Toyota has officially revealed the Belta mid-size sedan for the Middle Eastern markets. It is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, that will also be launched in India as a replacement for the Toyota Yaris. While the model for the Middle East comes with a left-hand-drive (LHD) setup, its India-bound model will be a right-hand-drive (RHD) variant.
Being a rebadged model, the Belta uses the same design, mechanicals, and even the features list as its Maruti Suzuki counterpart. The only difference is just the grille, badges, and wheel hub caps. It would have been better if Toyota had updated the front facia of the sedan to give it a distinct identity.
Inside, save for silver/chrome applique instead of the faux wooden elements, the rest dashboard design and features list remain similar to the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. That said, the Toyota Belta also gets features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, leatherette upholstery, auto climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, auto-LED headlamps, keyless entry with push-button start, analogue instrumentation dials with the coloured MID, and much more.
Under the hood, the Toyota Belta employs the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (105PS/138Nm) as the Ciaz, paired with a mild-hybrid system (for additional torque boost) and a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. However, its India-bound version will also get a 5-speed manual gearbox option.
We reckon Toyota Belta will be priced from around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom) when launched in India, putting it against the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, and the upcoming Skoda Slavia.
In the other developments, Toyota has recently trademarked the Rumion nameplate in India, which actually belongs to the rebadged Maruti Suzuki Ertiga that has already been launched in the South African market. It is also expected to hit our shores in the coming months.
