Toyota Etios 2014-2017 VX

The facelifted version of Toyota Etios has entered the Indian car market with both petrol and diesel engine options. The company is offering it in a few trim levels out of which, Toyota Etios VX is a high end petrol variant. It is introduced with minor updates like faux-wood trims on armrest, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, reverse parking sensors, driver seat belt reminder with buzzer, new fabric upholstery and a chrome radiator grille. However, its technical specifications remain the same. It comes equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is skillfully paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. It has a large fuel tank that can hold around 45 litres of petrol in it. The attractive internal section includes a lot of interesting features like an infotainment system, air conditioning unit, well cushioned seats and power windows to name a few. It is bestowed with disc and drum braking mechanism, which is quite reliable. There are crucial safety features available that offers maximum protection to its passengers. Its outer appearance is quite captivating that is further enhanced by aspects like an elegant set of 15 inch alloy wheels, expressive boot lid and a trendy headlight cluster. The company is offering it in a new Pearl White color apart from the existing Celestial Black, Vermilion Red, Harmony Beige, Classic Grey and Symphony Silver body paint options for the customers to select from. It has 3-years or 1,00,000 kilometers standard warranty, whichever comes first and this period can be further extended at a nominal price.

Exteriors:

This sedan has a stylish outer appearance along with some remarkable aspects. Starting with the front fascia, it has a well designed headlight cluster featuring high intensity headlamps and turn indicators. It surrounds the aggressive radiator grille that is garnished with a lot of chrome. There is a wide windscreen, which is equipped with a pair of intermittent wipers. The bumper is painted in body color and includes a wide air dam for cooling the engine. Furthermore, it has a sleek bonnet with expressive lines that gives an eye catching look to its frontage. The side profile has body colored external mirrors, door handles, B-pillar black out and side protection molding with chrome insert. There are also a set of 15 inch alloy wheels that are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 185/60 R15. Its rear end has a decent appearance with features like a body colored bumper and a boot lid that is garnished with chrome. It has neatly designed tail light cluster, wide windshield as well as a roof mounted antenna. In terms of exterior dimensions, it has an overall length, width and height of 4265mm, 1695mm and 1510mm respectively.

Interiors:

The insides of this Toyota Etios VX trim are quite spacious and provide ample leg room along with sufficient head space. It can take in five people with ease. There are well cushioned seats covered with premium fabric upholstery. The cockpit includes a neatly designed dashboard that is integrated with some equipments. These include instrument cluster, center console, three spoke steering wheel and air vents with chrome rings. It is available with luggage compartment of 595 litres, which is rather good. The instrument panel includes a tachometer, fuel consumption display, driver seat belt reminder and displays a few other notifications as well. Besides these, it has utility based aspects like a cooled glove box, three assist grips with coat hook, seven bottle holders, front sun visors and door pockets as well.

Engine and Performance:

It is incorporated with 1.5-litre petrol engine that has the ability to displace1496cc. This mill has four cylinders, 16 valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is integrated with an electronic fuel injection system that helps in producing a maximum mileage of 16.78 Kmpl on bigger roads and around 13.5 Kmpl within the city. It is capable of generating a peak power of 88.76bhp at 5600rpm and yields a maximum torque output of 132Nm rpm. This motor is coupled with five speed manual transmission gear that transmits torque to the front wheels. It can attain a top speed of around 174 Kmph and crosses the speed mark of 100 Kmph in 12.56 seconds approximately.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan has a reliable braking system wherein, ventilated disc brakes are fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. The front axle is equipped with a McPherson strut, while the rear one gets a torsion beam type of system. On the other hand, it has an electric power assisted steering system that has tilt adjustment function. It supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters and makes handling quite easier.

Comfort Features:

There is a long list of comfort features available in this Toyota Etios VX variant. It has an advanced audio unit that keeps its occupants entertained all through their journey. This system includes a CD, MP3 player, radio tuner along with four speakers. It also supports auxiliary input, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity as well. There are front sun visors available along with vanity mirror on co-passenger side. Its power steering wheel is wrapped with leather and mounted with audio controls. The 12V power outlet is quite useful for charging mobile phones and other devices. It has height adjustable driver's seat, while there are electrically adjustable ORVMs as well. The air conditioning unit cools the cabin besides creating a pleasant ambiance inside. It has power operated windows with driver's side getting auto down facility. Other features like adjustable front headrest, keyless entry, rear defogger, digital tripmeter, front cabin lights, day and night inside rear view mirror, remote fuel lid as well as tail gate opener further adds to the comfort levels.

Safety Features:

The automaker has loaded this high end variant with crucial safety features that ensures maximum protection. It has dual front SRS airbags that offers security in the event of a collision. It has anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that prevents it from skidding. The reverse parking sensors helps the driver to park the vehicle safely. Other than these, it includes driver seat belt reminder, door ajar warning lamp, central locking system and engine immobilizer that enhances the security levels.

Pros:

1. Interiors are quite captivating.
2. Exterior aspects enhance overall appearance.

Cons:

1. Many more safety features can be added.
2. Fuel economy can be made better.