The mid-size SUV segment is a very popular segment in the Indian car market. Mid-size SUV vehicles are preferred in the country as they are larger in size than smaller SUV vehicles and are equipped with more features and cost less than larger SUV vehicles. Although there are many mid-size SUV vehicles available in the market, Hyundai Creta is considered to be the front runner of this segment. Since its launch in 2015, till now, this car has remained in the country. Due to this, the country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki also launched its mid-size SUV car S-Cross a few years ago, but it got some equally good response. Now the company is preparing to launch new mid-size SUV vehicles in the country in collaboration with Toyota to compete with the Creta.
Purpose of Partnership
Both Suzuki and Toyota are among the largest car makers in Japan. The two companies entered into a partnership in 2016 and a capital partnership in 2019 for long-term cooperation in areas such as technology for electric vehicles and autonomous driving. The objective of this partnership is to jointly develop new vehicles for the Indian market. Not only this, engine, battery and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology will also be developed under this partnership. Along with this, Maruti Suzuki will also introduce several new SUVs and crossover vehicles in the coming years, including two new mid-size SUV vehicles to compete with the Creta.
to be built in Karnataka
Both these mid-size SUV vehicles will be manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Bidadi, Karnataka. They are codenamed YFG (Maruti Suzuki Mid-Size SUV) and D22 (Toyota Mid-Size SUV). After this, their supply will be given to Maruti Suzuki.
Also read – Bringing electric vehicles home is now easier, this company has started leasing and subscription offers
On which platform will it be based?
The two new mid-size SUV vehicles that Maruti Suzuki is working on in collaboration with Toyota to take on the Creta could both be based on the DNGA modular platform from Toyota and Daihatsu.
Will be equipped with powerful features
Both the new mid-size SUV vehicles will get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, automatic climate control, cruise control and many other powerful features.
Engine and gearbox
According to a report, 1.4 liter hybrid petrol engine can be found in both these mid-size SUV vehicles. This will generate 138bhp power and 230Nm torque. Also, both these mid-size SUV vehicles are likely to get 3 options of 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 4-speed torque converter automatic.
When can you knock in the market?
The official launch timeline of these mid-size SUV vehicles has not been disclosed by both the companies so far. But according to a recent report, both these mid-size SUV vehicles can knock in the Indian market by Diwali this year.
Also read – Why is Tesla’s India launch getting delayed? Elon Musk explained the reason
,