The Maruti Suzuki – Toyota partnership has been doing wonders for both brands globally. While Toyota is experiencing much of its sales growth from Maruti-sourced products, Suzuki is getting a ton of technology sharing from Toyota for the international market. It is safe to say that both these carmakers have benefitted a ton from this joint venture. To take this a step forward, Toyota will be incorporating the executive sedan into its lineup in the form of Belta, the badge-engineered Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. As a matter of fact, the reports suggest that the Yaris may be discontinued soon. The new Belta may land up in the dealerships in a couple of months. This decision makes complete sense because the Yaris has never seen great sales and replacing it with the already popular Belta (Ciaz) will surely lead to better sales. Let us take a look at what to expect from the upcoming Toyota Belta.
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Toyota Belta- Exteriors
Being a simple badge-engineered Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, we don’t expect any major changes to the overall design of the Belta. Toyota has recently registered the trademark, Belta in India. This could possibly hint at the name of the upcoming badge-engineered Ciaz. We understand that there will not be any noticeable changes in the exteriors as well as the interiors of the Belta. This is because that was exactly the case with the Glanza and Urban Cruiser also. Therefore, the exterior of the Belta will feature LED auto headlamps with DRLs, chrome inserts at various parts of the front including on the bumper surrounding the fog lamp casing and around the front grille. This gives a bit of bling and a modern appearance to the sedan. The sides are host to 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome door handles with a beltline running underneath the windows. The rear features the LED Taillamps, connected by a chrome strip and chrome surrounds on the bumper housing the braking light. All-in-all, the Belta will be a modern-looking car but identical to the Ciaz.
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Toyota Belta- Interiors, Features and Features
Like the exteriors, the interiors of the Belta will also be similar to the Ciaz. This includes a 7-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and connected car tech with SmartPlay Studio, Navigation, Voice Commands, 6-speaker audio system, Multi-Information Instrument Cluster, Cruise Control, Tilt Steering with Audio Controls, Automatic Climate Control, Rear AC Vents, Rear Sunshade, Leather Seat Upholstrey, Height Adjustable Driver Seat, Bluetooth Connectivity and much more. On the safety front, the Belta might also come with Dual Airbags, Reverse Parking Sensors with Camera, Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, Speed Alert System, Seat-belt Warning, ISOFIX Child Seat mounts and much more.
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Toyota Belta- Engines, Transmissions, Prices & Rivals
The engine options will also be carried on from Ciaz which has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Smart Hybrid Technology making 105 hp and 138 Nm. The transmission duties are carried by either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The prices of the Ciaz range between Rs 8.52 lakh and Rs 11.50 lakh, ex-showroom. We expect the prices around the same region although Toyota might introduce a slight difference in pricing and warranty package. The list of rivals includes Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Rapid and VW Vento. The introduction of Belta might come at the cost of discontinuation of the Yaris which has not been very popular in the segment.
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Source: Autocar India
