Maruti Suzuki Engage Hybrid MPV based on Toyota Innova HyCross: What it’ll look like

The Indian automotive industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainable mobility, and there is an increasing demand for hybrid vehicles in the country. In response to this trend, Maruti Suzuki, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, is rumored to be working on a new model called the Maruti Suzuki Engage. This new premium MPV will be based on the Toyota Kirloskar Motors Innova Hycross and will feature the same drivetrain and features as the outgoing Innova Hycross; however, it will have some exterior design differences to set it apart. Recently, a rendered picture of this forthcoming model was shared on Instagram.

The rendering of the Maruti Suzuki Engage has been shared on Instagram by andrafebriandesign on their page. From the picture, we can note that the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Engage will almost look the same as the outgoing Toyota Innova Hycross; however, it will feature some changes on the front to differentiate it from the Hycross. The rendered picture shows that the Engage will have a revised front grille that looks very similar to the one found in the Grand Vitara mid-size SUV.

Additionally, a new front bumper will also be included in the Engage. Apart from these minute changes, there won’t be many modifications in the Maruti Suzuki Engage at the front. Moving on to the side profile and rear profile, no changes are expected to be featured in the forthcoming Maruti Suzuki Engage, except for the badges. The same will be the case for the interior of the Engage, and no changes are expected on the inside as well.

Also read: Toyota Innova Crysta base variant modified to look & feel like a higher variant (Video)

In terms of powertrain options, this forthcoming model will most certainly retain the same options as the Innova Hycross. Toyota currently offers the Innova Hycross as a petrol-only variant with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 2.0-liter petrol-hybrid engine. While the 2.0-liter petrol-hybrid powertrain claims a combined maximum power output of 184 bhp and a stellar fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl, the naturally aspirated petrol engine claims a combined maximum power output of 173 bhp and 209 Nm of torque.

Confirming the development of this MPV, RC Bhargava, former CEO and current chairman of Maruti Suzuki, stated, “We will be sourcing a vehicle from Toyota, which is a 3-row strong hybrid and top-of-the-line vehicle in terms of price. The volumes will not be very high, but it will be a path breaker.”

Since 2017, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Maruti Suzuki India Limited have strategically worked together in a long-term partnership to pool resources and technologies in order to broaden their product portfolio and market appeal. Toyota is providing technical assistance to Maruti Suzuki for the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Toyota now has access to Maruti Suzuki’s sales and distribution network in India in exchange.

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