This all-new SUV from Toyota will be based on the TNGA platform, the same which underpins the CH-R crossover; India launch could be on the cards.
It is to be believed that Toyota’s Thailand division is currently in the early stages of development of an all-new SUV based on the same underpinnings as that of the CH-R crossover. Toyota’s New Global Architecture, short of TNGA, in addition to the CH-R, also underpins the current generation Prius and Camry sedan. This all-new SUV from the Japanese automaker is going to get an upright stance in contrast to the CH-R which comes with a crossover design.
Still, in its early stages of development, this all-new SUV, when launched in Thailand, is going to sit below the CH-R in the automaker’s model line-up. Developed in Thailand, this new SUV from Toyota will have this country as its primary market. The global unveiling of the same is likely to take place, not before mid-2020. When launched in the international market, this vehicle will compete against the likes of Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3 among others.
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The new Toyota SUV based on the CH-R platform could get two powertrain options. These will include petrol and a petrol-hyrbid alternative. The petrol engine is likely to be a 1.2-litre, turbocharged unit. While the hybrid option will be a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor.
Recently, there have been a lot of speculations regarding Toyota considering to launch a new SUV in the Indian market. Currently, the Japanese automaker does not have a single utility vehicle offering below the premium SUV. With the Fortuner leading the segment, it is quite apparent that there scope for a compact SUV from Toyota below the INR 20 lakh price range.
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If launched in India, this SUV will sit above the Toyota rebadged Vitara Brezza. It is likely to cost somehwere in-between the price range of INR 12 lakh to INR 16 lakh. Competition will include the likes of Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and Maruti’s new Compact SUV.
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