Toyota Etios

Toyota Etios Description :

The new concept car, which came at Auto Expo as fully production form, will be manufactured from late 2010 at its second facility which is under construction. The company has promised to provide world class technology and quality with the Toyota Etios. The design concept for the car is Bold Simplicity which is refer to affordable luxury and functionality in one machine. The car will have to compete with the likes of Maruti Swift, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20 and Fiat Punto. The company will produce around 70K units of the car per year. With its small car Toyota Etios, it intends to grab a 10 per cent market share in Indian compact cars segment by the end of the current year.

The new innovation of the Toyota, Toyota Etios sedan and hatchback comes equipped with 1.5 litre petrol engine and 1.2 litre petrol mill respectively. The Toyota Etios sedan's 1.5 litre petrol engine is expected to produce around 102 bhp of peak power while the hatchback's mill is likely to generate around 80 bhp of top power. As per the industry regulations, the powertrain must be comprised of four valves per cylinder and dual camshaft.

The shock absorbers at front would be independent MacPherson strut while the rear suspension would be non-independent twist beam axle. The suspensions are very much similar to Toyota's Yari. The frames of the cars are rigid and strong with lesser weight that is likely to be 800-900kgs..

The exteriors of both the cars are sporty and sharp. Front face of both the cars looks like a smiling face of human with dimples at cheek (headlamps). Upper smiling grille and lower grille can be identical to these models. At the back, a big size rain wiper and rear hood are provided which look very general. Both cars have six spoke alloy wheels. Body colour rear side view mirrors, door handles and bonnet catch the eyes of beholder.

The instrument panel, including speedo and trip, is placed at the middle of the dashboard while the AC vents are in round shape. The three spoke steering wheel comes in dual tone along with the rest of the interior. The dashboard of Toyota Etios hatchback is general while sedan's is awesome. Enough legroom and headroom are given in both models. As far as safety is concerned, it seems the cars will miss a lot apart from seat belts for all passengers.

Toyota Etios Models

At the Delhi Auto Expo, Toyota Etios sedan and hatchback models were displayed in different colours. However, variants of the Toyota Etios are still under cover. So this too early to predict about the models. As soon as the company indicates about the variants, we will share the information with you. Stay tuned.

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Toyota Etios sedan model is equipped with 1.5L petrol mill. The 1.5 L petrol mill might generates over 100 bhp of peak power. On the other hand, hatchback model of Toyota Etios is supposed to fit with 1.2 litre petrol mill. Top power from this engine would be around 80 bhp. Both engines are refined and tuned for better power, fuel economy and performance even without VVTi technology. Though the Toyota Etios might give a 12 kmpl mileage in city and 16 kmpl on highway.

Power

The Toyota Etios sedan is loaded with a new 1.5 litre petrol engine which believed to pump around over 100 bhp of power. While the Toyota Etios hatchback is fitted with 1.2 litre petrol engine. It might develops a top power of around 80 bhp. The engines are borrowed from Toyota's Yari and might behave in that way only. It is also reported that the mills will come without VVTi-variable valves per cylinder. This would be a major issue for power delivery. Though the company is promising higher power and performance from the new engines. They say that to make up the loss of VVTi, mechanical and software changes are being made which, as a result, ascertain the same output with enhanced mileage.

Acceleration and Pick up

Toyota vehicles are known for their power, performance and reliability. And the company never compromise with its image. Toyota Etios is powered by refined engine and produces sufficient power and torque. The sedan model of Toyota Etios comes loaded with 1.5 litre petrol engine that develops a peak power of over 100 bhp and torque accordingly. Whereas the Toyota Etios hatchback houses 1.2 litre petrol mill that is likely to pumps out 80 bhp of top power. Acceleration of the car is stunning and enhance your riding experience. The pick-up is also bettered with new engine.

Toyota Etios Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

Toyota Etios hatchback is to fall in the category of Maruti Swift, Fiat Punto, Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20. So the birds eye view of the car suggests it to be same as these car's appearance. Though the front face of the vehicle is sharp and compact. The upper grille, lower grille and headlamps collectively make a shape of a face of human being that seems smiling with dimples (headlamps) at both end of lips (upper grille). The upper grille in chrome finish while the lower grille come in black stuff. Pearl white fog lamps are placed at both end of the lower grille. Shining rain wipers are provided at front and rear face. Standard rear side view mirrors are in body colour along with door handles, rear cowl and bumper. The same treatment can be noted in the sedan variant of the Toyota Etios except rear box. Six-spoke alloy wheels are very much same in looking but different in specification as the sedan's wheel is bigger than hatchback in terms of size and wheelbase.

The rear box of both the cars are different altogether. The Toyota Etios hatchback's rear hatch is larger and wider which allows comfortable entry. Vertically-stacked taillights also support for easy entry. However, taillight in Etios sedan is in triangular shape. The taillight cluster include brake, turn and reverse indicators. The boot space is wider and larger in sedan variant of Toyota Etios. Exhaust pipes in both the variants are not showed outside, cool. 173 mm ground clearance is same for both machines.

Exterior Measurements

As per some reports, the Toyota Etios sedan is larger than its hatchback variant in terms of size and boot space. The boot compartment of sedan is 550 litre. The overall length of sedan variant is 4265mm, width 1695mm and height is 1490mm. Wheelbase is 2550mm and ground clearance is 173mm.

Toyota Etios hatchback's overall length is 3995mm, width 1695mm and height is 1490mm. Ground clearance will be the same as sedan variant i.e. 173mm. Nevertheless, the ground clearance is 2460.

Toyota Etios Interiors

Interior Appearance

Toyota designers tried hard to give stunning looks to the interiors of Toyota Etios and as a result a creative kind of output is there. However, they fail to provide it eye-catching and eye-soothing appearance. Dashboard is a conventional type that houses instrument panel in the centre which can be easily read out by rear passenger. AC vents are at both end of the dashboard. There is enough storage space at dashboard facing front passenger. A touch-screen audio-system is installed at the middle of the console along with operating switches. Additional steering mounted audio controls are there provided for convenience of driver.

The multifunctional steering wheel which comes in three spoke design. The base model doesn't possess power steering. Seatbelts are there for all passengers for safety reasons. The interiors of Toyota Etios is in dual tone which is classic piece of designing. The seats are wide and comfy with sufficient backrest. Ample legroom and headroom is carved for easy and comfortable seating. Storage space at door pockets and glove box are provided in the car. Boot compartment is there in both the variants. Toyota Etios sedan has bigger boot than hatchback. Flooring is flat and sleek which also helps to sit comfortably. Rear roof lining is made thinner for ample headroom.

Interior Comfort

Both variants of Toyota Etios boast of plenty of legroom, headroom and storage space which are best in the class. Hatchback cars are designed to accommodate four passenger easily but fifth can be easily adjusted. For driver's comfort, audio controls are mounted on the three spoke steering wheel. A touch-screen audio-system is handy and stylish. Enough headroom and legroom are provided for the driver but no footrest. In view to provide ideal access in the car, rear doors are made large and the taillights size also help to have wide door opening. Toyota Etios sedan has more boot space that is 500 litre. It also has larger wheelbase than hatchback variant. All these measurements prove that the sedan is much larger car. Flooring of the cars is also flat to ensure passenger's comfort. The vehicles are spacious with larger boot space and glove box. In addition, storage space is carved in door pockets and central console.

Interior Measurements

Toyota Etios hatchback is a five door vehicle where five passengers (including driver) can be accommodated. Whereas, Toyota Etios sedan is a four door vehicle in which four passenger can sit. Headroom and legroom is ample for all passenger. The sedan version of Toyota Etios will be more luxurious than its hatchback version. Back seat is much wider and comfortable in both the variants as enough room for passenger's knees, thigh and back is ensured.

Engine Capacity and Performance

The Toyota Etios will step in India in sedan and hatchback variants. The sedan will be powered by a 1.2 litre petrol DOHC 16 valve petrol engine while the hatchback might be loaded with 1.5 litre DHOC 16 valve petrol mill. The 1.2L petrol engine is supposed to belts out 80 bhp of maximum power whereas the 1.5L petrol engine is believed to churn over 100 bhp of peak power. Both engines will be equipped with dual camshaft and four valves per cylinder which ensure increased power and torque with better fuel efficiency. However, Variable Valve Timing (VVTi) would be missing. This is probably to keep the Toyota Etios price low. Here it is to be mentioned that the company has done enough home work to make the engine powerful and fuel efficient which is supposed to be less due to absence of VVTi. For the same, the engine has been upgraded with latest technologies that ensure less power loss. The engine of Toyota Etios are packed with standard pistons which might come with molybdenum coating. Initially, the car will be available in petrol variant only and diesel engine plans are not in the focus.

Wheels

Toyota Etios might be launch in India with six-spoke alloy wheels. The sedan variant will be having 2550mm of wheelbase and 2640mm for hatchback. The tyre size of Toyota Etios would be 175/65 R14 and 185/60 R15 for hatchback. The large tyres come along with higher ground clearance that is 173mm.

Braking and Handling

The Toyota Etios hatchback is expected to be introduced with both disc brakes which add to the safety. Owing to disc brakes, handling and control become easier. The longer wheelbase also ensure better stability on road. The wheelbase in sedan variant is 2550mm that is larger than hatchback's 2460mm. Similarly, the higher end variant of the Toyota Etios is likely to come with disc brakes. Front independent and rear non-independent shock absorbers are responsible for butter-smooth riding experience.

Handling and Safety

Much details about active and passive safety is disclosed but it is believed that it might be loaded with at least two airbags, parking sensors and fog lamps. ABS and traction control would be welcoming offering if provided. As described earlier, power steering, disc brakes and standard suspensions are desirable for these kind of vehicles, especially when they are brought by likes of Toyota.

Stereo and Accessories

The Toyota Etios is claimed to be a quality product but concept vehicles do not promise a lot to come in terms of entertainment. Audio controls are steering mounted and a touch-screen audio-system is expected. Standard media equipment would be there with common speakers.

Toyota Etios Pros :

Standard legroom and headroom, front face is awesome.

Toyota Etios Cons :

Dashboard is too general with centre fitted meters, rear side and interiors are disappointing.