Toyota Etios 2014-2017 V

Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese auto giant has officially launched the facelifted version of its sedan Etios in the market. This time around, it is offered in four trim levels among which, Toyota Etios V is the mid range petrol variant. Powering this sedan is the 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is capable of producing 88.76bhp along with a hammering torque of 132Nm. As far as the changes are concerned, it gets a new chrome plated radiator grille, which improves its external appearance. While its insides have been bestowed with new fabric seat upholstery, which gives a plush appeal to the cabin. In addition to this, it is also equipped with an LCD type fuel meter featuring a digital clock. On the other hand, the car maker is offering this trim with dual front SRS airbags along with notification functions for driver seatbelt, door ajar and headlamp-on. Apart from these, it has several standard features like a HVAC unit, a 2-DIN music system, height adjustable driver seat and power steering system. This facelifted version is being offered with an attractive warranty period of 3-years or 100000 kilometers, which can be further extended at an extra cost.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced sedan has a distinct new look owing to the refurnished radiator grille. It is done up with a lot of chrome and is further embedded with company's insignia. Surrounding this is the aggressive headlight cluster, which dazzles the front fascia. Below this, there is a body colored bumper that houses a pair of round shaped fog lamps and a wide air dam. The rear profile is fitted with a radiant taillight cluster, which is equipped with turn indicators, courtesy lamp and brake lamps. The its large tailgate is elegantly decorated with a horizontally positioned chrome strip. It is further embedded with company's logo and variant badging. The most attractive aspect is its rear bumper, as it has a masculine design. The side profile looks quite attractive, thanks to the trendy features like black B pillars and window frames. Furthermore, it also has body colored door handles and wing mirrors. However, its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 15-inch steel rims, which are further equipped with full wheel covers. This sedan has a total length of 4265mm and a decent width of 1695mm. It has a decent height of 1510mm, whereas the ground clearance measures at just 161mm.

Interiors:

This Toyota Etios V trim has a refined internal cabin as its seats are now covered with new fabric seat upholstery. Now, its AC vents, steering wheel and gearshift lever gets a chrome finish. It has ample leg and shoulder space inside, which can house seating for at least five passengers. It has an extremely huge 495 litre boot compartment and a 45-litre fuel tank. The cockpit is furnished with ergonomically designed individual seats featuring adjustable headrests. At the same time, its driver seat is provided with height adjustment facility along with a center armrest, which adds to the convenience. The dashboard houses a large glove box, an AC unit and a music system. The instrument cluster is placed above the center fascia, which has informatics like a speedometer, tachometer, digital tripmeter and a clock.

Engine and performance:

This mid range variant is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which has an electronic fuel injection supply system. It is based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which displaces 1496cc. This power plant has the ability to produce a maximum power of 88.76bhp at 5600rpm along with a pounding torque output of 132Nm at just 3000rpm. The car maker has paired this motor with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, which allows front wheels to derive torque output. This sedan has the ability to give away a mileage in the range of 13.5 to 16.78 kmpl, which is rather decent. On the other hand, it can attain a top speed of approximately 150 kmph, while breaching the 100 kmph speed mark in about 15 to 16 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is bestowed with a proficient braking mechanism, which is further augmented by the anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs and the rear wheels have been paired with solid drum brakes. As far as its suspension is concerned, its front axle is mated with McPherson Strut and the rear axle is coupled with torsion beam system. Not to forget that the automaker has also incorporated a highly responsive electric power assisted steering system, which makes handling quite simpler.

Comfort features:

This Toyota Etios V is the mid range variant, which is equipped with all the standard comfort features. Its dashboard is now fitted with a proficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system including a clean air filter, which keeps the ambiance pleasant. The manufacturer is offering this trim with aspects like power windows, cabin lights, height adjustable driver's seat, rear defogger, internally adjustable outside mirrors and digital trip-meter. In addition to these, it also has adjustable front headrests, tachometer, front power outlets, day and night inside rear view mirror, remote fuel lid opener and dual front sun visors. This mid range trim is also bestowed with a 2-DIN music system including a CD player, FM radio and has connectivity for USB devices.

Safety Features:

This trim is equipped with a set of new safety features, which certainly improves the safety standards. It is now available with dual front airbags along with driver seatbelt notification system as standard. In addition to these, this trim also has features like keyless entry system, central locking and anti lock braking with electronic brake force distribution. It is also equipped with a few warning notifications for driver seatbelt, door open and headlamp-on. The car maker has also incorporated an advanced engine immobilizer device, which safeguards the vehicle from any unauthorized entry.

Pros:

1. Comfort features are at par with other competitors.

2. Boot space is more than any other sedan.

Cons:

1. More updates can be given to the exteriors.

2. Alloy wheels can be given as standard fitment.