The alliance between the two biggest Japanese automakers in India i.e., Suzuki & Toyota has given birth to a few badge-engineered models from Toyota like the Toyota Glanza and the Urban Cruiser that were essentially Suzuki products namely the Baleno and Vitara Brezza. The first generation of these badge-engineered models came with just minor changes to the grille and replaced badging, but the new generation is far more distinguishable in terms of looks as we saw in the new Glanza.
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In other markets, even Suzuki retails rebadged Toyota models for e.g., Toyota’s RAV-4 is sold as Suzuki’s A-Cross. Now in India, Toyota has been spotted testing the Innova Hycross, which will be replacing the popular Innova Crysta. There is a high possibility that Maruti may launch its own version of the Innova Hycross. This will be the first time that a Toyota product will be sold under Suzuki’s brand in the country. The new Innova Hycross & its Suzuki counterpart will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-C Architecture with styling differences to the bumpers, headlights, taillights, front grille, and alloy wheels expected according to the respective brands’ design languages.
Just like we saw in the Hyryder-Grand Vitara duo, differences in the interior could be limited to the shade of the upholstery and a few differences in the trim. Expect both the MPVs to be loaded with a fully digital instrument cluster in higher variants, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, multiple USB outlets, wireless charging, a soft touch dashboard, an electronic parking brake, and LED headlamps. Powering both the MPVs will be a set of naturally aspirated and strong hybrid petrol engines. The Hybrid unit is expected to be a 2.0-liter unit paired with an electric motor. Being a Hybrid powertrain, the MPVs will most probably feature the option of an automatic transmission only. Power will be sent to the front wheels, unlike the current Innova which is rear-wheel drive only. With the launch of the Innova Hycross expected in early next year, Suzuki could launch its iteration a few months later through its premium Nexa dealership network.