We all know that Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly working on a new mid-size SUV that could make its debut by mid-2022, probably in June/July. It will be a potential rival to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq.
The upcoming Maruti-Toyota SUVs (codenamed YGF for Maruti and D22 for Toyota) will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi plant for both the carmakers and will underpin the highly localized version of Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which is a derivative of Toyota’s TNGA architecture. If reports are to be believed, their trail production have also been commenced.
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While Toyota and Maruti Suzuki have kept numb about the upcoming mid-size SUVs, they are likely to feature a strong self-charging hybrid system, somewhat similar to the global-spec Toyota Yaris Cross, comprising a 1.5-liter petrol engine, linked to an electric motor and a li-ion battery back. Similar to the recently debuted Honda City e:HEV, they are also expected to feature three drive modes: pure EV, hybrid as well engine-only, to ensure utmost fuel efficiency. They are unlikely to get any diesel engine.
What else do we know about these upcoming cross-badged SUVs? Well, they will have some valid styling differences, especially at the front. However, unlike their VW-Skoda rivals, the changes won’t be extreme.
In terms of features, both the SUVs will share the same set of equipment that are likely to include an LED lighting system, a large free-standing infotainment system with connected car tech, auto climate control, ventilated seats, a heads-up display (HUD), an electric sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
Expect Toyota to launch the D22 ahead of Maruti YGF. Expect the Japanese carmaker to price it competitive as it is sourcing parts from local vendors.
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