5 Daihatsu models that Toyota should bring to India

Terios, Xenia, Sigra, Sirion and Ayla are on IAB's wishlist.

Daihatsu is looking to enter the Indian market within 2-3 years, according to reports. Initially, the budget car manufacturer will leverage Toyota Kirloskar Motor's dealership network to sell its product lineup. Here are 5 of the Daihatsu products IAB thinks that Toyota should bring to India in the long haul.

Daihatsu Terios

The sub-4m compact SUV from Daihatsu is billed as the most likely product to launch in India, given the hot demand for compact SUVs in India. In Indonesia, the Terios is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine good for 109 PS and 144 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The India-spec Terios could source the Etios Liva's 1.2L petrol engine to take advantage of the 'small car' tax. Expect the next gen Terios to launch in India, as the current model is dated.

Daihatsu Xenia

Likely to be the flagship product of Daihatsu, the Xenia is basically a rebadged version of the Toyota Avanza sold in Indonesia. It will slot in the compact MPV segment that comprises of the Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Renault Lodgy. The pricing, practicality and Toyota's reliability could make the Xenia a hit in the commercial segment.

Daihatsu Sigra

Launched last month in Indonesia, the Sigra is Daihatsu's newest product. It is the least expensive MPV in its range, which is based on the Ayla hatchback. Engine options include a 1.0L or 1.2L petrol engines available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed AT (1.2L only). We see it as a rival to the Datsun GO+ and the new Maruti Wagon R in India.

Daihatsu Sirion

To lock horns with the Ford Figo, Honda Brio and Hyundai Grand i10, Daihatsu could introduce the Sirion hatchback in India. The model sold in Indonesia is powered by a 1.3L, 4-cylinder VVT-i engine that makes 90 PS and 117 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The India-spec model could be next in line to source the 1.2L petrol engine from Toyota to take advantage of the 'small car' tax benefits.

Daihatsu Ayla

Slotting in the compact hatchback segment that comprises of products like the Maruti Celerio and Tata Tiago, the Daihatsu Ayla would be the Japanese manufacturer's entry level product. In its current state, the car's powered by a 68 hp 1.0L petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.