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10 Cars That Look Different But Are Identical Under the Hood: India's Badge Engineering Revolution 2025
In India, multiple car models share platforms, enabling manufacturers to enhance model variety while reducing production costs. Notable examples include the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus, both featuring the MQB A0 IN platform with turbo-petrol engines. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer similar engine options, while the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion are identical MPVs. Other shared models include the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, along with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. This strategy maximizes efficiency in the automotive market.
Keshav Rajput
Updated Jul 8, 2025, 02:02 PM IST
These 10 Cars May Look Different, But Are Same Under The Skin
What is Badge Engineering and Platform Sharing?
Several popular cars in India are built on shared platforms, offering nearly identical mechanical setups under different brand badges. This strategy enables carmakers to offer a wider range of models while optimizing manufacturing costs. Here’s a look at 10 such car pairs that share their underpinnings, engines and gearboxes.
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Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus
Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus
Both the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are based on the MQB A0 IN platform and offer two turbo-petrol engine choices. The 1.0L TSI engine produces 113.4 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The higher-spec 1.5L TSI EVO engine delivers 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. Prices for the Virtus start at Rs 11.56 lakh, while the Slavia price starts at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Built on a shared platform from Hyundai-Kia, the Creta and Seltos offer three engine options: a 1.5L petrol (113.4 bhp and 143.8 Nm of torque), a 1.5L diesel (114.4 bhp and 250 Nm of torque) and a 1.5L turbo-petrol (157.8 bhp and 252 Nm of torque). Transmission choices include manual, IVT, DCT and iMT options. The Creta is priced from Rs 11.11 lakh and the Seltos from Rs 11.19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion
The Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Rumion are structurally identical MPVs, powered by a 1.5L K-series petrol engine with Smart Hybrid tech, producing around 100.2 bhp and 139 Nm of torque. Both models also offer CNG variants with manual transmission. The Ertiga starts at Rs 8.96 lakh and the Rumion at Rs 10.66 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
These midsize SUVs share mild and strong hybrid powertrains. The mild-hybrid variant uses a 1.5L petrol engine (around 101 bhp and 136.8 Nm), while the strong-hybrid combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 116 hp. Gearbox options include a 6-speed torque converter (mild hybrid) and an e-CVT (strong hybrid). Prices start at Rs 11.42 lakh for the Grand Vitara and Rs 11.34 lakh for the Hyryder (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet
Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet
Both subcompact SUVs come with similar petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre NA petrol (81.8 bhp and 113.8 Nm of torque), 1.0L turbo petrol (118.3 bhp and 172 Nm of torque) and 1.5L diesel (114.4 bhp and 250 Nm of torque) are offered with a variety of manual, DCT and iMT transmissions. The Venue starts at Rs 7.94 lakh and the Sonet at Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read: New Upcoming Cars Launches In India 2025
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza
These hatchbacks share the same 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine that makes 88.4 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. Both are available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno starts at Rs 6.70 lakh, while the Toyota Glanza starts at Rs 6.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq
Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq
The Taigun and Kushaq, like their sedan siblings, use the MQB A0 IN platform and come with the same 1.0L TSI (113.4 bhp and 178 Nm of torque) and 1.5L TSI (148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque) engines. Transmission choices include 6-speed manuals, 6-speed automatics and 7-speed DSGs. The Taigun is priced from Rs 10.99 lakh and the Kushaq from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto
Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto
These premium MPVs share the same TNGA-C platform and are powered by a 2.0L petrol engine and a Hybrid setup. The naturally aspirated version makes 170.6 bhp and 188 Nm of torque while the hybrid version produces 181.4 bhp and 206 Nm. Both use CVT or e-CVT gearboxes with no manual option. The Innova Hycross starts at Rs 19.10 lakh, and the Invicto at Rs 25.51 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Taisor
Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Taisor
These compact crossovers are based on the Baleno platform and offer two petrol engine options: a 1.2L NA (88.7 bhp and 113 Nm of torque) and a 1.0L Boosterjet turbo-petrol (98.6 bhp and 147 Nm of torque). Transmission includes manual, AMT and 6-speed torque converter automatics. Prices begin at Rs 7.55 lakh for the Fronx and Rs 7.73 lakh for the Taisor (ex-showroom).
Toyota Camry and Lexus ES
Toyota Camry and Lexus ES
Though positioned in different market segments, the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES share the same TNGA-K platform and hybrid powertrain base. The Camry is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with Toyota’s 5th-generation hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 237 bhp through an e-CVT. It is priced at ₹48.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The Lexus ES uses a similar 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 240V electric motor, producing 214 bhp and 221 Nm. It also uses an e-CVT gearbox and starts at ₹64 lakh (ex-showroom).
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