Toyota Taisor (rebadged Maruti Fronx) crossover SUV launch by April 2024

Following the surge in its overall sales volumes attributed to Maruti Suzuki’s badge-engineered models such as Glanza, Rumion, and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota is gearing up to introduce its version of the Fronx compact SUV. Rumored to be named “Taisor,” Toyota’s proprietary adaptation of the Fronx is slated to debut sometime in the first quarter of 2024 – before April of next year.

The information comes from ZigWheels. With this addition, Toyota’s Fronx version will become the fifth model presently shared between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. Currently, Toyota collaborates with Maruti Suzuki on Baleno, Vitara Brezza, Ertiga, and Grand Vitara. Conversely, Maruti Suzuki shares the Innova Hycross with Toyota, marketed as Invicto through its NEXA chain of dealerships. This upcoming model will mark Toyota’s reentry into the compact SUV segment after its departure following the discontinuation of the Urban Cruiser, essentially a badge-engineered version of the previous-generation Vitara Brezza.

Similar to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Glanza, Toyota’s badge-engineered variant of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx will exhibit slight exterior distinctions. Anticipate a sleeker front fascia, distinct wheel cap and alloy wheel designs, and revised headlamps and tail lamps in Toyota’s version of the Fronx. Like the Fronx, Toyota’s variant will also feature LED illumination for headlamps and tail lamps in its higher-spec variants.

The interior layout of Toyota’s Fronx will mirror Maruti Suzuki’s offering in the compact SUV, which itself shares features with the Baleno. However, expect to encounter a different dual-tone interior scheme in Toyota’s Fronx. Additionally, akin to the Fronx, Toyota’s iteration will boast features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree parking camera, head-up display, wireless charger, and six airbags in the higher-spec variants.

Toyota will also adopt the current engine options available in the Fronx for its version of the compact SUV. These include the 1.2-litre 90 PS naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options, as well as the 1.0-litre 100 PS turbocharged petrol engine with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. Moreover, expect Toyota’s compact SUV variant to offer CNG variants based on the 1.2-litre petrol engine, similar to the Fronx.

With this new model, Toyota will re-enter the competitive arena of compact SUVs, currently populated by models like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Fronx, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite.