Toyota likely to bring a C segment car

Its like Toyota has figured out all the things! First the company launches its rugged crossover Etios Cross and then within a gap of three weeks, the automaker introduced the next generation Corolla Altis and now if media reports are to believed, the company is planning to bring a new C segment saloon which will sit inbetween Toyota Etios and Toyota Corolla Altis. With the introduction of a new sedan, the automaker looks to tap the sales of Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

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With the C segment getting huge response from the sales of Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Fiat Linea, it may be a profit making decision for Toyota. Earlier it was expected that the company will bring Toyota Vios, a successful model in many Asian countries; but according to the latest reports, the company is planning to bring an economical product. In order to bring an entire new car with new platform requires huge funding, thus the automaker is sticking to its Etios platform only. Spending large amount on R&D is not a kind of right step in this volatile market.

Since the upcoming saloon will lock horns with Honda City and Hyundai Verna, it is expected that company will aggressively place it in the price bracket of Rs 7 to Rs 11 lakh. The carmaker will offer the new sedan in both petrol and diesel fuel trim. Mechanically, the car will in-house the existing 1.5-litre petrol engine along with the 1.4-litre diesel motor.

As most of the manufacturers are now gearing up for the upmarket C segment cars, Toyota too looks optimistic over its new approach. Maruti Suzuki already have plans to bring Ciaz in upcoming months followed by Volkswagen’s facelift version of Vento while Nissan recently refreshed its long caaar Sunny.

Source: Zigwheels