Toyota Etios VX

Toyota Etios sedan is said to be the cheapest sedan, which has been designed and developed by the company. Not only in the Indian car market, this Toyota Etios model lineup is apparently the cheapest car series across the world, which are manufactured by the Japanese multinational automobile giant. Even though, this Etios series is being termed as the most affordable sedan from their reputed stable, the company has given it quite a few interesting convenient features. Apart from these comfort features, there are also some crucial safety and security features, which the company has included in this amazing sedan. The engine is power packed and has been attuned to produce pertinent power and torque, which is quite apposite for the Indian road and traffic conditions. The braking and suspension system are also strong and well built, which keeps the car stable and easier to handle in any weather conditions. The interiors are done up remarkably well and this high end version, Toyota Etios VX has oodles of space for the front as well as the rear passengers. This five seater sedan offers generous leg space along with ample headroom and shoulder space, which gives the passengers a pleasurable and fatigue free driving experience even on longer journeys. The company has equipped this top end variant with a performance packed 1.5 L petrol drive train that gives a good mileage and is a delight to drive. This reasonably priced elegant sedan was first showcased in the 2010 automobile expo, which was held in New Delhi and was launched into the Indian car market in the same year. Since then, this sedan Toyota Etios has been doing extremely well for the company and has also been instrumental in generating incredible sales and making a lot of revenue for the company as well. The sedan segment has a lot of competition with quite a number of other contenders in this segment, but Toyota Etios has already carved a niche for itself in the Indian car market already. This sedan is also being sold in the South African car market and is doing good business there as well.

Exteriors

The outsides of this sleek sedan are not that great and striking, but at the same time are very subtle and regal. The overall bodyline is aerodynamic and makes this sedan look stylish, simple, yet very elegant. The front grille is very distinctive and has a smiling face like appearance, which is one of the most attractive aspects of the front façade of the Toyota Etios VX. The emblem of the company is embedded in the center of this slatted radiator grille, which also has a sleek strip of chrome. This neatly styled grille is flanked by a large and traditional looking head light cluster, which are powered with high intensity lamps. Apart from these radiant lamps, the front body colored bumper has been integrated with a pair of round shaped fog lamps, which enhances the visibility of the driver in adverse weather conditions. The large wind screen has been fitted with an intermittent wiper, which works efficiently to give a clear vision during the rainy season. The side profile has distinct sculpted character lines that run along the side of this sedan and augments its appeal. Apart from this, there is a modish side skirt on both the sides that gives this Toyota Etios VX an up market and premium look. Then there are the body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which add to its overall appeal. While, the subtle and neatly done up wheel arches have been equipped with a trendy set of 12 spoke light alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, which add to the sportiness of this impressive sedan. This sedan also has B Pillar on both sides and also has side protection mouldings to minimize 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 roof has a mounted antenna that is foldable for the in-cabin FM Radio.

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 930 kgs.

Interiors

The insides of this affordably priced sedan has been done up tastefully by the company. The internal plastic surfaces are a bit rough at certain angles, but that hardly matters as the kind of space and comfort this sedan offers might make you forget these minor things. The seating arrangement is very comfortable with dual tone premium upholstery with a couple of options for the buyers to choose from, which gel along with the exteriors as well. All the four doors have fabric inserts in the door trims that add to the stylishness of this sedan. There is a lot of storage space with a couple of cup holders near the gear shift lever and a small storage space as well. All the doors also have pockets to store some small things which come in handy while driving. The outside rear view mirrors can be adjusted from inside, while this sedan also has a internal day and night rear view mirror as well to block the hurtful beam of light from heavy vehicles during the night. The three spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather with silver accent, while the gear shift knob is treated with chrome. The air conditioner vents are vertically placed and have also been treated in chrome. The driver as well as the passenger side sun visor has a mirror in it, while this sedan also has three assist grips with a coat hook as well. Toyota Etios VX 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 VX petrol version is equipped with a power packed 1.5 L, 4 cylinders, 2NR-FE power train , which has 16 valves and a dual overhead cam shaft. This powerful engine has the capacity to displace 1496cc along with a maximum power yield of 88.2 Bhp at 5600 Rpm and a peak torque output of 132 Nm at 3000 Rpm. This performance packed drive train has been skillfully coupled with a 5 speed manual transmission gear box and has an electronic fuel injection to enhance the fuel efficiency. This influential engine is complaint with all the norms of BS IV and generates low emissions, which is an added advantage. The mileage of this wonderful sedan is between 13.5 to 17.6 kmpl, under standard driving conditions, while the top speed is said to be around 171 kmph . This efficient petrol engine has the capability to propel this sedan from 0 – 100 kmph in just about 11.5 seconds , which is remarkable.

Braking and Handling

The company has equipped this brilliant sedan with a stable suspension and a remarkable braking system to keep the passengers as well as the vehicle safe. The front wheels have been fitted with a ventilated disc, while the rear wheels have been given drum brakes for efficient braking. Apart from this, Toyota Etios VX trim also has the highly developed antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution to enhance the braking abilities of this amazing sedan. 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 in pot hole ridden roads.

Safety Features

This top end variant, Toyota Etios VX petrol has been fitted with some impressive yet vital safety and security features for the benefit of the passengers. The list of these protective features include driver and front side passenger SRS airbags, engine immobilizer for any unauthorized entry, keyless entry, driver seatbelt and door ajar warning notification lamps, ABS along with EBD and several other such important features, which will keep the passengers and the vehicle safer.

Comfort Features

Toyota Etios VX is the high end variant in its mode lineup and the company has included the maximum number of comfort features in this trim. These highly developed comfort and convenience features comprise of a powerful and efficient air conditioner that cools the entire cabin within no time, all four power windows, electric power steering that is adjustable, very chunky and responsive along with mounted large audio control buttons, central locking, a cooled glove box, front cabin lights, a 12V power outlet in the front, integrated front head rests and pillow type rear head rests, rear defogger, a 2 Din DVD, MP3 player with FM Radio and a remote control for amazing in-cabin entertainment along with USB interface and a Aux-in ready audio output with speakers, a digital tripmeter , tachometer and quite a number of other such exciting comfort features, which will certainly fascinate the customers into buying this superb sedan.

Pros

Very spacious and roomy interiors, simple yet well designed exteriors, Powerful engine and good features.

Cons 

Exterior design can be improved, Engine makes noise that can be reduced, Mileage can be improved