Except for changes in front fascia and wheels, Maruti Suzuki Hycross based MPV will be almost identical to Innova Hycross
The JV between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota is spawning a second vehicle for the former. Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava revealed that the company is sourcing a premium hybrid MPV from Toyota. This ‘path breaker’ vehicle is due for launch in just two months. Unless it is a Vellfire costing Rs. 96.55 lakh (ex-sh), RC Bhargava must be hinting at a badge-engineered Innova Hycross launch under Maruti Suzuki Nexa dealerships.
Manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Bidadi, Karnataka, Maruti’s version of Innova Hycross is likely to get a new fascia. Our render for the same helps visualise how this vehicle would look like. Because RC Bhargava hinted at a “hybrid MPV”, it is unsure whether Maruti will only source the strong hybrid variants or the entire lineup.
Maruti Innova HyCross To Be Manufactured By Toyota
Design differences will include a different face with NEXTre’ DRLs, different wheels and other trivial changes. Dimensionally, it will be similar to Innova Hycross. 4.7m length, 1.84m width, 1.79m height, and 2850 mm in wheelbase are likely. Toyota offers 5 trim levels, G, GX, VX, ZX and ZX (O). These might be equivalent to Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha and Alpha Plus trims offered with Nexa vehicles.
Demand for hybrid variants of Innova HyCross is huge, especially for the top two variants ZX and ZX(O). Innova Hycross sold 5,755 units in March 2023, beating the likes of Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, etc. Such is the demand that Toyota has stopped accepting new bookings of these variants as the waiting period has touched 2.5 years in some cases. To reduce waiting, Toyota will be increasing production from next month. This will not only bring down the waiting period of their existing customers, but will also allow them to manufacture Maruti’s version of Innova Hycross.
Maruti will be selling this new MPV via Nexa outlets. They are not expecting to sell huge numbers. Maruti aims to sell about 10k units of this MPV annually, which means less than 1k units a month. In comparison, Toyota Innova HyCross sales are nearing the 6k per month mark. Prices of Maruti Innova HyCross could be about Rs 50k to Rs 1 lakh more than the Toyota version.
Specs & Features – Maruti Innova
Maruti Suzuki Hycross MPV will be based on Toyota’s global TNGA platform. This is a monocoque construction that yields lighter weight, stiffer chassis, dynamic handling and sorted ride comfort. Hybrid powertrains can offer up to 23.2 km/l. Speaking of powertrains, Toyota’s TNGA 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine comes in non-hybrid and hybrid setups. Non-hybrid setup boasts 171 hp and 205 Nm, mated to a CVT. While Toyota’s 5th gen hybrid tech makes 183.8 hp. Engine’s torque is 188 Nm and motor’s torque is 206 Nm, mated to an e-CVT.
Toyota Safety Sense ADAS Suite is likely to be on offer under a Maruti proprietary name. Making Maruti Suzuki Hycross Based MPV the first ADAS-equipped vehicle for the company for the Indian market. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, 3-row seating, multi-zone climate control, cruise control, powered ottoman function for 2nd-row passengers and more.
New Maruti Suzuki flagship vehicle
The fact that Maruti Suzuki is a budget car maker, is hard to shake off. But they have been making concentrated efforts to uplift their brand image. The company has come a long way in this regard by establishing a separate premium dealer network called Nexa. Now, Maruti Suzuki intends to offer a new flagship based on Innova Hycross. It will be a lot more premium than their existing flagship Grand Vitara, and would cost up to Rs. 39 lakh (on-road, Bengaluru). Upon launch, it will be the most expensive Maruti.
Disclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed.
