Recently, images of Toyota’s version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz grille were leaked online. Now, there is a patent document leaked online with Toyota that has filed a trademark for the name of “Belta”. The Japanese manufacturer is already using the Belta name in the international market so it makes sense that they are bringing the same name to the Indian market as well. The rebadged sedan should be teased by Toyota in the coming months.

There will not be many changes cosmetically in Toyota’s version of Ciaz. As we know that there will be a slightly different grille with Toyota’s logo. Other things that we can expect are slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers. There could also be a new set of alloy wheels. All of this will be done to differentiate the Toyota Belta from the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

The interior will remain the same as the Ciaz. However, it may happen that Toyota uses a darker colour like brown with black. The Urban Cruiser from Toyota which is a rebadged Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is already using this colour theme for the cabin. The different colour scheme will give a more upmarket feel to the cabin when compared to the Ciaz. For reference, Maruti Suzuki offers a black and beige colour theme for the cabin of the Ciaz.

Powertrain 

Toyota will also offer the same engine and transmission options with the Belta as the Ciaz. So, there would be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that would produce a max power output of 105 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 138 Nm. The engine will be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Ciaz comes with mild-hybrid technology. So, expect Toyota’s version of Ciaz to also be offered with mild-hybrid technology. The mild-hybrid tech will help in boosting the fuel efficiency and idle start/stop system.

Price and Launch

There is no confirmation from Toyota regarding the Belta being the rebadged Ciaz. However, there is a high possibility that there will be a rebadged version of the Ciaz as the grille has been spied. It might happen that the sedan is not called Belta because the Indian Government has already expressed objection regarding the name. According to the government, “the mark is identical with or similar to earlier marks in respect of identical or similar description of goods or services and because of such identity or similarity there exists a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public.” We expect that Toyota should start teasing the new sedan once its name is finalized.

Now, speaking about the price of the upcoming sedan. It should be priced higher than the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz because that is what we have seen with the Toyota Glanza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. For reference, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz starts at Rs. 8.52 lakhs ex-showroom and goes all the way upto Rs. 11.50 lakhs ex-showroom.

What about Toyota Yaris?

Toyota launched the Yaris in 2018 in the Indian market. Since its launch, it has not been selling in good numbers. There are high chances that the Belta is here to replace the Yaris.