Toyota Rush could be launched in India in the near future to rival Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and upcoming Tata H7X
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has two of its top-selling models in the domestic market in the premium range. The Innova Crysta and Fortuner have been a huge success for the brand but Toyota could not replicate the same level of volumes in the sub 10 lakh range as the Etios and Liva did not live up to the expectations.
The Innova Crysta replaced the old model with improvements in every department as the price range increased by a big margin. Even then, Toyota has posted consistent sales since 2016 with the Innova Crysta and last year more than 78,000 units were sold at YoY surge of 8 per cent.
The Toyota-Suzuki partnership holds significance for not just the global market but India as well. Technologies such as hybridisation and electrification form the core of the agreement as both parties share a big deal of expertise between each other. Toyota will be supplied with Baleno and Vitara Brezza as the rebadged versions will address the mass market segment’s requirements.
However, there is a big gap exposed in Rs. 15-20 lakh range that has yet to be explored by Toyota. While buyers are increasing in that price bracket, manufacturers are fancying to convert the high potential into volumes. A recent report surfaced on the internet sheds the light on Toyota evaluating a C-segment SUV and MPV for debut in 2022-23.
The C-segment MPV is in the final stage of approval reportedly and the platform with hybrid powertrain tech could also be shared with Maruti Suzuki. With no details on the C-segment SUV are out yet, we can expect it to be the Rush to compete against Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and H7X, Hyundai Tucson and even Honda CR-V.
It will fit in the Rs. 15-20 lakh bracket after all. The production version of the Daihatsu FT Concept revealed at the 2015 GIIAS has aggressive styling with quad chrome slated front grille, sleek headlamps with LED DRL, wraparound taillights, sculpted tailgate structure, chunky bumpers, and so on.
The seven-seater takes power from a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE four-cylinder Dual VVT-i petrol engine developing 104 PS and 136 Nm peak torque. It is connected to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto. The upmarket interior possesses a dual-tone theme, seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six airbags, and a slew of other drivers assistive and safety features. Will it be an instant hit if Toyota decides to launch it here in India? Have your say below!