Toyota will be displaying the following crossovers, minivans, hatchbacks, and sedans at the 2023 Auto Expo. Also included with each vehicle is our estimate of how probable it is that we will see that specific vehicle at the 2023 Auto Expo and our level of confidence in that estimate. Let’s get started with the vehicles that are most likely to be present at the auto show.
2023 Toyota Innova Hycross – Confidence: High
Toyota’s new Hycross has some large shoes to fill, especially considering it lacks a ladder frame chassis and diesel engine like its predecessor. It will have to prove itself worthy of the Innova name, and we can count on Toyota to do anything they can to help, including showcasing it at the Auto Expo 2023. Because of this, Toyota will be announcing the Hycross’s pricing during the 2023 Auto Expo.
One of the most notable aspects of the Innova Hycross is its hybrid powertrain, which allows it to achieve a fuel economy of 21.1kmpl, which is exceptional for a three-row D-segment gasoline vehicle.
It also has features like:
- Captain chairs in the 2nd row with power reclining and folding ottoman
- Power driver seat with memory and welcome function
- ADAS features
- 2nd and 3rd row AC vents
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- 2-zone auto AC
- JBL sound system with 8 speakers and 1 subwoofer
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
The specifications sheet indicates that the two Hycross engines produce comparable amounts of power and torque. When it comes to manoeuvrability, though, the electric motor in a hybrid engine really shines.
The Mahindra XUV700 7-seat, the Scorpio N, the Marazzo, the Hyuncai Alcazar, the MG Hector Plus, the Kia Carens, the Carnival, and the Tata Safari are some of the other D-segment 3-row vehicles that the Hycross competes with. When it goes on sale in the beginning of January 2023, we anticipate a price range of Rs. 17.50 lakh to Rs. 29.0 lakh (ex-showroom).
2023 Toyota Taisor (Baleno-Based Crossover) – Confidence: High
Toyota recently removed the Urban Cruiser from their India website and it looks like a rebadged Brezza is not coming in to replace the older Urban Cruiser. A handshake of this kind would have taken place by now if it were going to take place. Because the interval between Toyota and Maruti showcasing their respective cars has so far remained short. The launch timeline for the Baleno and Glanza and the Grand Vitara and Hyryder confirms this notion.
Seeing as we can now safely rule out the possibility that Maruti Suzuki is providing Toyota with access to their Brezza production line in order to fill the Urban Cruiser’s shoes, we can conclude that the Taisor is an entirely new vehicle. We think the Baleno-based crossover has the potential to occupy that market niche and take on the Taisor name as the sub-4m crossover that has hitherto eluded the brand.
Since Maruti Suzuki and Toyota already share the Baleno’s chassis and powertrain, it’s likely that they’ll also share the crossover’s architecture.
A more affordable option than the discontinued Urban Cruiser, the Toyota Taisor will appeal to those looking for a replacement for the discontinued Glanza. This vehicle could put Toyota in direct competition with other budget B2-segment and B1-segment SUVs/crossovers, such as the Tata Punch, Tiago NRG, Renault Kiger normal petrol, Nissan Magnite normal petrol, and perhaps the future Nios-based SUV from Hyundai.
The Toyota Taisor, which will go on sale in the first half of 2023, will likely use the same engines as the Toyota Glanza.
Toyota Corolla Flex Fuel Hybrid – Confidence: High
There has been a significant delay in our participation in the green revolution, which has already swept the developed world. The flex-fuel station is one of the stops on our itinerary.
Toyota is ahead of the curve in terms of flex fuel technology, which the government is trying to encourage more widespread use of. The flex-fuel Corolla hybrid is currently in use in a pilot program, and we anticipate that Toyota will present this vehicle and their expertise in the field at the Auto Expo 2023. Since it uses a hybrid engine and can be fueled with cheaper fuel than gasoline, we anticipate that Toyota will highlight the vehicle’s low total cost of ownership.
In 2025-26, the government is projected to begin distributing fuel with a 20% ethanol blend. The flex-fuel Corolla is a test bed for alternative fuel vehicles. Toyota has not yet announced whether the Corolla or another model will be their first flex fuel vehicle. Toyota plans to introduce the first flex-fuel vehicle in 2025, which is in line with government targets.
Toyota Crysta Classic – Confidence: High
Toyota has not only unveiled the Innova Hycross, but also stated that the sales of the body-on-frame Innova Crysta will continue. Beginning in February of 2023, customers will be able to reserve the vehicle. It’s unknown if this car will carry the Innova badge or not and whether it’ll get a petrol-CNG bi-fuel option or the fan-favourite diesel engine.
Whether they choose compressed natural gas (CNG) or diesel, there will be significant overlap in costs. The powertrain choice for the Crysta will substantially effect the ex-showroom price. Therefore, a pricing range for this vehicle is quite hard to predict. For now, we can only wait for the specifics to come by at the Auto Expo.
Toyota Prius – Confidence: Medium
Toyota recently revealed the global next-generation update for the Prius. We know 2 things:
- Toyota are highly bullish on the hybrid powertrain for India, so much so that they are including ‘Hy’ in the names of their recent cars. Even their pilot project car for flex fuel testing is a hybrid.
- The Prius is synonymous with hybrid. It’s what established Toyota has the most reliable hybrid car manufacturer with more than 2 decades of experience under their belt.
Showcasing the Prius does 2 things for Toyota:
- It conveys that they are the leaders in hybrid powertrain technology
- They are committed to making even the sedans desirable and it shows in the 2023 Prius
The design of the Prius has always helped their owners make a statement. It stood out and attracted attention but design and style were never its strong points. The 2023 Prius finally appeals to the head and the heart. So, we’re hoping that Toyota will showcase their hybrid showstopper at the 2023 Auto Expo.
In terms of launch timeline, we’re not expecting it to go on sale in India, but if it does, it will serve as the halo product and have a price tag to match. Considering that it might only come as a full import, we should expect it to cost at least Rs. 60.0 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Mirai – Confidence: Medium
The Toyota Mirai is another another showpiece model that exemplifies the company’s proficiency in developing vehicles that run on alternate fuels. Like an electric automobile, the Mirai’s hydrogen fuel-cell engine produces no pollution. But unlike an EV, you can get a full tank of compressed hydrogen in about 5 minutes, and you can drive for about 650 kilometres before refuelling.
Another automobile that shows off its capabilities but won’t be sold anytime soon. However, it does strengthen Toyota’s reputation as a reliable manufacturer of fuel-cell vehicles. At first glance, it may seem like a waste of time and money to have a booth at the fair if you’re not trying to sell cars.
Only Hyundai, another Korean automaker, has announced plans to sell hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in India.