It’s no secret that Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are working on a mid-size SUV to take on the Hyundai Creta. The new jointly developed car has been spotted multiple times already. Every couple of days, there is new news about the model. Recently, sources confirmed that Toyota would use a strong hybrid setup in their iteration of the car. And now, new intel says that the trial production run is already ongoing. The vehicle could have a full reveal just before August, and the market launch will follow shortly.
Toyota will manufacture the new SUV at the Bidadi plant in Karnataka. It is the first time Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly developing a product. The SUV will use Toyota’s TNGA-B (or DNGA) platform. However, it will be modified and localised to keep costs in check.
The new SUV is a jointly developed model, so trail production is crucial. In addition to this, there will be a suite of new procedures and systems. Being in sync for both the manufacturers will be important. Especially considering that Toyota is very particular about how everything functions and expects it to have “machine-like precision.” Additionally, both the manufacturers will have to deal with new vendors.
The manufacturers will use several ways to keep the cost down. One of the ways is by using different suppliers from both brands. Toyota’s regular suppliers will supply the critical systems. However, the bulk of suppliers will come from Maruti Suzuki. Complying with the new standards and procedures will be a challenge for the Maruti Suzuki suppliers.
The new mid-size SUV will use new powertrains. Toyota is leading the powertrain department. The new Creta rival will feature a mild hybrid and a strong hybrid setup. The model will get two petrol engine options utilising the hybrid configurations. However, there will not a be diesel option.
The mid-size SUV market has grown tremendously in the recent past, and the two brands also want a big market share of the segment. Unlike the other Toyota rebranded Maruti Suzuki products, this is a more collaborative effort between the two brands. Toyota will deliver the hybrid powertrain, and Maruti Suzuki’s suppliers will help keep costs low.
The new SUV could be the biggest threat to the two Korean SUVs. However, the Creta and Seltos also come with a diesel engine option, which accounts for 50 per cent of the segment. Hence, only time can tell if the buyers will warm up to new hybrid powertrains over diesel engines.
Also Read: Toyota’s Hyundai Creta rival will come with a strong hybrid engine