Toyota Etios Cross 1.5L V

Etios Cross 1.5L V Review

The Toyota Etios Cross is the first compact crossover introduced in the Indian automobile market by Toyota Kirloskar Motors. This four wheeler is available in numerous trim levels among which, the Toyota Etios Cross 1.5L V is the top end petrol variant. This trim is equipped with a sophisticated 1.5-litre petrol engine that is capable of producing 88.76bhp in combination with a maximum torque of 132Nm at just 3000rpm. It is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that helps the vehicle to deliver about 16.78 Kmpl when driven under standard conditions, which is slightly lesser than its other competitors. This latest compact crossover is all about rugged exteriors and sporty interiors, which will appeal to the younger car aficionados. It comes with exclusive cosmetics including body cladding, a pair of roof rails, spoiler and many other striking aspects. It is introduced with a stylishly done up cabin that has piano black color scheme, which is complimented by silver and chrome inserts that further adds to its classiness. On the other hand, the company has blessed this trim with a number of comfort and utility based aspects including a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, glove box cooling, a day/night inside rear view mirror and several other such aspects. This vehicle will be competing with the likes of the upcoming Fiat Avventura, Maruti SX4 Cross and the already prevalent Volkswagen Cross Polo in the compact crossover segment.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced crossover is undoubtedly one of the most distinct looking vehicles available in the car bazaar. It is blessed with a factory designed body kit that features claddings all over, a nudge guard and numerous other striking aspects. To begin with the rear, it has a boldly designed taillight cluster that surrounds a plain tailgate, which is further etched with the iconic company's logo on it. Its windscreen resembles the one that is fitted to the Liva hatchback series, but it is accompanied with a dual color spoiler, which makes it look very elegant. The rear bumper comes in black color, but the aluminum protective cladding gives it a categorical look, while improving the protection as well. Its side profile is extremely muscular, thanks to the body cladding that also features flared up wheel arches and body moldings. These neatly carved wheel arches have been fitted with a set of diamond cut alloy wheels that brings an alluring look to the sides. These rims are covered with robust tubeless radial tyres, which can take on any terrain with ease. The best part about the exteriors is its aggressive front facade, thanks to the clear lens headlamps and a rugged grille, which is surrounded by an aluminum nudge guard. The front bumper also comes in black color and it is also equipped with a pair of radiant fog lamps. Another noticeable change in this crossover are its turn indicators, which are fitted in the fog lamp console and not with the head lights.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Toyota Etios Cross 1.5L V trim is quite spacious and more importantly, it is stylish. The company has used premium quality material for designing the interiors and has given it a chic looking piano black color scheme to further emphasize its sporty appeal. Its dashboard design has been borrowed from the Liva hatchback model series, but the color scheme is different with a glossy black finish on the central console. The cockpit section is fitted with two individual and well cushioned seats that are covered with sporty fabric upholstery that also has 'Etios Cross' lettering etched on it.

Engine and Performance:

The car maker has equipped this top end petrol trim with a 1.5-litre power plant that displaces 1496cc . This engine is based on a dual overhead cam shaft based valve configuration along with four cylinders, which have been further integrated with 16-valves. This engine is incorporated with an electronic fuel injection system. It has the ability to produce a peak power output of 88.76bhp at 5600rpm that results in developing a maximum torque of 132Nm at 3000rpm. This torque output is distributed to both the front wheels via a five speed manual transmission gearbox, which helps in generating a maximum mileage of 16.78 Kmpl, when driven under standard conditions. On the other hand, it can breach the 100 Kmph mark in the range of 13 to 14 seconds and can achieve a top speed of approximately 150 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels of this crossover have been fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones are paired with conventional drum brakes. This disc and drum braking mechanism is further reinforced with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system, which further augments the braking mechanism. The front axle of this model series is coupled with a McPherson Strut , whereas its rear axle is fitted with a torsion beam type of mechanism, which ensures that the vehicle is stable and well balanced at all times.

Comfort Features

This Toyota Etios Cross 1.5L V is the top end trim and is equipped with several impressive convenience features. It comes equipped with an air conditioning system with heater, pollen filter, power steering with tilt adjuster, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, a digital clock, seven bottle holders, internally adjustable external mirrors , a tachometer and numerous other such features. It also has central locking system, cooled glove box, digital trip meter and a 2-DIN music system with speakers, which supports USB/AUX-In sockets and Bluetooth connectivity as well.

Safety Features:

The company has equipped quite a number of protective aspects to this trim. The list includes a rear windscreen defogger, engine immobilizer, anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, seat belts for all the occupants, keyless entry, driver seat belt warning, door ajar notification, parking brake on and headlamps-on notification as well. All these put together helps in better safety as well as protection of the passengers and the vehicle.

Pros:

1. Engine performance is quite good.

2. Rugged exteriors gives it a distinct look.

Cons:

1. . Fuel efficiency can be made better.

2. . Interior space is rather less in comparison to its competitors.