After launching the Toyota Glanza that is based on the Maruti Baleno, Toyota will come up with its own version of the Maruti Ertiga with styling cues taken from Rush SUV
Earlier this year, Japanese auto giant Toyota launched the Glanza hatchback in India, which is nothing but a rebadged Maruti Baleno. Apart from the high visual similarity, even the manufacturing of the Glanza takes place alongside the Baleno. In the next phase, the company will now launch a rebadged version of the Maruti Ertiga, which, as shown by our exclusive render, could take some styling cues from the Toyota Rush SUV.
Like the Glanza, Toyota’s version of the Maruti Ertiga will launch with a different brand name. Unlike the Glanza, which just received new badges and a reworked grille, the rebadged Ertiga will have more substantial differences. These will be due to some new plastic parts that are expected to take design inspiration from the highly successful Rush SUV. This will ensure that the new version of the Ertiga looks bolder than the donor model.
It may be noted here that the partnership between the two companies is such that both of them will benefit. By lending the Baleno and the Ertiga to the Japanese biggie, Suzuki will help the famous manufacturer establish presence in the new segments of the market. In return, Toyota will help its partner with hybrid electric vehicle technologies. It will also supply the RAV4 and Corolla Wagon EVs to its partner for sale in Europe.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has already established a name for itself in the MPV market with the Innova. In its second generation now, the large-size MPV continues to outsell some much cheaper models, which is due to the several qualities it offers. Banking on the high appeal of the Innova, the company would be looking to get a good response for its version of the Maruti Ertiga.
While exact details aren’t available at the moment, a look at the Maruti Baleno to Toyota Glanza conversion makes us believe that Toyota’s version of the Maruti Ertiga would be available with just one engine option, which will be the 1.5-litre K15B petrol motor that is available with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine benefits from the SHVS mild-hybrid technology and offers a good mix of performance and mileage.
In all likelihood, the Toyota version of the Maruti Ertiga would be launched post the rollout of the BSVI emission norms in April 2020. Like the Glanza, which is available only in two well-loaded trims, the new Toyota MPV is expected to be available only in high-end trims. Pricing of the new model will be at par with that of the Maruti Ertiga.