Toyota Etios 2014-2017 VD

Etios 2014-2017 VD Review

The updated version of Etios sedan series has launched with a few modifications to its exteriors and interiors. Now it will compete against the likes of Chevrolet Sail, Ford Classic, Maruti Ciaz, Tata Zest, Mahindra Verito and others in this segment. This vehicle is available in both petrol and diesel engine options in several variants, out of which, Toyota Etios VD is the mid range trim. Its exterior updates include a redesigned radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment and internally adjustable ORVMs with side turn indicator. In terms of interiors there are no major changes, apart from the dual front airbags, driver seat belt reminder notification and new fabric upholstery. There are no changes to its technical specifications and this trim is powered by the same 1.4-litre diesel engine. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which helps in generating 67.1bhp along with 170Nm. It has a powerful braking and suspension mechanism that keeps it well balanced and agile at all times. It is being offered with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier. At the same time, the owners can also avail an extended warranty at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer. 

Exteriors:

This variant has an aerodynamic body structure along with a lot of striking features. Its side profile has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. Its neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 15-inch steel wheels. These rims are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with other tools required for changing a flat tyre. The front fascia is designed with an updated radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment that gives it an attractive look. It is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a well designed headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam for cooling the engine. It is surrounded by a pair of bright fog lamps. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass that is integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers. The rear end gets a bright tail lamp cluster and a body colored bumper. The expressive boot lid is embossed with variant badging. Its windscreen is fitted with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. Its overall dimensions remain the same with a total length of 4265mm along with a width of 1695mm and a decent height of 1510mm. It has 174mm of minimum ground clearance and a large wheelbase of 2550mm, which ensure a spacious cabin inside. 

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Toyota Etios VD trim is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which provides ample leg space for all occupants. These are integrated with adjustable head restraints (front) and are covered with new fabric upholstery. Its dual tone dashboard is equipped with chrome accentuated AC vents, a large glove box and an instrument cluster with lots of functions. The tilt adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in heavy traffic conditions. It is bestowed with a number of utility based aspects, which includes front door map pockets, seven bottle holders, remote fuel lid opener and all four power windows with driver side auto down function and so on. It also has a spacious boot compartment of 595 litres, which can be further increased by folding its rear seat. The chrome finished door handles and parking lever tip gives the cabin a stylish look. 

Engine and Performance:

It is fitted with a 1.4-litre diesel mill that can displace 1364cc, which is integrated with 4-cylinders and 8-valves using a single overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This mill can churn out a maximum power of 67.1bhp at 3800rpm along with 170Nm of torque between 1800 to 2400rpm. It is cleverly coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the torque output to its front wheels. This motor has the ability to attain a maximum speed approximately 178 Kmph, which is rather good for this segment. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 12.5 seconds from a standstill. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, it can deliver 20.32 Kmpl within the city and 23.59 Kmpl on the highways. 

Braking and Handling:

The braking mechanism of this Toyota Etios VD variant is augmented by ABS along with electronic brake force distribution . Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc and drum brakes respectively. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, while rear gets torsion beam type of mechanism. This trim has been blessed with an electric power steering system, which has tilt adjustable function and supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters that is rather good for this segment. 

Comfort Features:

This variant is equipped with an advanced 2-DIN music system, which supports CD/MP3 player, USB interface, radio with AM/FM tuner along with four speakers . The efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heater and clean air filter. It has an illuminated instrument panel, which houses tachometer, tripmeter, low fuel warning light and several other warnings for convenience of the driver. Apart from these, it also has front cabin lights, a 12V power socket in central console for charging electronic devices, height adjustable driver seat, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror and so on. Lastly, it also has LCD type fuel meter along with a digital clock.

Safety Features:

This trim has seat belts for all occupants along with driver seat belt reminder notification with buzzer, driver and co-passenger airbags. Then it also has an advanced engine immobilizer that prevents it from any unauthorized entry, door ajar warning lamp on instrument panel, keyless entry, rear defogger, central locking system and a high mounted stop lamp. Its rigid body structure has side impact beams that enhances the safety of its occupants sitting inside in case of any crash. 

Pros:

1. Boot compartment is quite spacious.

2. Striking exteriors with updated radiator grille.

Cons:

1. Absence of alloy wheels.

2. There is scope to reduce NVH levels.