Toyota Etios - Is this the sedan we have been waiting for?

Toyota has recently unveiled one of their newest models - The Toyota Etios. Currently, this brand new Toyota model is only available in the Sedan variant; however, we can expect the hatchback too to be available on the market in March 2011.

While Maruti, Hyundai, General Motors, Tata, Ford and even Japanese auto maker Nissan have accelerated their work to improve their respective volumes in the country, there is no doubt Toyota has at turtle pace to bring mass-market model.



Toyota has taken about long time to make the sedan, Etios, and the world's second largest automotive maker have had built the Etios involving engineers artists with so many hopes; to set their sales charts on fire. The other Indian car makers have already been witnessing increased volumes.

With so much of competition for price as well as the quality, is the Etios answer to the Maruti Suzukis or the Hyundais?

The performance of the Etios that runs on diesel is highly similar to another Toyota model - The Corolla Altis - because they will use the same diesel engine and we can expect the Etios diesel models to be available on the market in June 2011.

The Etios is definitely a car that will easily rule the market, because it has all the important qualities you can require from a modern family car - space, reliability, comfort and safety. The official information about the Etios, says that it has 595 litres of luggage space. Of course, the design is also something very important in modern cars and you would definitely want to pay attention to the looks of the car you are buying. The Etios looks fine if not a stunner. Come on, it is a practical family sedan with maybe simple, yet beautiful design.

The clean lines and sorts of conservative design with alloy wheels, chromed front grille and other minor extras on the exterior of the car gives it a tag of acceptable beauty. Mind you again, it can't and should not be taken a stop-class sedan when it comes to style or fashion, in that case you can definitely say that the Toyota Etios is a damn good looking piece for its price (there are already whispers that the Premium car maker has priced Etios wrong, and that the low pricing make result in brand peel off for the Toyota, which may also effect in poor run of its top ends including Camry, Altis, Fortuner, etc).

The interiors, again, aren't super, the leg space and boot and the head room are decent, but Toyota should have worked to bring sporty interiors to bring us off the boredom. The instrument cluster and the dashboard reflect too much plasticity. Keep expecting that the facelift received Etios may sport better interiors.

Comfort is the another main quality that a family car must own and we wouldn't be exaggerating if we say that the Etios is definitely the car to choose when you are searching for a beautiful, comfortable and secure interior. The stock version comes with a Double DIN Music system, 13 litre cooled glove box, integrated headrests for the front seats, audio controls on the steering wheel and a lot of space for leg and headroom which will definitely be liked by people who are tall.

Performance is also a quality which is highly valued in modern cars, however, since the Etios is a family vehicle, you can't expect a lot of power from the engine. The 1.1196CC Petrol engine is definitely not the most powerful on the market, but will give this car the power it needs and will ensure that you won't face any problems in severe weather conditions. And although this model has low performance, it definitely has a very low fuel consumption which is definitely a must-be quality in modern cars since the raising prices of petrol. The stock model comes in various color schemes depending on your taste.

Safety features of the Toyota Etios
Safety and security is also important for a family car and the Etios is definitely praised with a lot of safety features - The dual airbags, ABS, EBD and an energy absorbing body shell will ensure you a safe travel even in the harshest of the weather/drive conditions, and safety in low speed car accidents. The engineers have also thought of the safety of the car parts and they have installed a full under body protection which will prevent damage to the brake and fuel lines. Anti-corrosion sheets will ensure that no corrosion will hit the lower parts of the vehicle.


Variants Colors and price:
Toyota Etios comes in 4 variants:
Toyota Etios J
Toyota Etios G
Toyota Etios G (Optional)
Toyota Etios V
Toyota Etios VX

The sedan comes in 6 color options of White, Celestial Black, Symphony Silver, Serene Bluish Silver, Harmony Beige and Vermilion Red. The price (ex-showroom Delhi) of Etios variants
Toyota Etios J - Rs. 4,96,000.00
Toyota Etios G - Rs. 5,46,000.00
Toyota Etios G Option - 5,96,000.00
Toyota Etios V - Rs. 6,41,000.00
Toyota Etios VX - Rs. 6,86,000.00

Final word about the Etios:
The Toyota Etios is going to attract people to hilt. I will not be surprised if Etios has long waiting periods from booking to delivery. The corporate India who love to own a sedan will form a queue at the Toyota dealers for the brand name. But those who are adventurous sorts will give this a pass.

That said, its time for the Maruti DZire to go to Suzuki salon for some face lift; and so will the SX4 needs some price correction/revision? The Etios will also be a serious threat to the Manza which is a flop from the day it was launched. What more? Toyota badge is known for its reliability (with Innova and Corolla) and the car maker expects that the Etios will repeat the Innova success. Even if it were to be priced more than the Dzire, will anyday attract more snob due to the value that Toyota badge has than the Maruti badge. Etios is built on the concept 'Bold and Simplicity' to usher in luxury and comfort in affordable price bracket. Adieu Maruti - the global leader has come with a winner in Etios. But can we expect Toyota after sales and service to improve at least now? Can Toyota look into reducing spares cost?