Toyota Motor Corporation has announced its plan to set up a new Toyota Kirloskar Motor manufacturing facility in the Bidkin Industrial Area, Maharashtra. This new plant will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles and is likely to employ around 2,800 people when operations in 2029. The carmaker has also confirmed that its new Bidkin facility will manufacture a new SUV model.
While the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed the name of this SUV, it’s widely expected to be either the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Toyota Corolla Cross. Both models are expected to arrive in India in late 2028 or 2029. Although their launch is still some time away, here’s everything we know so far.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Based on the brand’s IMV ladder-frame platform, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is a compact off-road SUV with rugged and modern styling. Globally, the SUV is expected to be offered with multiple powertrain options including petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. For India, Toyota is likely to use its proven 2.7L petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Dimensionally, the Land Cruiser FJ will measure 4,574mm in length, 1,855mm in width and 1,960mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,580mm. Exterior highlights will include a bold grille with Toyota lettering on the front, rectangular LED projector headlamps, short overhangs, sporty black cladding and more.
Toyota Corolla Cross
In European market, the Toyota Corolla Cross is available exclusive with hybrid powertrains – 140PS, 1.8L and 197PS, 2.0L Hybrid 200. The SUV also gets AWD, featuring an additional 42PS electric motor on the rear axle along with a new Snow Extra mode. The SUV received a facelift last year with significant cosmetic changes and features and tech upgrades.
Key highlights include a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and faster Android Auto connectivity, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, Qi wireless charger, sliding storage box, new illuminating strip connecting the headlamps with adaptive LED technology, body-coloured honeycomb grille, signature L-shaped DRLs, redesigned 18-inch six-split-spoke alloy wheels and taillamps with new C-shaped LED signature.