Toyota has finally unveiled its new sedan- Toyota Belta in the Middle East. The Belta is based on Maruti Ciaz which is being sold in the Indian market. Toyota is currently selling the rebadged Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza as the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Maruti Baleno as Toyota Glanza in the Indian market. With the introduction of the Belta, Toyota hopes to reach out to sedan buyers in the non-premium segment.
In terms of engine specifications the Toyota Belta is same as the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Under the hood, the Belta is powered by a 1.5-litre, four cylinder petrol engine which will produce maximum power of 105hp and peak torque of 138Nm. The engine is mated with manual as well as automatic gearbox option. However, the sedan is a left-hand-drive (LHD) as against the Maruti Ciaz (which is RHD). The interior and exterior of the Belta is expected to be same or identical as that of the Ciaz.
The Toyota Belta is expected to launch in India in the near future. However, unlike the model launched in the African markets, the Toyota Belta will be right-wheel-drive. It is needless to say that the Toyota Belta will replace the Toyota Yaris in India. The company has already stopped the production of Yaris in India.
Currently in India, Toyota sells 6 cars in India. The Toyota Glanza is the most affordable Toyota car in India (at starting price of Rs 7.49 ex-showroom New Delhi) while the Toyota Vellfire is the most expensive car (at Rs 89.90 lakh ex-showroom New Delhi). The other vehicles offered by Toyota are Fortuner, Innova Crysta, Camry and Urban Cruiser.
Upon its launch, the Toyota Belta will compete with the like of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Vento etc.
Also read: Mercedes-AMG A45 S: India’s fastest hatchback launched at Rs…
Ms Kalinga