By Toyota’s partnership with Maruti Suzuki in India has been fruitful as the re-badged Glanza and Urban Cruiser has been selling really well. Both these models share almost everything except for the badges, which reduce cost and thus making it more profitable. Now the company is planning to replace the slow-selling Yaris with Belta, which is based on the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. There were rumours of the Yaris replacement for quite some time now.
Most of the manufacturers use a different name in markets as Yaris in some markets is known as Vios and Belta in the Australian market. Instead of using a brand new, the company decided to stick to the Belta name as they already use in the International market. Like most of the other re-badged model, the Belta also come with minor exterior tweaks like new grille along with Toyota logo at the front and rear while the interior will be virtually same.
But there is also another reason for the Yaris departure as it will help Toyota to liberate more space in the second plant. Both Toyota and Maruti Suzuki is developing an all-new model to rival Creta, which will be manufactured at this plant. Along with this, Toyota is also planning to introduce some new models to increase sales. The company is already running the first plant on almost full as it churns out the Innova Crysta and Fortuner.
The Belta is likely to be powered by a 1.5 L K-Series petrol engine on the Ciaz and it produces 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto. While Maruti is planning to re-introduce diesel engines in India and the Ciaz might get it. Like other re-badged models, the Belta will be only available on top-spec variants with similar features. The launch is expected to take place in August.
