To increase market share in the Indian population, Toyota is currently planning to launch 3 new car models within the next 18 months. Among them, there is a small SUV model developed based on the Suzuki Fronx, expected to be launched in the Indian market this year. This model is rumored to be called the Toyota Taisor.
Next is an all-new 3-row SUV model developed based on the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder currently sold in India. This model is likely to be launched in the Indian market in 2025.
After that, it will be the premiere of a new 7-seater SUV model developed from the Toyota Corolla Cross. This model will be positioned higher than the new 3-row version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Toyota prepares to launch 3 new SUV models, including a 7-seater version of Corolla Cross (illustration photo)
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder was originally a renamed version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. In 2023, the joint venture Maruti Suzuki began developing a 3-row version of the Grand Vitara. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder also has a similar version.
The 3-row version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder will be assembled by the joint venture Maruti Suzuki in India. The wheelbase of this model is predicted to remain the same as the 5-seater version. However, the distance from the rear to the rear axle is expected to be extended to accommodate the third row of seats.
When entering the Indian market, the 3-row version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder will target direct competitors such as the Hyundai Alcazar. Alcazar itself is also a 7-seater version of the Hyundai Creta.
With the Toyota Corolla Cross, this compact SUV is currently not available in the Indian market. However, this will be the first market to welcome the 7-seater version of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
The 7-seater Corolla Cross will be developed based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, similar to the Innova Hycross. Therefore, unlike the Suzuki-based Toyota Taisor and Urban Cruiser Hyryder 3-row version, the 7-seater Corolla Cross will not use Suzuki’s chassis.
Currently, Toyota is planning to build its third factory in India with an initial production capacity of 80,000 – 120,000 units per year, then gradually increase to 200,000 units. According to sources from the Indian media, this new factory will primarily serve the assembly of the 7-seater version of the Corolla Cross.
According to some sources, the 7-seater Toyota Corolla Cross will not be exclusive to the Indian market. Instead, the car will be exported to international markets such as Southeast Asia.
The presence of 3 new SUV models will expand Toyota’s product portfolio in the 3rd largest automotive market in the world. In addition, Toyota is rumored to be launching its first electric car in the Indian market in 2025. This electric car will be developed by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki together for the Indian market.
