Autoportal India

Maruti Suzuki and Toyota JV is working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market. Scheduled to be launched before the end of 2022, the new model will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the MG Astor. It will be based on the heavily localised Toyota’s TNGA-B platform, which also underpins the global Corolla Cross.

Toyota will also supply this SUV to Maruti Suzuki, which will be re-badged for the Indian market. The new SUVs will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. The new Toyota D22 SUV is expected to be offered with two petrol engines – one with a mild hybrid system and another with a stronger hybrid system. The regular model is likely to get Suzuki’s 1.5L Dualjet K15C petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid system. The stronger hybrid unit will come with a bigger battery pack and electric motors.