Toyota Etios 2014-2017 G

Toyota Etios is an affordable sedan model available in the Indian automobile market. This vehicle has now undergone a minor cosmetic update in terms of exteriors and interiors. In addition to this, it also gets some new features like dual front airbags, headlamp-on warning and driver's seatbelt notification. On the other hand, the car maker is now offering this sedan in four trim levels among which, Toyota Etios G is a mid range petrol variant. It is powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is currently under the hood of outgoing model. It is capable of pumping out 88.73bhp of power along with a maximum torque output of 132Nm. This latest hatchback is fitted with a new radiator grille with chrome finish, which is the only change made to the exteriors. While the interiors have been bestowed with new fabric seats, which have headrests. In addition to this, its rear doors are now fitted with speakers, which improves the sound output. Apart from these, all the comfort and safety features have been retained from the outgoing model. This vehicle will now face the likes of Ford classic and Chevrolet Sail in the Indian automobile market. It is available with a standard warranty period for up to 3-years or 100000 kilometers (whichever is earlier).

Exteriors:

This newly introduced sedan gets a completely redesigned radiator grille, whose upper portion is done up in chrome. Furthermore, the company's logo is slightly pronounced and is repositioned in the middle of the grille. Apart from this, all the other aspects remains to be same as its predecessor. The front body colored bumper has a wide air dam featuring horizontally positioned slats. It also has a provision for equipping fog lamps. Above this, its large headlight cluster is equipped with turn indicators along with halogen based headlamps. On the side profile, its well carved wheel arches have been fitted with a set of conventional steel rims featuring full wheel covers. In addition to this, there are trendy features like black B pillars, body colored door handles and external wing mirrors. Coming to the rear, its tailgate is fitted with a horizontally positioned strip, which is further accompanied by company's insignia. Unlike the front bumper, its rear one has a masculine structure, which gives it a sporty appeal. At present, this sedan is available in seven exterior paint options including Classic Grey, Symphony Silver, Celestial Black, New Pearl White, Vermilion Red, White and Harmony Beige.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Toyota Etios G variant has a refreshing new look owing to the new fabric seat covers. The dashboard has a cooled glove box, AC unit and a music system. The instrument cluster has a distinct design featuring blue colored illumination and is placed above the central console. It displays informatics like tachometer, speedometer, digital tripmeter, clock and a few other notifications . Its has well cushioned individual seats featuring adjustable head restraints, wherein the driver's seat also has height adjustment facility. There is ample leg, shoulder and head space inside as it is built with a long wheelbase of 2500mm. It also has an extremely large 595-litre boot compartment, which is more than any other sedan in its class. Other utility features include 3-assist grips with coat hook, remote fuel lid and tailgate opener and a day/night inside rear view mirror.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this variant is the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that has an advanced electronic fuel injection supply system. It is based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration with four cylinders and sixteen valves. This engine has the ability to produce a maximum power of 88.73bhp at 5600rpm that results in a commanding torque output of 132Nm at just 3000rpm. The car maker has paired this engine with a five speed manual transmission gearbox . This sedan has the ability to produce a minimum mileage of 13.5 kmpl on city roads, while delivering a maximum of 16.78 Kmpl on highways. This sedan can break the 100 kmph mark in approximately 15 seconds and can achieve a top speed in the range of 145 to 150 kmph.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is bestowed with a robust suspension system in the from of McPherson Strut on front axle and torsion beam system on its rear axle. It is also fitted with a highly responsive electric power assisted steering system, which supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9meters. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of high performance ventilated discs and the rear wheels are equipped with solid drum brakes.

Comfort Features:

The Toyota Etios G is the mid range variant, which is equipped with all the standard comfort features. It also has new aspects like a digital clock, two speakers and an additional remote key. Its cabin is now fitted with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system including clean air filter, which provides a pleasant ambiance inside . Other features include power windows, internally adjustable outside mirrors, front cabin lights, 12V accessory power sockets, adjustable front headrests and a rear defogger. Furthermore, it also has aspects like a rear defogger, tachometer, driver seat height adjuster and a digital trip meter. Beside these, it has remote fuel lid opener, dual front sun visors and an inside rear view mirror. The car maker is also offering a provision for incorporating music system as it is equipped with four speakers and 2 tweeters.

Safety Features:

This variant is equipped with driver seatbelt warning notification and dual front airbags, which improves the safety quotient. Furthermore, its instrument cluster is equipped with door ajar notification and headlamp-on buzzer. Apart from these, it has an protective aspects like central locking system with keyless entry function. The car maker has also incorporated an engine immobilizer system, which safeguards the vehicle from unauthorized entry. In addition to these, it has standard features like 3-point seatbelts, side impact beams, powerful halogen lamps, tubeless radial tyres and dual horn.

Pros:

1. Inclusion of dual front airbags adds to its advantage.

2. Cost of maintenance and service is affordable.

Cons:

1. Lack of ABS with EBD is a disadvantage.

2. Music system can be offered as standard.