Toyota Yaris hatchback spied testing; To launch in India?

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is currently shuffling its Indian model line-up. The Japanese brand recently discontinued the Yaris sedan after a few years of its launch. While Toyota will replace the Yaris sedan with the rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki, they are also testing the Yaris hatchback in India.

We do not have any confirmation from Toyota on the launch of the Yaris hatchback yet. However, since the hatchback is already on sale in the international markets, we may get to see it in the Indian market positioned above the Toyota Glanza, which is the rebadged version of the Baleno.

Also read: Toyota Glanza Strong Hybrid SPIED testing

Toyota Yaris was spied testing on the roads without any camouflage by Vandi4u. The vehicle was spotted with red Karnataka testing registration plates. Toyota Kirloskar’s manufacturing plant is in Karnataka.

The Yaris is a very sporty looking hatchback. The hatchback spotted testing without the camouflage did reveal the design DNA of the car. Starting with the sleek headlamps and sculpted bonnet the Yaris hatchback gets sporty DRL that form the eyebrows of the headlamps.

The rear of the car gets L-shaped tail lamps. The extension of the design of the lamps is integrated into the tailgate adding a flowing look. Other sporty elements including a shark fin antenna on the roof and a rear wiper. Toyota is testing the Yaris with steel rims at the moment for unknown reasons but there will be definitely alloy wheels when the car launches in the market.

Gets petrol engines only

In the international markets, the Toyota Yaris hatchback is underpinned by the GA-B platform. The India-spec model is likely to be a CBU and will feature the same platform. There are three engine options in the international markets.

There is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine. The transmission will include options of a manual as well as a CVT automatic gearbox.

Will Toyota launch it in India?

This is not the first time that Toyota is testing the Yaris hatchback in the Indian market. We have spotted the car on the Indian roads in the past as well. If Toyota plans to bring the all-new Yaris hatchback, it will come through the CBU route under the law that allows the import of 2,000 units without homologation.

In fact, the Toyota Vellfire is also sold in a similar way in the Indian market. Toyota may position the Yaris as a premium hatchback above the Glanza to take on the Hyundai i20 N-Line. However, Toyota has never been aggressive in bringing new products to the Indian market so the chances of the Indian market getting to see the Yaris remains quite slim.

Also read: India”s first Maruti Baleno with “air suspension” looks gorgeous (Video)