Toyota lines up four new models for India this year

After a relatively quiet 2021, with new launches limited to just facelifts for the Fortuner and Innova Crysta, Toyota has kick-started 2022 in India with the Camry facelift's launch and is lining up four more models for the country this year. So, here’s a rundown of all the upcoming new launches from the Japanese carmaker this year.

Toyota Hilux (launch on January 20)

The Hilux will be the first all-new product from Toyota in India in a really long time, and more importantly, it will finally expand the lifestyle pickup truck segment in our market which currently has just the Isuzu V-Cross. Slated to be launched on January 20, the Hilux is based on the same IMV-2 platform that also underpins the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner.

Just like the Fortuner, the Hilux will be assembled here in India via SKD (semi-knocked down) kits at Toyota's plant in Karnataka, and as such, will see some parts sharing with the former. Under the hood, the Hilux will be powered by the Fortuner’s 2.8-litre diesel engine, possibly in the same 204hp specification. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual and an automatic, similar to the Fortuner.

The Hilux will be sold in a single dual-cab body style, giving it a very unique identity in the slew of SUVs and cars sold in our market. It will be equipped with four-wheel-drive and electronic differential locks, among other features. We expect the Hilux to be priced around the Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) mark in India.

Heavily updated Toyota Glanza

The Glanza is, of course, a slightly tweaked version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and it’s no secret that Maruti is working on a comprehensive makeover for the Baleno. After the launch of the updated Baleno in February, Toyota will follow suit with an updated Glanza later in the year.

Just like the new Baleno, expect the Glanza to get similar styling tweaks inside out. These will include a new front and rear fascia, some sheet metal changes, new alloy wheels, an all-new dashboard on the inside, and a new infotainment system, among others.

Under the hood, the updated Baleno will remain unchanged mechanically, which means it will continue with the current 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol and 90hp, 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol engines. Both these units are offered on the Glanza, which too is expected to remain mechanically unchanged.

Heavily updated Toyota Urban Cruiser

Following the steps of the new 2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Urban Cruiser is also expected to get a major update. The new Brezza will come by April this year. There will be sheet metal changes, a lot more features and equipment, and even a sunroof for the first time on the updated Brezza.  

Under the hood, the updated Brezza will continue to be powered by the sole 105hp, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, thus remaining mechanically unchanged. The updated Urban Cruiser will, thus, be meted out the same treatment.

Toyota’s Creta rivalling midsize SUV

This could arguably be Toyota’s most important upcoming new launch for India in 2022. As reported by us last week, this new model, too, will be shared between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, but unlike the Glanza and the Urban Cruiser that are built by Maruti and supplied to Toyota, it will be Toyota who will be building both models at its plant in Bidadi, Karnataka, and supplying it to Maruti.

Now these two SUVs will be all-new models from the ground up, built on a new architecture based on the Daihatsu-sourced modular platform called DNGA. While specific details about their powertrain are not yet known, it is understood that both models will employ a strong hybrid system, similar to what’s found on the Camry. That would give them quite an advantage in the midsize SUV segment, where competition is very stiff, and Maruti-Toyota would need quite some distinction to budge buyers from the Hyundai Creta.

It is also understood that both Maruti and Toyota models will look significantly different from each other inside-out, unlike the current examples of badge engineering from both brands. They are also expected to be feature-equipped at par with their rivals, as that is one of the biggest drawing factors for buyers in this segment. Both SUVs are expected to launch in quick succession, just before Diwali this year.

What are your thoughts on Toyota's upcoming line-up of cars for India? Let us know in the comments below.