Toyota is all set to launch two new rebadged cars in the Indian market, the Maruti Ertiga-based Rumion and a new Fronx-based compact SUV. Both the cars will debut this year i.e. 2023
Maruti Suzuki-Toyota partnership has come a long way and we have already seen several badge-engineered as well as co-developed cars. The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is the latest rebadged product which is essentially based on the Toyota Innova Hycross.
In line with this, Toyota will launch two new badge-engineered Maruti Suzuki products in the Indian market this year. Let’s have a look at their details.
1. Toyota Rumion
Amongst the upcoming two models, the first in line rebadged Maruti Suzuki car which will be sold under the Toyota nameplate in India is the Rumion. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga-based MPV will launch in the domestic market next month i.e. August 2023. For reference, Toyota already sells the Ertiga-based Rumion in the South African market which is manufactured and exported by Maruti from India. Recently, Toyota also registered a trademark for the Rumion name in the country, which means that the upcoming MPV will carry the same nameplate here as well.
In terms of specifications, the four-wheeler will be identical to Ertiga, however, there will be a few design-related changes such as a new grille, updated front bumper and a new set of alloy wheels amongst others. The interiors will also get a mild makeover while the feature set will remain exactly the same. The powertrain will also be carried over as it is from the Ertiga.
2. Toyota Fronx-Based Compact SUV
The second vehicle to join the Toyota fleet will be the Maruti Suzuki Fronx-based coupe SUV. Sporting the same set of underpinning and powertrain, the crossover will be powered by the familiar 1.2 litre K12C engine available with petrol as well as CNG fuel option and the 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo petrol motor. The crossover will fill the sub-4 meter void left by the Urban Cruiser when it was discontinued last year.
In terms of design, there will be subtle changes to the bumpers, front grille and alloy wheels, something along the lines of the Baleno-Glanza duo. The interiors and equipment set will remain the same, minus some minor changes to the upholstery. The Toyota Fronx-based compact SUV will likely debut around the upcoming festive season, however, the company is yet to disclose a specific timeline.