Toyota Planning New Three Row SUV for India

Toyota cars is planning to introduce a new three-row SUV in India. Currently, the automaker has the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Fortuner as its SUV offerings. The new SUV will be based on the Corolla Cross sold overseas but will be modified for our market. We take a closer look.

Toyota Upcoming SUV: What is it?

The Japanese automaker is looking for a new SUV that will rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and the MG Hector Plus, two models which have proved to be very successful for their respective brands. Codenamed 340D, the new SUV will also fill in the current gap between the Hyryder and the Innova Hycross in Toyota’s lineup.

As far as we know, the three-row SUV will be underpinned by the same TNGA-C platform that is used by the Innova Hycross and Corolla Cross. But compared to the latter’s wheelbase of 2,640 mm, the new SUV will be longer by around 150 mm to accommodate the third row of seats. It will get redesigned C- and D-pillars as well as longer rear doors.

While Toyota is yet to reveal the design, expect the new three-row SUV could get different styling compared to the Corolla Hycross. It will likely get a redesigned front-end including new headlights, grille, and bumper. Other changes will include new alloy wheels, new taillights and a reprofiled, square bootlid.

Toyota Upcoming SUV: Powertrain Details

Globally, the Toyota Corolla Cross is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol motor. For India, the new SUV could borrow the same motors as the Innova Hycross instead. There’s a 2-litre N/A petrol that makes 173 bhp with 209 Nm of peak torque. The 2-litre strong-hybrid motor, expected to be the popular choice, meanwhile makes 184 bhp with 206 Nm of max torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a CVT or e-CVT automatic transmission.

Toyota Upcoming SUV: To be produced at new plant

The new three-row SUV will likely be produced at Toyota’s upcoming third plant in India. The automaker is planning to build a new plant in India that will have an annual production capacity of around 80,000-1,20,000 units and will be scalable to 2 lakh units. This will increase Toyota’s peak output by around 1 lakh to 5 lakh units produced annually. The new plant will likely be built in Karnataka, where Toyota’s existing production facilities are situated.

This new facility will be the main production base of the 340D SUV, with around 60,000 units to be built annually. Additionally, Toyota will also use the new facility as an export hub for the new SUV.

Also Read: BMW X2 Teased Ahead of Global Debut