Toyota Etios Overview

The Toyota Etios has gone through yet another update. Since being launched in 2010 this is now the fourth iteration of the car and it looks like this time around, the Japanese automaker has really put its weight behind the vehicle. Despite always being priced a bit higher than its compact sedan rivals due to the extended length, it has been a decent seller in terms of numbers. Now, to keep continuity of volumes Toyota has worked on the strengths of the car to improve them. It gets some major cosmetic updates as well as an upgraded safety suite which has multiple first-in-segment features. But are these update s enough to finally propel this ‘giant among men’ into the big league? Read on to find out…

Toyota Etios Exterior & Style

The Toyota Etios seems to derive certain cues from the Corolla though it has been designed suitably for the desired price range. The first look however is somewhat underwhelming. The car lacks curves, sleek shaping of bonnet etc.

At the front, the head lights on the wide front bumper and the chrome lined Toyota emblem give the confidence of Toyota brand. However, the head light size seems on the large size, and though positioned well, it certainly feels that it could have been improved much. The positioning of the windshield is in par with aerodynamics and adds to the aesthetics of the front portion. Black radiator grill and fog lamp add to a good impression of the car.

Toyota has used a good quality of body panels which is indicated by the sturdy feel of the front fender, front door, rear door and quarter panel.The rear side of the Etios is decent and has been covered with big tail lamps, and a somewhat lumpy dickey. The car from the back somehow reminds of the Mahindra Logan.

Toyota Etios Interior & Space

The best of the features of the Etios are found in the interiors. Interestingly, Toyota has put the instrument cluster in the middle portion like that of Vista. When it had been introduced by Tata Motors, it had received lot of negative comments. Perhaps at this time, the Toyota Etios’ dashboard will be better received. Further, the music system is nicely placed surrounded by the instrument cluster, with blower vents and AC control knobs beneath the dashboard.

The seating positioning is good and one has ample space for stretching his legs. There is good amount of head room too to help for comfortable seating for tall persons. The integrated head rest seats on the front are of alright quality, in order to provide extra length for back. Steering wheel is slightly oval shaped, making it stand out a bit. In the VX variant, we find audio controls on steering wheel also. The power window switches provided on the driver side door help for ease of operation.

On the rear seats there is good leg space and comfortable seating for three passengers. But, though there is good back support, one could feel the seat is a bit narrow and lacking full comfort for thighs. The integrated front seats helps for better support but at the same time block the front side visibility for rear seat passengers. Bottle holders are provided in the rear door panels, and would certainly be a advantage for convenience of the passenger.To know more details on Toyota Etios check Jsrr

The last image clearly shows the somewhat modern design of the Etios’ seat.Indeed, all in all the interiors are a great boosting factor for Etios. Though, it should be noted that we saw the dual tone version, and the single colour, black interior may be less impressive.

Toyota Etios Engine & Gearbox

The Platinum Etios can be had with a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.4-litre diesel. Both are four cylinder units and the former produces 88bhp/132Nm while the latter is good for 67bhp/170Nm. Both are only offered with a five-speed manual.

We got our hands on the more popular diesel model which uses the same engine from the more expensive Corolla Altis albeit in a lower state of tune. Firstly, it’s a noisy engine this and the clatter is quite audible in the cabin even in heavy t raffic. It has a lower torque figure than most of its contemporaries and has gained some weight over the outgoing model in view of the new safety standards but this has not really affected its performance. Toyota has worked to spread out the same and has given it an excellent mid-range which allows for ease of movement at low speeds as well as out on the highway. You can cruise at 100kmph at just 2000rpm while pottering around in traffic in third gear works just fine. It has an ARAI fuel efficiency figure of 23.59kmpl. They have also addressed the issue of the clutch action by making it lighter than the one in the outgoing model.

If there is one thing that Toyota has done right with the Etios and now the Platinum is the ride quality. It is slightly on the firm side but seems to work as it absorbs most pot holes and bumps without sending much back to the cabin. Consequently, the car has good high speed stability and feels quite planted even at 140kmph.The electrically assisted steering despite needing too many turns to go from lock to lock feels light, is easy to use and weighs up quite decently as you go faster.Check car loan for Toyota Etios at Fincarz.

Toyota Etios Driving Dynamics

The earlier versions of the Etios had a stiff ride and though Toyota has re-tuned the Platinum Etios’ suspension, it is still stiff in a good way. It is well-calibrated to absorb bumps and offer a good composure. This also offers a flat and firm ride at high speeds. Despite being just above 1000kg, the car feels stable at three-digit speeds. The steering is direct, but it is too slow like before. The brakes have a good bite and the pedal’s linearity is good to stop the car even in a panic situation. ABS and EBD have anyway got your back if and when the need arises.

Toyota Etios Safety & Security

Toyota Platinum Etios has ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels. Platinum Etios comes loaded with safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), SRS airbags, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), traction control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry, driver seatbelt warning and door ajar warning.

Toyota Etios Price in Hyderabad

Toyota Etios On Road Price is 9,12,122/- and Ex-showroom Price is 7,71,400/- in Hyderabad. Toyota Etios comes in 7 colours, namely Vermillion Red,Celestial Black,Harmony Beige,New Pearl White,White,Classic Grey,Symphony Silver. Toyota Etios comes with FWD with 1364 CC Displacement and 4 Cylinders with Maximum Power 67 bhp@3800 rpm and Peak Torque 170 Nm@1800-2400 rpm DRIVE TRAIN FWD and reaches 100 KMPH at N/A . Toyota Etios comes with Manual Transmission with FWD .View offer on Etios in Hyderabad at Autozhop.

Toyota Etios Verdict

Toyota Platinum Etios is a compact sedan that packs a punch with its stunning looks and an incredible mileage. Toyota has been renowned in the world for its continuous innovation and impeccable quality standards. In 2010, Toyota entered in the budget segment in India with Platinum Etios. Indian consumers are very sensitive towards price and more so in this segment. The Japanese automaker has entered the segment post a highly intensive market research. Some consumers may feel that the Platinum Etios is not up to the standards in terms of the interiors that they associate with the brand, thus causing some disappointment.

The problem of engine vibration associated with a diesel engine has been taken care of by especially focusing on lowering in-cabin noise. Toyota has packed its Platinum Etios with a proper Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) package. The work includes a switch from rubber engine mounted to the more refined, sound-absorbing hydraulic mounts. The silencer has been modified for better NVH and the damper settings have been fine tuned to take some of the noise out of the suspension. This is a perfect example of how the brand continuously innovates and takes care of the lacunae if any. This is what people expect from the brand and more often than not, Toyota does its bit to not let consumers down.

Platinum Etios has the most powerful engine in its category which keeps the consumers satisfied; the only suggestion being that Toyota needs to tweak certain issues as per the Indian road conditions. Due to their excellent research before the launch, Toyota has kept the price in the reasonable bracket and this has lured the Indian consumers significantly. Etios has one of the highest mileage numbers in its segment and this is yet another strong point for the sedan. Indian mindset of focusing more on the driving expenditure is taken care of by the high mileage and low maintenance cost of Etios. Overall, it’s a good car to buy with consumers having enough confidence in the brand’s credo of continuous innovation to resolve the usual problems faced by the buyers