Toyota Etios Cross Diesel VD

The Toyota Etios Cross Diesel VD is a pseudo crossover based on the Etios Liva, but with a more muscular and appealing design. It comes with a 1.4-litre SOHC diesel engine that delivers 68 PS and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle is known for its good ride quality, handling, and stability, making it comfortable on both city roads and highways. It boasts a spacious cabin with a flat rear floor, decent leg space, and satisfactory boot space. Safety features include dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts across all variants. While it lacks some modern amenities like AUX and Bluetooth connectors, the Etios Cross Diesel VD is a reliable and practical choice, especially for those valuing Toyotas service and warranty offerings.

The Toyota Etios Cross Diesel VD is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle, but it comes with some caveats. The 1.4-litre diesel engine, producing 68 PS and 170 Nm of torque, offers good performance in both city and highway driving, despite its modest output. The vehicles ride quality is one of its strongest points, absorbing bad roads comfortably and providing good ground clearance. However, the steering lacks feel, and the interior, while spacious, suffers from high NVH levels and a low-rent feel. The Etios Cross also stands out for its safety features, including standard dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. While it is not the most polished vehicle in its segment, it is certainly the most appealing version of the Etios range, making it a viable option for those prioritizing reliability and practicality.

Toyota has announced that it will discontinue the production of the Etios Cross in India due to the implementation of the new BS6 emission norms. This decision aligns with the companys strategy to focus on more compliant and modern models. The Etios Cross, known for its crossover design and robust engine options, will no longer be available in the Indian market. I believe this move is necessary for Toyota to stay competitive and adhere to environmental regulations.

The Toyota Etios Cross VD, the top-end diesel variant, features several notable upgrades including keyless entry, dual front airbags, and a piano black interior theme. This model also comes with a 1.4-litre diesel engine producing 66 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. I think these features make the Etios Cross VD a solid choice for those looking for a blend of safety, comfort, and performance.

Despite its robust features and safety standards, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts across all variants, the Etios Cross has seen dwindling sales. This decline is largely attributed to the increasing popularity of sub-4 meter SUVs in the Indian market. I believe Toyota needs to either update the Etios Crosss design or introduce a new compact SUV to regain market share.

The Toyota Etios Cross boasts a spacious cabin and comfortable seating for five, along with increased ground clearance to appeal to the SUV-crazy audience. However, it lacks significant aesthetic upgrades since its launch in 2014. I think a refresh in design could help the Etios Cross compete more effectively in its segment.

Toyota invested heavily in the Etios series, including the Etios Cross, with a focus on localizing parts to over 90% in India. This strategy helped in keeping costs down and making the vehicle more competitive. However, with the discontinuation of the Etios series, Toyota is shifting its focus to other models like the Yaris and Glanza. I believe this shift is a strategic move to keep up with market demands and emission standards.

The Toyota Etios Cross Diesel VD is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for this variant ranges from approximately Rs 7.66 lakh to Rs 7.97 lakh in Delhi. When you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other taxes, the price can go up to around Rs 9-10 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. Given its features, performance, and Toyotas reputation for reliability, the Etios Cross Diesel VD offers good value for money, especially when compared to other vehicles in the cross-hatch segment.

The Toyota Etios Cross Diesel VD is highly frugal, which is a significant advantage for buyers concerned about running costs. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 23.59 kmpl, this vehicle is one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 18.75 to 22 kmpl, even with the air conditioner on, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize fuel expenses.