2024 Toyota Camry Launched In India At Rs 48 Lakh; Now...
- Dec 11, 2024
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Toyota's popularity in India began with models like the Qualis, followed by the Innova and more recently, the Fortuner. While the brand has had a presence across various segments, its recent partnership with Suzuki has shifted focus to rebadged models, rather than introducing new models that car enthusiasts would love.
This got us wondering about what Toyota offers in our adjacent nation, Pakistan. While some models are common, there are 7 Toyota cars available in Pakistan that we do not get and would like to see offered on our shores.
While the Yaris may not be new to you, as it was sold in India until 2021 with a sub-Rs 10 lakh price tag. It came equipped with features like powered seats and 7 airbags as standard and was offered with a 108 PS/140 Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The model sold in Pakistan is now available with two petrol engine options: a 98 PS 1.3-litre unit and a 106 PS 1.6-litre unit. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a CVT-type automatic transmission.
In today's market, if Toyota had continued to offer the Yaris in India, it could have been a strong competitor to sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and VW Virtus. But it could also be interpreted as Toyota paving the way for a rebadged Maruti Ciaz.
Sold in India for nearly two decades across three generations, the Toyota Corolla was discontinued in 2020 due to the introduction of BS6 norms. However, emission standards cannot be considered the sole reason for its exit, as Indian buyers increasingly shifted toward the growing popularity of SUVs.
Nevertheless, if Toyota had continued offering the Corolla in India, it might have featured a hybrid powertrain, and we would have loved to see the latest-gen model available in markets like the U.S. That said, the model currently sold to our neighbours is the facelifted version of the 11th-gen Corolla, the same model last seen on our roads. It gets two naturally aspirated petrol engine options, paired to manual and automatic gearbox choices.
Toyota in Pakistan also offers the Corolla Cross SUV, which is slightly larger than the Urban Cruiser Hyryder sold in India. Its cabin layout is largely similar to the Hyryder, but with a distinct red interior theme, giving it a more premium feel.
The Corolla Cross is available with a 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine that produces a combined output of 122 PS, higher than the Hyryder's 116 PS 1.5-litre hybrid engine. Additionally, the 1.8-litre engine is available with non-hybrid tech, delivering 140 PS and 172 Nm.
Similar to the Hilux available in India, Toyota offers the pickup as the Hilux Revo in Pakistan. However, it is also offered with the GR-S variant in our neighbouring nation, featuring an exclusive styling kit similar to the Fortuner GR-S in India. This kit includes GR badging on the grille and tailgate, along with blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Hilux Revo GR-S boasts an all-black cabin with red accents, suede leather seat upholstery, and GR-engraved headrests. It is powered by the same 204 PS/500 Nm 2.8-litre diesel engine found in the Indian Hilux. If introduced in India, the Hilux GR-S would offer a sense of exclusivity and added sporty appeal. However, it would likely command a price premium over the Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag of the top-spec High AT variant.
If you’re considering the base Standard variant of the Hilux in India, you might need to explore higher-spec variants instead, as the Standard trim is primarily targeted for commercial use. However, in Pakistan, the same standard variant is available as the Hilux E, serving as the entry-level trim.
It features basic elements like halogen headlamps, 17-inch steel wheels, and a simple interior with fabric seats and essential amenities. The Hilux E is powered by the same 2.8-litre diesel engine, but produces 176 PS and 420 Nm, and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox only. Had it been offered in India, it would have attracted budget-conscious buyers, positively impacting its sales.
Buyers in Pakistan can also opt for the Hilux with a single cabin, offering more cargo capacity while seating two passengers. This variant is aimed at commercial use. Additionally, a deckless version is available, allowing for further customization based on the owner's preferences.
It shares the same basic features as the Hilux E. However, the 2.8-litre diesel engine in the Hilux Single Cabin produces 150 PS and 343 Nm. It also gets an option of a 2.7-litre petrol engine, delivering 166 PS and 245 Nm. Transmission option is limited to a 5-speed manual, but consumers do get the choice of a 4x4 drivetrain.
Last but not least is the Land Cruiser Prado, a nameplate Toyota offered in India until 2020 before it was discontinued due to BS6 emission norms. The model currently sold in Pakistan is the fifth-generation version, unveiled globally in 2023, which we are still awaiting.
In Pakistan, the Prado is available with two engine options: a 204 PS 2.8-litre diesel and a 166 PS 2.7-litre petrol. It features muscular styling with go-anywhere capability, and a practical yet upscale interior with three-row seating. We would love to see the Prado return to India, offering a more rugged alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and a more affordable option compared to its larger sibling, the Land Cruiser 300.
While Toyota maintains a strong presence in India, the shift to rebadged models has limited the options for its enthusiasts. Currently, the only Toyota sedan available is the Camry, and re-introducing options like the Corolla would not only provide consumers with more diverse choices but also cater to Toyota devotees.
As for the Hilux range, while it remains a niche offering, introducing variants like the single-cabin version could appeal to commercial buyers.
All in all, introducing the above-mentioned offerings would strengthen Toyota's foothold in India.
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