- Toyota's all-new premium hatchback will be based on Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
- It is expected to launch in India by June 2019.
- The premium hatchback is codenamed A11.
- Toyota is likely to offer the model in petrol version only.
- Toyota A11 will be produced at the company's Bidadi plant.
Japanese car giant, Toyota is developing an all-new premium hatchback that will be launched in several markets including India. The new premium hatchback will be based on Maruti Suzuki Baleno and it is expected to arrive in India sometime by June 2019. Toyota revealed its plan to come up with a Baleno based premium hatchback in 2018 under the agreement between the two car majors (Toyota and Suzuki). Internally called A11, various parts for the premium hatchback are being sourced from Maruti Suzuki suppliers. According to reports, most of the parts have already been dispatched.
Toyota will manufacture the A11 premium hatchback at its production unit at Bidadi, Karnataka. While Toyota’s version of Baleno will mimic the styling of its donor model, the hatchback will receive new elements such as a new grille, reworked bumpers, etc. in tandem with other Toyota models. The A11 premium hatchback will primarily be a rebadged version of Baleno, akin to other badge-engineered models sold in India.
Toyota is expected to offer the premium hatchback in petrol version only. As for Maruti Suzuki Baleno, it is available with a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol, a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol unit and a smart hybrid variant as well. While Toyota could borrow one of the above units for its premium hatchback, reports suggest Toyota will discontinue higher trims of Etios Liva to make room for A11, which could be available in higher trims only.
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Aside from Baleno, other models such as Ertiga, Vitara Brezza and Ciaz will also be supplied to Toyota for sale in the domestic and African market under the Toyota-Suzuki JV. An all-new C-segment MPV will also be developed jointly by the car makers which will carry Toyota badge. Toyota and Suzuki also intend to co-develop hybrid electric vehicles for the Indian market with Suzuki sourcing hybrid systems from Toyota. On the other hand, Toyota will use Suzuki’s small-capacity petrol engines for the European market, whereas Suzuki will sell Toyota Rav4 EV and the Corolla Estate in the European market.
Source-Autocar India