USPs & More

Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are developing and will sell two mid-size SUVs, around the festive season of this year.

Launch will take place in quick succession, just before Diwali this year.

Tight Space

They are making their entry into the hotly contested midsize SUV class which is dominated by the Hyundai Creta since its launch in 2015.

Other competitors in the segment include Skoda, VW, Renault, Nissan, Kia, MG.

Maruti tried its hand with the S-Cross but the response was underwhelming due to its design which is more reminiscent of a crossover than a SUV which buyers expect.

Sharing Arrangement

Together with Toyota, it will make a renewed effort to break into the space.

Like the Baleno/Glanza and Brezza/Urban Cruiser, Maruti and Toyota will share the new SUVs.

Both the Maruti SUV (codename: YFG) and the Toyota SUV (codename: D22) will be built at Toyota’s second plant in Bidadi, Karnataka.

Platform Advantages

They will be built on the DNGA  platform which underpins vehicles made for developing markets.

The new midsize SUVs will use strong hybrid tech similar to the Camry, thanks to which the SUVs will be able to run on electric power alone for a while with enough charge in their battery.

This should give them an edge on fuel economy in city driving, which can be marketed as a USP.

Additionally, it also provides torque assist which ensures less strain on the engine in city conditions.

Features

Expected features include: 

• Electric sunroof
• Connected car technology
• Paddle shifters
• New multi-information display
• 360-degree parking camera
• Wireless phone charger
• LED headlamps and LED tail lamps
• Large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Cruise control

Other Launches 

While the YFG and D22 are expected to be the most important products for Maruti-Toyota this year, both will be launching separate products of their own as well.

Maruti will launch heavily updated versions of the Baleno and Vitara Brezza.

Toyota will do the same with corresponding updates to the Glanza and others including its version of the Ertiga.