Toyota is gearing up to launch another product under its partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation. It will be the third offering to emerge from this partnership after the Glanza and Urban Cruiser. If reports are to be believed, it will be a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz mid-size sedan. Although details are scarce at the moment, a trademark application suggests that it could be known as "Toyota Belta". It is likely to replace the Yaris in Toyota's current product line-up. The sedan is expected to be launched in the coming months.
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For the people not in know, Toyota already used this trademark some years ago in North American, Japanese, and Australian markets for the Yaris. And, in Asian markets, it is known as Vios. It remains to be seen whether Toyota will use the same for the Ciaz based sedan. However, considering the speculation that it will replace the current Yaris from our market, we can’t entirely rule out the possibility of using this trademark for a Yaris replacement.
Like the Glanza and Urban Cruiser, Toyota’s rebadged version of the Ciaz sedan is likely to get some minor cosmetic enhancement to the front profile of the sedan. However, it's most likely to remain mechanically unchanged to the current Ciaz. It will also employ the 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine under the hood that delivers 104PS of max power and 138Nm of peak torque. This engine is boosted with Suzuki’s 48V SHVS mild-hybrid technology that helps increase fuel efficiency and enhances driving performance. Transmission options will also be the same – a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Besides, the rebadge Toyota will also share its features and cabin design with the Ciaz. The features highlight of Ciaz includes auto LED headlamps, idle start/stop system, a 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, auto climate control, rear AC vents, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, passive keyless entry system with push-button start, leather upholstery, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and many more.
Currently, the Maruti Ciaz is available in four trims (Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha) that are priced between Rs 8.52 lakh to Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The rebadged Toyota sedan is expected to be priced upwards of Rs 9 lakh and is likely to be available in limited variants. Once launched, it will fight it out with the Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, and its donor model Maruti Ciaz.