Toyota Etios Diesel GD

The Toyota Etios Diesel GD is a practical family sedan designed to meet the needs of those seeking comfort, space, and reliability. It features a 1.4-litre diesel engine producing 68PS and 170Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car boasts a spacious interior with ample legroom and a massive 592-litre boot, making it ideal for family trips. Safety is well taken care of with standard features like ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. While the interior may feel dated and lacks some modern features, the Etios makes up for it with its robust build quality, low maintenance costs, and superior ride comfort. It is particularly popular among taxi drivers and families who value its practicality and reliability.

The Toyota Etios Diesel GD is a practical and reliable sedan that excels in several key areas, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing comfort, space, and durability. While it may not be the most feature-rich or stylish option in its segment, it compensates with its spacious interior, generous boot space of 592 litres, and a comfortable ride. The engine performance is commendable, especially with its ability to handle heavy loads effortlessly, as noted by users who have driven with up to seven passengers. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the budget-grade interior quality and the issue of oil consumption in some diesel variants. Despite these, the Etios stands out for its long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and comprehensive safety features including ABS with EBD and dual front airbags.

The Toyota Etios Platinum GD variant, powered by a 1.4 L diesel engine, is priced at Rs 7.75 lakh on-road. This base trim features essential safety features like driver and passenger side airbags, ABS with EBD, and power windows. It also includes adjustable steering and a manual air conditioner. I think this variant offers good value for money, especially considering its safety and reliability.

Toyota has announced that it will soon discontinue the Platinum Etios sedan in India. This decision comes as the company looks to refresh its lineup and focus on more modern models. The Platinum Etios has been a reliable choice for many, but its outdated design and features may have contributed to this decision. I believe this move will allow Toyota to introduce more competitive and feature-rich vehicles in the market.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has achieved a significant sales milestone for the Etios series in India, selling over 4 lakh units of the Platinum Etios, Etios Liva, and Etios Cross. The Etios series has been popular for both personal use and fleet operations, thanks to its reliability and safety features. I believe the consistent updates and special editions have helped keep the Etios series relevant in the market.

Toyota introduced the Platinum Etios Limited Edition in 2018, which added premium features such as a new paint scheme, dual-tone upholstery, and additional infotainment features. The diesel variant of this limited edition was priced at Rs 8.94 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). I believe these additions enhanced the appeal of the Etios, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

The Toyota Etios has performed well in safety tests, with the Brazil-made Etios receiving a 4-star rating for Adult and Child Occupant Protection in a Global NCAP crash test. This underscores Toyotas commitment to safety, even in more affordable models. I think this rating will boost consumer confidence in the Etios.

The Toyota Etios Diesel GD, although discontinued, was priced competitively in the Indian market. At the time of its sale, the ex-showroom price for the diesel variants ranged from approximately Rs 7.6 lakh to Rs 8.88 lakh in Delhi. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, would have been around Rs 9 lakh to Rs 10.5 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing positioned the Etios as a value-for-money option, offering a balance of features, space, and reliability without breaking the bank.

The Toyota Etios Diesel GD offers impressive mileage, making it a cost-effective choice for daily use. The ARAI-certified mileage for the diesel variant is 23.59 kmpl, which is among the best in its class. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage close to this figure, especially on highways, which helps in keeping running costs low. This makes the Etios an attractive option for those concerned about fuel efficiency and overall running expenses.