Maruti Suzuki & Toyota Compact SUV trial production starts with reveal around June or July
The trial production of Maruti Suzuki & Toyota compact SUV has reportedly commenced at Toyota’s Bidadi plant number 2. Not only that, the design sketches of both the cars have also been revealed online which gives us a hint about how the SUVs’ are going to look.
Of late, both Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are in the news for their upcoming compact SUVs. Developed by Toyota, this SUV codenamed D22 will be shared with Maruti Suzuki which has codenamed its version of the same car as YFG. To heat things up, the YFG was also recently spied testing on our roads.
What makes the D22 and YFG different from their rivals is their new hybrid powertrain which reportedly is Toyota’s Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) technology that’s already doing duties on the Camry and Vellfire. It would soon make its way into Toyota’s entire lineup.
In fact, Toyota has already started its ‘Hum Hai Hybrid’ campaign to promote the technology before it hits the mainstream market with the launch its compact SUV followed by Innova Hycross and many other products.
Coming the revealed design sketch, the D22 might get a new design language with flower-like patterned alloy wheels, a bold chrome strip at the front like a typical ‘Toyota smile’, and bottom cladding throughout the perimeter of the body. Roof-rails, large front grille, and LED headlamps might be part of the package.
The YFG, on the other hand, could get a silhouette similar to that of the S-Cross with a chrome strip on the bonnet lip, separately positioned drls, and new alloy wheel design.
With the commencement of trial production of Maruti Suzuki & Toyota SUV, the showcase of the car from both the brands will happen one after another by around June or July with launch happening thereafter.
So far, Toyota got immensely benefitted from its partnership with Maruti Suzuki as its version of the Baleno and Vitara Brezza, Glanza and Urban Cruiser are doing good. This time Maruti Suzuki is expected to benefit from the partnership.
Unlike Glanza and Urban Cruiser, Maruti’s version of the SUV, YFG, won’t just a mere sticker job but might witness extensive changes to give customers the option of choosing between the 2 as this will be the first instance of a proper joint development exercise between the brands.
The SUV is built on Toyota’s low-cost DNGA platform that does duties on many Toyota and Daihatsu cars abroad. The car will be completely localised for keeping costs low. It’s expected to undercut the Creta and Seltos thereby taking a major chunk of their sales.
Still it must be seen how the market accepts a no-diesel car as the upcoming D22 and YFG won’t feature a diesel heart.
Another interesting revelation is that though the car will be manufactured by Toyota, majority of the suppliers are from Maruti Suzuki and the latter is also aiding the manufacturing process which is why it will be the first proper joint development exercise.
The SUVs are expected to be powered by 2 petrol engines, each with a hybrid drive unit. While the first might get a mild hybrid, the second will be a stronger system, delivering higher power and better mileage.