Toyota have recently launched the Yaris mid-size Sedan to the Indian market. The Honda City rival received a good response here which has circulated to thoughts on whether Toyota will be keen on launching the hatchback version of The Yaris. Toyota sells the Yaris in both hatchback and sedan forms in other markets.
Toyota-badged Maruti Baleno may be released instead of the Toyota Yaris hatchback in India.
N Raja, Deputy Manager Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, announced that the company has ruled-out the hatchback version of the Yaris for India. Instead, the Japanese auto maker may launch a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno sold here. Toyota will use its recently struck deal with Maruti Suzuki in order to launch the vehicle.
The Toyota-badged Baleno will be sitting above the Liva in Toyota’s India line up. Coming back to the Yaris hatchback, the reason of ruling it out remains unknown. One factor would be the cost of developing the car in India.
India-Spec Toyota Yaris hatchback might have required shortening of its length and reduction in safety features.
And the other reason will be the popularity of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno here. The latter would come as a cheaper option and with the proven track record of the Baleno’s success. Toyota is known for its quality and reliability in the long term, so the Toyota-badged Baleno will find some takers.
It seems that Toyota have a winning formula in the hands. The Toyota-badged Baleno is expected to arrive sometime next year. Toyota will look forward to a bright future in the Indian market with the Baleno, which is a big seller here.
To read more on Toyota Yaris, Click here
Also see: India-bound New Toyota Yaris Cross revealed
Source: carandbike
