- Likely to be offered in mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid powertrains

- To be unveiled on 1 July

Ever since the signing up of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Toyota and Suzuki in 2017, we have only seen re-badged versions being rolled out under the former’s portfolio. Well, finally it’s time for both the carmakers to introduce two new models that are developed by the joint collaboration. In a release from Toyota, it has been confirmed that the new model which will be christened 'Urban Cruiser Hyryder' will enter production in August at the brand’s Bidadi plant in Karnataka.

Toyota’s mid-size SUV to debut first

It will be Toyota who will premiere the new SUV in the coming month on 1 July. This will be followed by Maruti’s version of the same SUV. As for the powertrains, both the SUVs are expected to be offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine in two states of tune – mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid.

While Maruti already has mild-hybrid technology in several of its models, with this model Toyota will bring its strong-hybrid technology expertise to the table.

Expected launch timeline

With the global unveiling of Toyota’s SUV slated for 1 July, we expect it to be launched in the country in the coming months. Thereafter, Maruti Suzuki will also introduce its version (codenamed YFG) around the same time. Again, both the SUVs will be manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Karnataka.