Suzuki Vitara-based SUV spied in India: Could this be a Toyota?

Spies have caught a mysterious new Suzuki being tested in India, and rumours suggest it could also wear a Toyota badge.

A new Suzuki has been photographed undergoing testing on the roads in India in recent weeks.

Local media is reporting the new Suzuki model is being co-developed with Toyota, and appears to be based on the current Vitara small SUV’s platform.

These images from Anit Katiyar show a heavily-camouflaged prototype sharing a strikingly-similar window line and tailgate shape with the current Suzuki Vitara, but adopting what appears to be a split headlight design at the front.

While few details are known about the mysterious vehicle, it’s believed the SUV is likely being created for developing right-hand-drive markets such as India and Indonesia.

Reportedly codenamed ‘YFG’ by Suzuki and ‘D22’ by Toyota, this isn’t the first time the two Japanese carmakers have joined forces.

The current Suzuki Vitara Brezza – a version of the Vitara created for emerging markets – is also badged as the Toyota Urban Cruiser in India and South Africa, while the Toyota Corolla wagon is sold as the Suzuki Swace in some parts of the world.

The Suzuki Baleno is sold as the Toyota Starlet in South Africa – and recently spawned a rally-car version for local motorsport.

The upcoming Suzuki is expected to compete against the likes of the Kia Seltos and other small SUVs, and could mate Toyota’s hybrid technology with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Inside, the vehicle appears to be gaining a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with a 360-degree parking camera, head-up display, ventilated front seats, and keyless start/stop, according to Indian publication Gaadiwaadi.

Suzuki is rumoured to unveil its new model in the second half of this year.

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