Is Toyota mulling a new SUV on Etios platform?

Toyota Motors is leaving no stone unturned to expand its product portfolio in India. The Toyota Fortuner SUV and Toyota Innova MPV have their own place in the Indian car market. The rest of the Toyota line-up in the country are far beyond the reach of an Indian commoner. But over a period of time, the market dynamics have changed drastically with consumers opting for low priced cars. The company has observed other car manufacturers like Hyundai making huge sales from the small car segment.

Then came the Toyota Etios twins - Toyota Etios and Toyota Etios Liva to create a revolution in the market with a minimal Toyota Etios price tag. The company believed a small low-budget car will make all the difference in the Indian car market. But, the Indian car market could not accept any slight compromise in the standards that too from Toyota.  Now, the question is will the domestic car industry accept a new SUV from Toyota based on the Etios platform.A strong rumour is doing rounds that Toyota India might introduce a new SUV soon. Now, the Japanese car manufacturer has two options open in front of it. A RAV4 SUV platform which has never seen the Indian car market yet. Another, the same old relatively cheaper Toyota Etios platform. 

Price is again one factor that Toyota India has to consider at the moment. An SUV with a reasonable price tag might appeal to the consumers more than anything else. A price tag of around Rs 10 lakhs is likely to work miracles to sell the new product. So, what seems to be more likely, is a RAV4 based SUV or the one based on Etios platform. However, more fingers point out to a SUV based on the Etios platform. But do not pin up too many hopes on the proposed Toyota Etios SUV at the moment. These plans are still in the pipe-line. A long way to go before the plan turns into a reality. But, what we do have now in hand are the revamped versions of its two high selling vehicles from Toyota. 2012 Toyota Fortuner and new Toyota Innova are next on the cards from the auto major to see a 2012 launch. Speculations are rife that Toyota might offer its high-end Land Cruiser facelift sometime soon too.