In March 2018, the two Japanese carmakers, Toyota and Suzuki entered into an agreement, to sell cars and develop technology together. With India in focus, here this will deal will result in Toyota selling Baleno and Vitara Brezza while Maruti gets to sell Corolla via their Nexa dealers.
The first cars to be launched under this setup, is Toyota Baleno, which will happen in a few months. After that, it will be the Toyota Brezza in 2020 and last will be Maruti Corolla sedan launch.
Changes on board the Toyota badged Maruti Brezza could be limited to just a few cosmetic updates. As any major changes in design will involve huge price hike; which is something the company wants to avoid so as to tap the company’s existing customer base.
These changes would include a new front grille, revised front bumper and headlamps. Minimal modifications to the rear could include Toyota’s distinctive tail lights and added chrome accents along with a new rear bumper design. Interiors could also receive some changes in color scheme with better quality material. Changes could also include a larger touchscreen infotainment system and dual zone climate control.
Safety features will be same as seen on current Brezza, which is rated at 4 star by Global NCAP. Engine options on offer with the new Toyota Brezza could include the 1.5 liter petrol and 1.5 liter diesel engines from Maruti Suzuki. The 1.5 liter engine has already debuted on board the Ciaz and Ertiga. 1.5 liter diesel will soon debut on both the cars. The petrol engine is rated at 104 PS / 138 Nm while diesel engine is rated at 95 PS and 225 Nm.
Both these engines have been developed in-house by Maruti Suzuki. They will be sold as BS4 initially, but once the BS6 emission norms are implemented in 2020, the engines too will be updated to meet BS6 norms. The Maruti Suzuki re-badged Corolla sedan, which is set for launch in 2020, will also come in with these new 1.5 liter petrol and diesel engines.
With the launch of re-badged Baleno and Brezza, Toyota aims to increase their annual sales in the country by 20,000 to 25,000 in the first phase. This should be enough for them to replace Mahindra, and enter the top 3 car maker’s list in the country. Toyota will manufacture both Baleno and Brezza at their plant in Bangalore. Both these cars will be sold and serviced via authorized Toyota dealers across India.
