Taking ahead the technology-sharing arrangement, Toyota is all set to introduce an all-new product that they plan on naming the Taisor. It’s based on the Maruti Fronx which has not only received immense success since its launch, but has also given other compact SUVs a run for their money.
What is it?
Similar to the Fronx being based on the Baleno, the Taisor is based on Toyota's Glanza, and continues to bring forward Toyota's own design elements. Most prominent is the sleek clip-like DRL element, a similar design seen on the face of the Urban Cruiser.
Toyota will also give the Taisor its own grille and bumper design. However, the connected taillight seems to be carried forward from the Fronx. Good thing, because the Urban Cruiser misses out on this while the Grand Vitara does not, and yes, we all love connected taillamps.
What powers the Taisor?
Powering the Taisor will be the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine with 90hp and 113Nm, and it will have an option of a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. It will be interesting to see if the Taisor gets the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine as well, which adds another 10hp and 34Nm more to the table, although at a cost. The good news is that if this engine is introduced, it will likely be offered with a 6-speed manual along with a torque converter, which is generally preferred over an AMT.
In terms of features, the Taisor is expected to come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, head-up display, automatic lights, and paddle shifters only available with the automatic transmission, and an auto-start stop function.
As before, we expect the Taisor to be offered at prices and variant segments where the Fronx does not, to ensure even distribution of sales and allocations. Expect a wider range of colors for the Taisor, like the tangy orange teased here, and with a different interior color palette, hopefully on the lighter side.
When launched, the Taisor will go up against other SUVs priced in the same bracket, like the Kiger, Magnite, Punch, and entry variants of the Sonet, Venue, and the Tata Punch. With its competitive pricing, feature set, and established Toyota brand name, the Taisor is poised to be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
