Toyota is planning to add three new models to its India lineup before the end of 2023. This includes the Vellfire premium MPV and two new rebadged models in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. According to the latest reports, Toyota is going to launch the first model as early as next month. We take a closer look at the upcoming models.
Toyota Rumion: Launch in August
Toyota badge-engineered version of the Maruti Ertiga is slated to launch first. The automaker already sells the rebadged Ertiga, known as the Rumion, in the South African market. Maruti makes and exports the MPV from India, and reports suggest that the India-spec Rumion will be similar to the export version.
The new Toyota Rumion will feature a few cosmetic tweaks to help it differentiate itself from the Ertiga. Rumours suggest the new MPV will get different fog lamp surrounds and alloy wheel designs. Moving inside, the four-wheeler could get a blacked-out interior compared to the Ertiga’s beige theme.
Powering the Rumion will be the same 1.5-litre K-Series petrol engine as the Ertiga. This unit is rated for 103 bhp and 137 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options could include a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Toyota Vellfire Next-Gen: Coming in September
Following the Rumion launch will be the Toyota Vellfire, the brand’s premium MPV offering. The next-gen model was unveiled globally last month. It is slated to arrive in India in September, with some dealerships already accepting unofficial bookings.
Toyota says the all-new Vellfire is even more luxurious than before. The front end gets a large horizontally-slatted grille flanked by slim LED headlights while the bumper houses the LED fog lamps with vertical chrome surrounds. The side profile is typically MPV-ish with a short bonnet and a long and large window line with chrome surrounds. At the rear, the Vellfire gets full LED tail lights connected by a full-width LED light bar.
Inside, the new Vellfire will be offered in a 6-seat layout with airline-style reclining seats for the second row. Other notable features include a large infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging at the rear, a 23-speaker audio system, dual sunroofs, reading lights, ambient lighting and more.
Toyota will offer the new Vellfire with a 2.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain. The Atkinson-cycle engine is paired with two electric motors, making a combined 264 bhp with 204 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to an e-CVT automatic transmission.
Toyota Taisor: Launch By 2023 Festive Season
The last Toyota model to be launched in 2023 will be the Taisor. Like the Rumion, the Taisor will be a rebadged version of the new Maruti Fronx crossover. It will likely feature minor cosmetic changes like new front and rear bumpers, a different grille, and a unique alloy wheel design.
The interior of the Taisor will be identical to the Fronx, except for the new interior trim and upholstery colour. In terms of features, it will likely get a 9-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, and more.
The Taisor will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 89 bhp with 113 Nm of peak torque. Toyota may also offer the 1.0-litre Boosterjet unit that makes 100 bhp with 148 Nm of max torque. A 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT, and a 6-speed automatic will be the transmission choices.
Read Also: Tata Motors to Launch Revamped SUV Line-Up Before the End of 2023
