Introduction
Toyota will come back in the very competitive sub-4 compact SUV segment with the Taisor. It’s a badged shared version of the Maruti Fronx and is expected to be offered with both petrol and CNG power. The car will be unveiled on April 3 with prices expected to be announced at the end of the month.
Design and features
The lone teaser image showcases a design very similar to that of the Fronx but with a revised grille, headlamp design and wheels. The cabin will go unchanged save for the badging and the instrument cluster. We expect it to be offered in the E, S and G variants across both petrol and CNG options. The top-spec G variant will get features like a 360-degree camera, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control with rear AC vents and height adjustment for the driver’s seat.
Engine and specification
This is where things will get interesting about the sharing agreement between both manufacturers. Logically, the 1.2-litre petrol should be the engine of choice as this is the same used in the Glanza and that the 1.0-litre turbo will be a Maruti exclusive. However, Maruti is seeing almost 90 per cent of its Fronx sales with the 1.2 and just 10 per cent from the turbo petrol. It would seem beneficial for Maruti to push this engine in a higher ratio with the Taisor as it would give the powertrain a much-needed sales boost.
Pricing
We expect Toyota to price it in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 14 lakh. This will put it at a premium of Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh over the equivalent Fronx variants. Prices are expected to be officially announced at the end of April.