Toyota Etios GD BS IV

Toyota Etios is the diesel version and one of the most affordable sedans in the Indian automobile market. The Indian market is presently tilting heavily towards the diesel engine based cars as the petrol prices are spiraling and the demand for these petrol engine based cars has diminished drastically. This Toyota Etios sedan with a diesel engine is a boon to the Indian buyers as it is reasonably priced and has a few options to choose from as well. There are a few different trims in this model lineup and the entry level variant is called as Toyota Etios GD, which has been very shrewdly designed and developed by the company for performing exceptionally well on the Indian roads as well as the heavy traffic conditions. This Toyota Etios series of sedans, which are being sold in the Indian car bazaar as well as a few other global markets are said to be the most economical and the cheapest model lineup, which are made by Toyota Motor Corporation. This sedan series even though has been acclaimed as easily affordable for the buyers have been given more than a few attractive comfort features. Apart from these convenient features, the company has also included some very important and vital safety features as well in this marvelous sedan. The diesel engine is performance packed and has been adjusted to generate a healthy power and torque, which is extremely suitable for the Indian roads. The braking and suspension mechanism’s are also strong and highly developed and keeps this Toyota Etios GD well balanced and makes it easier to handle on any terrain. The insides are done up tastefully and this entry level variant, Toyota Etios GD is very roomy and has quite a lot of space for the front and rear passengers. This sedan offers liberal leg space along with ample headroom and shoulder space and can comfortably accommodate five passengers effortlessly. The company has fitted this sedan with a performance packed diesel drive train of 1.4 L, which also generates a healthy mileage and is a pleasure to drive around. This inexpensive yet well designed sedan was first launched in 2010 into the Indian car market. Since then, this sedan has been doing very well for its company and has also been influential in spawning whopping sales and generating a lot of profits for the company as well. The mid level sedan section has quite a lot of rivalry brewing amongst them as there are many other contenders in this segment, but Toyota Etios diesel version has already made a mark for itself in the Indian car bazaar already. This sedan has also started doing good business in the international car market of South Africa and is doing excellent sales there as well.

Exteriors

The exteriors of this sedan are not extremely brilliant and eye catching, but at the same time has a very subtle and sleek look to it. The overall structure is very aerodynamic and makes this sedan look modish, uncomplicated yet very well dressed. The front radiator grille is very characteristic with the other Toyota cars and has a smiling face like look, which also makes it look attractive and adds to the beauty of the frontage of the Toyota Etios GD. The renowned crest of the company is fixed in the center of this slatted front grille, which also has some chrome on it. This smart radiator grille has the head lights on both the sides, which are big and radiant and are powered with high intensity lamps. Apart from these bright head lights, the front body colored bumper has a neat design and adds to the overall front look of this sedan. The wind screen has been fitted with a singular intermittent wiper, which works proficiently enough to give better visibility during monsoon.

The sides of this sedan have discretely sculpted character lines. Then there are the body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which adds to this sedan’s overall appeal. While, the subtle yet pronounced wheel arches have been fitted with a sturdy set of steel wheels with tubeless tyres of size 175/65 R14 and have stylish wheel caps as well. This sedan also has B Pillar on both sides and also has side protection mouldings with chrome insert that boosts the style of this sedan and also minimizes damage as well. The rear end has a smartly done up boot lid with chrome garnish on it along with a bright and stylish tail lamp cluster. The dimensions of this roomy sedan are very appealing with a total length of 4265mm along with an overall width of 1695mm, while the total height of this sedan is 1510mm along with a spacious and large wheel base of 2550mm and a remarkable ground clearance of 170mm with a short and excellent turning radius of 4.9 meters. The fuel tank of this sedan can hold up to 45 litres of petrol, while the boot space is very large and can accommodate quite a number of things in its 595 litres. The total kerb weight of this Toyota Etios VX sedan is close to 990 kgs.

Interiors

The insides of this reasonably priced Toyota Etios GD has been done up stylishly by the company. The plastic surfaces present inside are smooth and the company has used good quality material for the interior surfaces, which will surely please the customers. The space and comfort this sedan offers inside it is extremely good and there is lot of space for all the passengers. The seating arrangement is very relaxed with dual tone good quality upholstery with a few choices for the buyers to select from, which gets along with the exteriors as well. There is a lot of storage space with cup holders near the gear shift lever and small storage spaces as well. All the doors of this elegant sedan also have pockets to store smaller and practical things, which come in handy while driving. The outside rear view mirrors can be adjusted from inside, while this sedan also has a day and night internal rear view mirror as well. The three spoke electric power steering wheel is very responsive, while the gear shift knob is treated with chrome. The air conditioner vents are vertically placed, which is a new completely new concept used by the company. The driver visor doesn’t have a mirror in it, but the passenger side sun visor has a mirror, while this sedan also has three assist grips with a coat hook as well. Toyota Etios GD sedan also has a remote tailgate and fuel lid opener to add to the convenience of the driver. This sedan has a total of seven bottle holders, which can hold a one litre bottle in it and the luggage compartment also has a lamp as well.

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Etios GD variant is fitted with a performance packed 1.4 L, 4 cylinders, 1 ND - TV diesel power train, which has 8 valves and a single overhead cam shaft. This commanding motor has the capacity to displace 1364cc along with a peak power yield of 66.64 Bhp at 3800 Rpm and a maximum torque output of 170 Nm at 1800 - 2400 Rpm. This power packed drive train has been cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box and has a D-4D (which is aCommon rail direct fuel injection and a modern version of the acclaimed direct fuel injection system for a diesel mill)fuel injection to improve the fuel efficiency. The mileage of this wonderful sedan is said to be 23.59 kmpl , which is under standard driving conditions. The top speed of this Toyota Etios GD is said to be somewhere around 163 kmph. On the other hand, this efficient diesel power train has the ability to propel this sedan from 0 – 100 kmph in just about 15.88 seconds, which is quite good .

Braking and Handling

The company has given this wonderful sedan, Toyota Etios GD a well balanced suspension and a notable braking system, which helps and efficiently works to keep the occupants as well as the sedan very protected. The front wheels have been equipped with a ventilated disc, while the rear end wheels have been given drum brakes for proficient braking . Apart from this, Toyota Etios GD also has the option of equipping itself with the advanced antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution to enhance the braking abilities of this amazing sedan. But this addition will be with the safety pack and for an extra cost. On the other hand, the front axle of this sedan has been fitted with a McPherson strut type suspension, whereas the rear axle gets a torsion beam type mechanism to keep the car stable and steady even on bumpy roads.

Safety Features

Toyota Etios GD is the entry level trim and quite obviously the kind of safety features are lesser in it, when compared to the high end variants in its mode lineup. But the company has given the option to fit this sedan with ABS and EBD along with driver and side passenger airbags at an additional cost. This base level sedan has been already included with an engine immobilizer for any unauthorized entry, keyless entry, door ‘ajar’ warning lamp and a few other such essential features, which will assist in keeping the passengers and the vehicle secure.

Comfort Features

The list of comfort features that are integrated into this wonderful sedan is also lesser than what is present in the top end variant. But the company has included quite a few features, which will surely be liked by the customers. These advanced and refined comfort features include a proficient air conditioning unit, which cools the entire cabin within no time, power windows for all the 4 doors, an electric power steering that is adjustable and very responsive, central locking , a glove box that cools the things kept in it, front cabin lights, a power outlet of 12V in the front, integrated front head rests and pillow type rear head rests, a digital tripmeter and four speakers as well along with several other such thrilling convenience features, which will definitely mesmerize the customers into buying this outstanding and subtle sedan.

Pros

Powerful engine with a healthy mileage, interiors have lots of space and is very comfortable, simple but subtle exteriors.

Cons

Engine noise can be reduced, interior comfort features can be increased to add more value, exterior design can be improved as well.