Toyota Etios Car Review

The Etios is to Toyota what the Dzire is to Maruti Suzuki, high hopes and aspirations on the Etios Sedan and the initial huge booking numbers are just the first signs that the strongly indicate that Toyota has got a big winner on their hands.
The Etios twins (Sedan and Hatchback the Liva) happen to be the most talked about car in recent time from the world’s 2nd largest car maker of the world. Read on as we  drive the Toyota Etios VX Sedan to find out how good it really is to get such a huge booking numbers.

Design

The Etios was originally called the EFC, or the Entry Family Car. Etios means Spirit and Principle which Toyota intends to give to its customers in India. More than 2000 engineers in India and Japan have worked in close collaboration for four years to ensure the perfect blend of local design sensibilities and unmatched global quality standards are integrated into the Etios.

The chief engineer of Product Planning at Toyota Mr. Yoshinori Noritake said, "In the process of development of Etios, I have visited many Indian cities and homes to understand the market and interact with customers. The Etios concept will cater to the basic needs of this market - highest standards of quality at competitive prices.

Toyota's new compact cars have been designed to offer innovative styling, roomy interiors, superior ride comfort and best in class mileage at competitive prices. The design concept of 'Bold Simplicity' represents the pursuit of the perfect combination of functionality and affordable luxury. The Etios incorporates advanced technology and superior quality features that have been developed by Toyota, specifically for India, by leveraging the world class innovation that Toyota is globally renowned for.

Interiors
The car is launched in the J, G, V and Vx models (Vx being the top-end model). The VX variant will get a 2DIN DVD Mp3 system which is the first of its kind entertainment system offered in its segment. The VX features audio controls on the steering wheel and a USB and Aux-In facility as well. Some of the other features also include a 13-litre cooled glove box. The J variant has a dual tone - black and grey upholstery and the VX has dual tone black and red upholstery. The low spec J and G variants come with all black upholstery. The sedan also gets a boot space of 595 ltrs which makes it easier to pack in all the goodies for that much needed vacation. The Etios design concept is all about a balance of form and function. It is thoughtfully designed to provied ample legroom & headroom. This is visible in the car as it has a flat floor for the rear - with no transmission tunnel hump, so three people can sit comfortably and move within the cabin with ease. The sedan also gets a centrally mounted instrument cluster. The J variant is so basic that it doesn’t even come with the electric assist power streering. The G, V and VX comes with electric power assist steering.


Safety
The J and G variants will come with 175/65 R14 wheels while the V and VX will be based on 185/60 R15 tyres with 12 spoke alloys. Safety features in the car includes Airbags, ABS with EBD optional on G trim while on the other these safety features will be standard on V and VX trim. The suspension of the sedan will boast of MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The safety of the car is enhanced by the front ventilated discs and brake drums at the rear.


Version                                         Ex-Showroom Price
Toyota Etios J                                                                      Rs. 5,04,045
Toyota Etios G                                                                     Rs. 5,53,801
Toyota Etios G Opt                                                              Rs. 6,02,941
Toyota Etios V                                                                     Rs. 6,49,084
Toyota Etios VX                                                                  Rs. 6,94,066


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