New Toyota Compact Hybrid SUV Will Be Based On A Localised Version Of The TNGA-B Platform

• Likely to be powered by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. 

• Will be produced at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. 

• The Toyota and Maruti-badged models will bear distinct styling cues.  

• Likely to be introduced in mid-2022. 

Toyota has a compact SUV in the pipeline for India, and according to sources in the know, it’ll be based on a localised version of the TNGA-B platform that underpins compact Toyota models in other countries. The upcoming SUV will be shared with Maruti Suzuki and will rival the Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Hector.

Global TNGA-B platform for reference

Currently, the SUV is known by its Toyota-assigned codename, D22. Toyota’s move to bring its TNGA-B platform to India is similar to Skoda-VW’s development of the MQB A0 IN platform. The latter is a heavily localised version of the VW Group global compact car platform, and it underpins both sedan and SUV models in India such as the VW Taigun and Skoda Slavia. 

Toyota Yaris Cross SUV for representational purposes

The Toyota TNGA-B platform is also compatible with hybrid powertrains. We expect Toyota’s next SUV to get a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine similar to the global Yaris Cross compact SUV. In the strong hybrid Yaris Cross, the engine is paired with an electric motor for a total output of 115PS.

Also read:

• Toyota Teases Hyundai Creta-Rivalling Hybrid SUV; Unveil By June 2022

• Upcoming Toyota-Maruti Compact SUV And Creta Rival To Be Produced By Toyota

If the power and torque specs don’t sound exciting yet, it’s because the compact SUV segment offers powerful turbo petrol and diesel powertrains in India. Nevertheless, the Yaris Cross is rated in other countries for a stellar fuel economy of around 26kmpl!

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With rising fuel prices and a shift towards electrification, petrol-electric hybrids are seen as a bridge between ICE cars and full EVs. Recently, Honda unveiled the City e:HEV in India with a strong hybrid powertrain, and strong hybrid vehicles from other manufacturers could also make it to our shores. The Toyota-Maruti compact hybrid SUV is expected to debut in June, and will be launched around August 2022. It’ll have no direct strong hybrid rivals in the country.