The popularity of C-segment passenger vehicles in India is gradually increasing, particularly because of SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500, and in recent times, the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. Toyota, backed by the strong success of its expensive Innova Crysta, is planning a new product onslaught in this premium segment.
According to a report from The Economic Times, Toyota wants to launch at a C-SUV and a C-MPV in India. The company is considering both models and is almost clear that it wants to give the latter a green signal.
A source privy to the Toyota’s plans for our market has told the business paper that “While both MPV and SUVs are being considered, the C MPV is almost in the final stages of approval, but is yet to clear some gateways.” So, it seems like the MPV will arrive first. Several people aware of the development have said that its launch is likely in 2022-2023.
While the Innova is a body-on-frame MPV, the C-segment MPV under study will have a monocoque construction. It is likely to come with a full-hybrid powertrain that would allow the company to market it as a ‘self-charging electric vehicle’.
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Toyota is using the GA-C platform from the TNGA family for its C-segment models globally. However, it is said that TNGA is too expensive for India. Instead of adopting this platform to lower costs especially for our market, like the Volkswagen Group has decided in case of MQB, Toyota is likely to knock Suzuki’s doors for its utility vehicles.
[Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com]
