Toyota Etios Cross V

The Toyota Etios Cross V is a 5-seater hatchback with a crossover twist, offering a blend of comfort, space, and reliability. It comes with engine options including a 1.4-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre petrol, both paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car features dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts across all variants, making it a safe choice. The interior is spacious with a flat rear floor, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The ride quality is excellent, absorbing bad roads comfortably, and the ground clearance is sufficient for navigating Indian road conditions. However, the steering lacks feel, and the car is not suited for off-roading despite its crossover appearance. Overall, the Etios Cross V is a solid option for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and feature-packed vehicle.

The Toyota Etios Cross V is a pseudo crossover that stands out primarily due to its aesthetics, which is the main differentiator from the regular Etios Liva. While it retains the same mechanicals as the Etios Liva, the Cross version adds a bit of attitude and muscularity, making it more appealing. The car offers ample interior space, comfortable seating, and a reasonably large boot. However, it lacks in terms of interior design and overall quality, and the high NVH levels at speed are a notable drawback. Despite these, the Etios Cross V is a reliable option, especially with Toyotas renowned service and a 3-year standard warranty. Its a good choice for those seeking a comfortable and spacious car, but it may not be the best value when compared to other cars in the same price range.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has discontinued the entire Etios series, including the Etios Cross, from April 1, 2020, due to the implementation of BS6 emission norms. This move is part of the companys strategy to align with the new emission standards. I believe this decision will impact the market significantly, as the Etios series had a loyal customer base.

The Toyota Etios Cross X-Edition was launched in select states in India, with prices starting at Rs. 6.78 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs. 8.22 lakh for the diesel variant. This limited edition came with aesthetic changes and a new 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. I think this was a good move to boost sales, but it came a bit late in the game.

Toyota introduced the Etios Cross Dynamique, a special-edition variant aimed at boosting flagging sales. This version included cosmetic tweaks to the exterior and interior, along with additional features. I believe such special editions can temporarily revive interest, but a more substantial update was needed.

The Toyota Etios Cross was compared with other crossover hatchbacks like the Fiat Avventura and Volkswagen Cross Polo, highlighting its unique features such as standard dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. I believe these safety features were a significant selling point, but the segments popularity waned over time.

The Toyota Etios Cross was launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 5.76 lakh, marking its entry into the hatchback crossover segment. The vehicle was unveiled at the 12th Auto Expo and was the third member of the Etios family. I think this was an interesting move by Toyota to capture a niche market, but it faced stiff competition.

The Toyota Etios Cross V is priced between Rs. 7.66 lakh and Rs. 8.02 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the diesel variants, and for the petrol variant, it is priced around Rs. 7.88 lakh to Rs. 8.15 lakh. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 10.5 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. While the pricing is competitive, its essential to consider that the Etios Cross is now an ageing model, and the lack of recent aesthetic updates might affect its value proposition. However, the reliability and low maintenance costs associated with Toyota can still make it an attractive option for many buyers.

The Toyota Etios Cross V offers decent mileage, with the 1.4-litre diesel engine providing an ARAI-certified mileage of 23.59 kmpl, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine offering 16.78 kmpl. In real-world conditions, you can expect the diesel variant to deliver around 18-20 kmpl in city driving and up to 22 kmpl on highways, while the petrol variant might give you around 12-14 kmpl in city driving and up to 16 kmpl on highways. These figures make the Etios Cross a frugal option, especially for those concerned about running costs.