RUMOR: New Details on Toyota’s Upcoming Compact SUV; May Be Based on Etios

What has been on and off air is the speculative bit about Toyota’s plans of a compact SUV for our market. It is the Rush compact SUV that was being talked about to be making an Indian entry, however we have some new details coming in which point at an interesting prospect.

Rumoured insider information from Toyota’s boardrooms has been pointing at the possible development of a new compact SUV as well as an all-new Innova for the Indian market. As Toyota looks to grab a larger share of the Indian market, these speculated vehicles could become important cogs in their business juggernaut.

Toyota-Etios-SedanThe alleged tip-offs from an insider of the Japanese conglomerate, thanks to a Team-BHP forum member, provide quite a few details about the upcoming Toyota SUV. According to the claimant here are the new bits about Toyota’s new compact SUV:

  • The new SUV will be based on the Etios platform
  • It could be a front-wheel driven vehicle
  • It will share numerous parts with the Toyota Etios sedan (As a first, we pray its the driver-side console please, unlike the Liva!)
  • It is also being said that the new Toyota SUV will be offered with engine options similar to that of the Toyota Etios. The choices are 1.5 litre Petrol engine and the 1.4 litre D-4D Diesel engine.
Toyota_Rush_Compact_SUV_India
Rush was the one which was reportedly what Toyota was considering for India. Click pic for details

The compact SUV segment is the hot-and-happening zone of the Indian market, as prospective hatchback buyers line up for more brawnish looks as well as nimble driving characteristics in vehicles such as Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Toyota is late to the party, and time alone will tell if the Etios-based compact SUV will be able to make much of an impact considering that both the Etios twins themselves are not real hot sellers in their respective segments.

Well, these are still rumoured bits but what gets clearer is the fact that Toyota is indeed working on a compact SUV. We wish they speeden up the process (and share some sneaking bits with us ;)) and launch the vehicle soon before many new entrants (read Hyundai and Maruti) venture into this segment.

Also Read: Spotted: What is Toyota RAV4 Compact Crossover Doing in Pune?

 

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