Toyota Etios 2014-2017 J

Toyota India has launched the facelifted version of its popular sedan, Etios in both petrol and diesel engine options. It is available in a few trim levels out of which, Toyota Etios J is a base level petrol variant. It is offered with driver and co-passenger airbags, driver seat belt warning notification with buzzer and seats covered in new fabric upholstery. Meanwhile, there are no changes made to its technical specifications. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that can deliver a maximum mileage of 16.78 Kmpl. The peak power produced by this mill is 88.76bhp along with a maximum torque output of 132NM, which is rather good. It is offered only in a radiant White finish and Symphony Silver body paint options. It is blessed with impressive exterior aspects like an aggressive radiator grille as well as trendy headlight cluster at front and a conventional set of steel wheels in the side profile. Its rear end looks quite decent with features like an expressive boot lid and a bumper. This trim has roomy interiors that is loaded with well cushioned seats, air conditioning unit, steering wheel and some other features. Besides these, it includes some vital safety features that offers maximum security to its occupants. This sedan competes with Chevrolet Sail, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Linea Classic and a few other vehicles in this segment. It is offered with a standard warranty of 3-years or 1,00,000 kilometers, which can be further increased at an extra cost.

Exteriors:

This stylish sedan is built with a total length of 4265mm along with an overall width and height of 1695mm and 1510mm respectively. It has a wheelbase of 2550mm, which is quite good, whereas its ground clearance comes to 174mm. Its exterior aspects are quite appealing, which will certainly attract a number of buyers. The frontage has a sleek bonnet with some expressive lines on it and there are a couple of wipers fitted to its wide windscreen. The radiator grille has horizontally positioned slats, which have matte black finish. The bright headlight cluster surrounds this grille and includes high intensity headlamps and turn indicators. Then, there is a body colored bumper that is equipped with an air dam, which cools the engine quickly. The side profile looks quite captivating with black colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. It has a conventional set of 15 inch steel wheels fitted to its wheel arches, which are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 185/60 R15. Whereas its rear end includes a wide windshield as well as a radiant tail light cluster. Other aspects like a boot with company's emblem and a body colored bumper gives a decent look to its rear profile.

Interiors:

This Toyota Etios J trim is blessed with a spacious cabin that is decorated with grey color scheme. It accommodates five passengers with ease and offers them with enough leg and head room. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with high quality fabric upholstery. The dashboard is neatly designed and integrated with a three spoke steering wheel, a stylish center console and an instrument cluster that displays various notifications. There are some utility based aspects available in this variant like front and rear door pockets, front assist grip, seven bottle holders and a glove box compartment with cooling effect. It has a boot space of 595 litres, wherein a lot of luggage can be placed.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer has equipped it with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that has the displacement capacity of 1496cc . It carries four cylinders, 16 valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is integrated with an electronic fuel injection system. It can produce a maximum mileage of 16.78 Kmpl on bigger roads. At the same time, it returns around 13.5 Kmpl when driven under standard driving conditions. The peak power produced by this mill is 88.76bhp at 5600rpm, whereas it yields a maximum torque output of 132Nm rpm. The five speed manual transmission gear box is skillfully paired with its power plant that transmits torque to the front wheels. This vehicle is capable to achieve a top speed of around 174 Kmph and crosses the speed mark of 100 Kmph in nearly 12.56 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

It is bestowed with an efficient suspension system, which helps it in maintaining stability on any road conditions. The front axle is fitted with a McPherson strut, while a torsion beam is used for the rear one. The braking system is quite reliable wherein, its front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes and the rear ones get drum brakes . This sedan is blessed with an electric power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters.

Comfort Features:

There are quite a few comfort aspects available in this Toyota Etios J variant, which adds to the convenience of its occupants. The cabin includes an air conditioning unit that helps in regulating the temperature inside. It comes along with a heater as well as clean air filter. There are sun visors available for driver and co-passenger, while the glove box compartment with cooling effect is quite good for storing small things. The instrument cluster includes a digital tripmeter and displays various notifications, which makes it quite convenient for the driver. In addition to these, it has internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, front cabin lights, day and night inside rear view mirror, remote fuel lid as well as tail gate opener and a few other features.

Safety Features:

This base level variant is available with some significant safety aspects that ensures protection of its passengers. It includes driver and co-passenger side airbag that offers security in case of a collision. There are reverse parking sensors, which assist the driver to park it safely. The engine immobilizer avoids any unauthorized entry into the vehicle, while the driver seat belt reminder and door ajar warning lamp on instrument panel alerts the driver.

Pros:

1. Braking system is quite reliable.

2. Impressive exteriors are a plus point.

Cons:

1. Very few comfort aspects are available.

2. More safety features can be added.