4 New Toyota Cars and SUVs Launching Soon
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is set to shake up the Indian SUV market with the launch of four new models within the next twelve months. These new launches include the Urban Cruiser Taisor, the Fortuner Mild Hybrid, the 7-seater Hyryrder, and the Urban Electric SUV. When launched, the Urban Electric SUV will be the first fully electric vehicle offered by Toyota.
1. Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor:
Toyota is all set to unveil the Urban Cruiser Taisor on April 4, 2024, marking its entry into the compact SUV coupe segment. Currently, Toyota has no cars in this segment. Derived from the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, this model will position itself below the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and above the Glanza. Compared to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, exterior changes such as updated headlamps, grilles, DRLs, taillights, and a refreshed alloy design are expected.
We can expect new colour schemes and trim materials in the interior. Engine options will be the same as the Fronx; customers will have the choice between a 1.2 liter-4 cylinder naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine producing 90 hp and 113 Nm of torque or a 1.0 liter-3 cylinder turbo petrol engine. While the NA petrol gets 5 speed manual and AMT options, the turbo petrol engine gets a 5 speed manual and 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox options.
2. Toyota Fortuner Mild Hybrid:
Toyota’s popular SUV, the Fortuner, is gearing up to receive a mild-hybrid variant. Equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, this model aims to enhance performance while reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The mild hybrid variants are likely to get the existing 2.8 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that makes 197 Bhp-500 Nm, and a 6 speed automatic gearbox.
Although launch details are yet to be confirmed, we expect its arrival later this year or in early 2025. The Fortuner’s main rival, the Ford Endeavour, is also expected to make a comeback during the same period. Currently, the Fortuner dominates the Indian SUV market. This same hybrid system has already been introduced in the Hilux globally.
3. 7-Seater Toyota Hyryder:
Scheduled to debut early next year, the seven-seater version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder will join the lineup to compete against prominent players such as the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, XUV 700, and Hyundai Alcazar. This variant will have some distinctive cosmetic updates to differentiate it from the standard 5-seater model.
The 7-seater Hyryder will be significantly longer than the 5-seater version to accommodate the additional row of seats. The engine is expected to be the carried over from the Hyryder – the 1.5L strong hybrid petrol engine, that delivers a blend of performance and efficiency. A 6-seater version with captain seats is also expected.
4. Urban Electric SUV
Based on the Maruti Suzuki eVX, the Urban Electric SUV will rival the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV 300, and its own Maruti counterpart. This will be the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. Launched under the Toyota-Maruti Suzuki partnership, the EV is expected to be a badge engineered (mainly cosmetic changes) version of the eVX.
The Urban Electric SUV will be made on Toyota’s 27PL skateboard platform, specially designed for EVs only. Regarding the battery pack, buyers could have two options: 45 kWh powering a single motor or 60 kWh powering a dual motor AWD setup. The 60 kWh battery pack is expected to deliver a driving range of 550 km.
The Urban Electric SUV is expected to be priced at around Rs. 25 lakhs, similar to Maruti’s eVX. Toyota’s aggressive strategy of introducing four new SUVs in the Indian market over the next one year reflects the brand’s commitment. With a diverse lineup across various segments, Toyota aims to solidify its position in the competitive Indian automotive market.