Toyota is all set to launch the all-new Hyryder SUV in India. With launch slated for 1st of July, official teasers are now out. At the same time, we do know a few important pointers about this hybrid mid-size SUV. Do remember, this is Toyota is coming up with an all-new product after ages! Will this help them get a sizeable market share?
Made with Maruti
Both Toyota and Maruti have jointly developed this new product. The companies have been working closely for years now, with Toyota selling re-branded Baleno (Glanza) and Brezza (Urban Cruiser) in India. They will soon sell the Ciaz and Ertiga under new names as well. Maruti too will launch their own version of the Hyryder later this year. As we understand, production might only happen at Toyota’s plant in Karnataka.
Competes with Creta & Seltos
Both Maruti and Toyota do not have any options in the Rs 11-16 lakh bracket of mid-size SUVs. This segment has products like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor among others. While Maruti has the Breeza (new coming on the 30th June) and Toyota offers the Urban Cruiser, these are in the Rs 7-10 lakh bracket. The Hyryder will have unique features that will give it an edge over other mid-size SUVs. The only factor where the Korean offerings are better is in terms of offering a Diesel engine option.
Proper Hybrid Tech
Yes, the Hyryder will not be a mild hybrid like we see in current Maruti offerings. Toyota already sells hybrids worldwide and the Hyryder will be the only / first SUV in its segment to come with an EV only mode too. If the battery has enough power, you will be able to drive the Hyryder on electric power only. This is much like what we see in the new Honda City hybrid. Ofcourse the pure EV mode lasts a few km only but in urban runs, helps bump up fuel economy by a huge margin. The battery for the hybrid set-up gets charged when the petrol engine runs, plus of course during braking via regeneration of energy.
Will get AWD (all-wheel drive)
Another highlight will be the availability of AWD in the Hyryder. This is where Suzuki’s tech comes into play. The Japanese maker is known for All-Grip AWD system that sends power to all the four wheels as and when required. We are told the Hyryder will get this in the higher versions. This could make it the most affordable AWD 5-door in India.
Feature loaded
The Toyota Hyryder Hybrid will also get ample features including a sunroof, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), HUD (heads up display), connected apps and as many as 6 Airbags. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be on offer and the usual suite of climate control, push button start, Digital display et al will be offered.
Toyota Hyryder Hybrid Prices
We expect the Toyota Hyryder to have a starting price of Rs 10-11 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. This will be for the manual petrol model with a mild hybrid (SHVS) set-up. The higher versions with full hybrid and automatic might go as high as Rs 16-18 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
