In the much-too-crowded small car market of India, Toyota’s absence was almost glaring, but the world’s largest carmaker has filled that void with Etios, its newest launch. The Toyota Etios will be manufactured by its makers in two models – Sedan as well as Hatchback, with the aim of bringing the company from the fringes to mainstream. The base price of this car has been set at Rs. 4.96 Lacs, while the top end model would cost Rs. 6.86 Lacs. Though a competitor for all vehicles in the small car segment, it is touted as the main rival for Maurti Swift and Swift Dzire.
The exteriors of Etios are stylish, but not as eye-catching as they could have been, but this was the case with Swift too, and look how everyone has warmed up to it! This car is available in four variants, all in petrol, but the buyers can choose any of the two Hatchbacks or two Sedans. The engines have capacities of 1.2L (80 bhp) and 1.5L (100 bhp), and the mileage recorded on Indian roads by Toyota is 17.6 kmpl, which is a laudable feat, considering the conditions of roads in the country. The fact that a car from world’s leading carmaker at economical rates, state-of-the-art features and excellent mileage will be in the minds of all Indian car buyers from now on.
Some of the features that are provided by Toyota in Etios are listed below:
- Power steering
- Power windows
- Steering mounted audio controls
- Automatic climate control system
- Rear defogger
- Steering adjustment
- Remote central locking
- Dash integrated music system
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
- Dual SRS airbags
This car sports a curved hood, almost-smiling grill, broad headlights, door handles of body color and shiny logos of the manufacturer. The look is rather boxy and unrefined, which can be a deterrent for many, but its interiors make up for it plentiful. The spacious interiors are extremely eye-catching and provide a luxurious feel to the car. The dashboard looks very organized, with the speedometer and trip being located at the center. Two round AC ventilators have been incorporated into the dashboard, and placed below the stereo system. The gear lever is placed strategically, while the steering wheel is situated at a position that provides comfort to the driver. Overall, this car will appeal to the masses and certainly make Toyota one of the preferred choices of Indians.
One of my friends had attended the 18th International Engineering and Technology Fair (IETF) in Bangalore last month at which the Toyota Prius was on display. The company is expected to exhibit the car in India to catch the customer reactions means how they react to the car and how they are willing to pay for the car?
