Toyota Etios (2015)

Synopsis

The Toyota Etios is one of the remarkable car models produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota for the Indian Automotive market. Since 2010, more hatchbacks and sedans have been made and released in South Africa and Brazil. The vehicle’s name comes from the name of a Greek god, Ethos, who is a symbol of character, spirit and ideas. The Etios sedan version was introduced to the public in December 2010 while the Liva hatchback was presented sometime in June 2011. The first generation of Toyota Etios has retailed approximately more than 30,000 units in India alone as of 2011. Etios is the type of car offering great value for money and not just extravagance. It has been carefully crafted and engineered with passion and physics that promises not just driving pleasure but a lifetime of pride.

Toyota India has launched upgraded 2013 models of Etios and Etios Liva which comes with host of new exterior and interior changes. The exterior changes include all-new front grille, new tail lamps, turn indicators mounted on the outside rear-view mirrors and a new shade has been introduced – Classic Grey. The changes to the interior includes all-new fabric for seats, new beige theme for the dashboard, adjustable headrests, blue illumination for the instrument cluster, new AC control panel with clean filters and all-new 2DIN music system with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and remote.

Fast Facts

• Etios Launched - Five Variants - J, G, G (SP), V and V (SP)
• The hatchback version is Etios Liva
• Etios sedan powered by a 1496cc 4 cylinder in-line petrol engine
• Maximum power of Etios is 89 bhp at 5600 rpm
• Maximum torque of 132 nm at 3000 rpm
• Centrally mounted instrument cluster and steering mounted audio controls
• Safety features includes dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD

Fast Facts about Diesel Variant

• Available in five variants - JD, GD, GD (SP), VD and VD (SP)
• 1364cc, D-4D diesel engine, 67 Bhp (very less for a car of this segment)
• Centrally mounted instrument cluster
• Safety features includes dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD
• Available in six shades
• The ARAI certified mileage/average of Etios diesel is 23.59 kmpl

Exterior

Toyota is one of the world’s greatest and largest car manufacturers. For this, Toyota makes sure that they exert all their efforts in designing cars. With Etios, they spent more than five years just to create a car that is apt for Indian clients, climate and road conditions. Before the model was released, it had to go through several tests through various rigid Indian road conditions. As Etios was launched, Toyota is full of hope with their first major product made for India will later on be introduced to emerging economies worldwide. Toyota Etios was unveiled in 2010 at the New Delhi Auto Expo. Toyota introduced Etios sedan and hatchback version that has helped Toyota to go deeper into the Indian car market. In a few years’ time, many car dealers foresee Toyota to be the top car dealer in India. The most attractive part when it comes to Toyota Etios’ exterior is the luminous grille at the front portion of the car itself. The door handles and bumpers are polished profligately which adds beauty to the vehicle. The emblem is smartly fitted at the front-center part of the grille, elegantly designed and matched with the head and fog lamps. Its impressive C Pillar and 6-spoke alloy wheels add to its classy athletic look that makes it superior at all angles. Compared to vehicles of the same segment in the market, the external design of Toyota Etios is way better. Even a single glance of the vehicle can make anyone want it.

Interior

In order to provide quality service, Toyota made sure not only to design the vehicle well outside but also inside. Designers of Toyota Etios made different plans and picked the best one to provide a quality outcome when it comes to interior ambience and space. As many buyers are looking for spacious sedans and hatchbacks, Etios has been created to accommodate more people. Passengers can sit comfortably with perfect support. Although knee room has not been expanded much in this vehicle, it is very much adequate so there is no need to look for more. Back seats have been made flat to offer extra room to passengers. The floors are also made virtually flat to give more knee room for the rear-middle passenger. All in all, passengers can enjoy a long comfortable ride with this vehicle. Aside from comfortable seats and enough roominess that Etios has to offer, critiques are also amazed by the black and red upholstery designed for this vehicle. The steering wheel has also been designed with an edge of sportiness with high-end audio controls at the heart of the steering wheel. A bunch of instrument controls are compiled at the centre with splendidly high-tech 2-DIN DVD and mp3 player. For a more bombastic sound experience, music can be played through four speakers which is one of the many reasons why many customers love it.

Dimensions and Luggage Space

Toyota Etios has an overall length of 4265mm, 1695mm of width, 1510mm of height and 170mm of ground clearance. Etios carries the USP of typical Toyota cars - space, comfort and reliability. Etios has a wheelbase of 2550mm and sufficient luggage space of 595 litres.

Engine and Gearbox

Toyota Etios features a 1.5 litre petrol engine which generates maximum power of 90 Bhp at 5600 rpm with maximum torque of 132 Nm at 3000 rpm. Under ARAI standard conditions, Toyota Etios returns a mileage of 17.64 kmpl. The engine is mated to five-speed manual gearbox.

Diesel Engine and Gearbox

Toyota Etios diesel is be powered by same engine which powers the Corolla Altis diesel but it has been fine-tuned to increase the fuel efficiency which is expected to be around 22 kmpl on highway. But the negative aspect of this is that power is only 67 bhp, which seems to be very less for a car of this segment and it is for sure that Etios diesel will have poor acceleration. The ARAI certified mileage/average of Etios diesel is 23.59 kmpl. The diesel engine is also mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.

Mileage

One can purchase a Toyota Etios sedan or hatchback depending on the kind of engine that he or she wants. One can opt to get a sedan with a 1.5 Litre petrol engine or a 1.4 litre turbo diesel engine which are both smooth on the road. Although many customers say that petrol engine performs best, the diesel engine also delivers exceptional fuel economy with minimal turbo delay. On the other hand, the Liva hatchback comes with 1.2 litre petrol engine and a diesel engine that is recommended by many critics as it can be driven through slightly rough road conditions without much engine lag. The vehicle has been tested by various car groups and is expected to transport around 12 km per litre when driving in the city 16 km per litre when driving along the highway.

Safety Features

The high end models of Etios features ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Energy absorbing body shell and Dual SRS front airbags. The Airbags and ABS comes optional in "G" variant of Toyota Etios and these features are standard in "V" and "VX" variants. To adapt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented:

Accessories

Various accessories can be purchased but it is important to get products from authorized dealers to ensure top quality. Some of the accessories that customers can easily purchase are bumper corner protectors, car covers, fabric seat covers, floor mats, mudguards, additional security system features and trunk mats.

Petrol Variants

Toyota Etios is available in five variants: J, G, G Option (Safety Pack), V and V Option (Safety Pack).

Diesel Variants

Toyota Etios diesel is available in five variants: JD, GD, GD Option (Safety Pack), VD and VD Option (Safety Pack). The top variant Toyota Etios (VDSP) is fully loaded with these features: Dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD , Air conditioning, power steering, power windows, remote central locking, tilt steering, CD/MP3 Player, Steering mounted audio controls, Alloy wheels, Cooled glove box, Rear defogger, Fog lamps, body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors.

Shades

Toyota Etios is available in following six shades: Symphony Silver, Harmony Beige, Classic Grey (NEW SHADE), Vermilion Red, Celestial Black and White.

Verdict

As Toyota Etios has been developed over a five-year period, it only means that the vehicle has been well-thought of by geniuses in the car industry. Indian engineers and designers crafted the vehicle especially for Indian customers so it is expected to meet most things needed by buyers. However, some reviewers and critics say that it lacks sophistication compared to other cars in its segment so it may not be something to flash around when it comes to looks. Conversely, its performance is very good as it has an engine that performs smoothly. Furthermore, fuel efficiency is also met so customers can save a lot. The car offers comfort, roominess and a smooth ride which is really a good deal. Etios is recommended for people who are just looking for a reliable car that is fast, fuel-efficient and spacious enough.