Published : 13 February 2022
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Amit Saraswat
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota India are jointly developing a compact SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The upcoming SUVs from the two manufacturers are likely to go on sale later this year and they are expected to pack a strong hybrid powertrain.
Unlike Maruti Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid technology, the upcoming compact SUVs could use a strong hybrid powertrain similar to the one that powers the Toyota Camry. A strong hybrid powertrain could make the upcoming compact SUVs fuel efficient, thereby eliminating the need for a diesel engine. The hybrid powertrain could also let the compact SUVs drive on electric power for a short period of time.
Rumours suggest that the upcoming SUVs from Maruti and Toyota could sit on Daihatsu-sourced DNGA platform. Furthermore, both SUVs are likely to be manufactured by Toyota at their manufacturing facility in Karnataka. Unlike the Vitara Brezza and Urban Cruiser, the two compact SUVs from Maruti Suzuki and Toyota will look different, both outside and inside. We expect Maruti Suzuki and Toyota India to launch their respective compact SUVs in India around Diwali this year.