We all saw it coming, the arrival of the rebadged-Ciaz was the confirmation of Yaris’ death. Toyota Yaris has been a slow seller ever since it was launched and the biggest caveat was the non-availability of a diesel powertrain option. As the Toyota Yaris has now been discontinued, Toyota India will soon launch the rebadged-Ciaz with the name Belta.
Toyota Yaris Discontinued
Toyota Yaris was launched in the Indian market in 2018 and it was pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna. There were multiple reasons behind the low sales of the Yaris but the biggest ones were lack of diesel engine option and no sunroof. Indians want all the luxury possible in a particular price bracket and the Verna was offering som much, including an electric sunroof and ventilated front seats.
However, Toyota appreciates the buyers who came forward and bough the Yaris sedan. The Japanese carmaker also assures aftersales service nad spares support for the next 10 years. Toyota Yaris was offered with multiple impressive features like 7 airbags, TPMS, digital MID, electric driver’s seat, roof-mounted AC vents with diffuser, all-four disc brakes, paddle shifters and much more. None of those features is the part of the package offered by Ciaz.
Toyota Yaris used to come powered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that chruns out 108 Hp. It could be had with either a 6-speed manual or 7-step CVT gearbox. Toyota Belta will also come with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that will produce 105Hp and 138 Nm of torque. However, it will be mated to a 4-speed torque convertor, essentially the same powertrain that is seen with the Ciaz.
Toyota will launch the Belta sedan in early 2022. It will be identical to the Ciaz with some minor tweaks here and there. Toyota will rejig the variant lineup names and may also skip the base trims. Toyota India has received great response from the market with the rebadged versions of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Vitara Brezza.
If you found this article informative, make sure to check out other interesting blogs on the Carorbis Blog and also read 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan India Launch Expected in November