Toyota Etios Cross 1.4L GD

One of the most awaited compact crossovers, Etios Cross is finally launched in the lucrative Indian automobile market. It is available with two petrol and one diesel engine option to choose from, out of which, the Toyota Etios Cross 1.4L GD is the entry level diesel variant. This trim is equipped with a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel power plant that has the ability to produce 67.06bhp and develops 170Nm, which is quite impressive. The best part about this vehicle is that it can deliver an impressive mileage of 23.59 Kmpl, which is rather good. The company is offering this trim with a proficient braking with ventilated disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes equipped to the rear ones. On the other hand, the McPherson strut suspension is fitted to the front axles, while its rear axle is equipped with a torsion beam type of mechanism, which keeps it stable on all roads. As far as the features are concerned, this trim is packed with advanced aspects including driver seat height adjuster, cooled glove box, AC unit with clean air filter, central locking system and other such utility based functions. At present, the manufacturer is offering this compact crossover in eight attractive body paint options, some of which include Inferno Red, Ultramarine Blue, Classic Grey, Vermilion Red and a few more to select from.

Exteriors:

The appearance and style of this compact crossover is its main advantage, thanks to the rugged body kit that makes it look distinct. On its frontage, it is fitted with a masculine radiator grille that also has a protective guard with metallic finish. This grille is surrounded by a large and aggressive headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen headlamps. Its front bumper is in black color and is incorporated with a protective cladding and also a pair of fog lamps. Furthermore, the turn indicators have been fitted just above the fog lights, which gives it a distinct look. The overall look of the front is complimented by the chrome plated company's badge fitted to the radiator grille . Its side profile is equipped with a lot of features including a body kit that features metallic cladding. The external wing mirrors and door handles are in body color, wherein the ORVMs have been further equipped with a side turn blinker each. Here, the masculine wheel arches have been fitted with a set of diamond cut alloy wheels, which are covered with radial that adds to the elegance of the side facet. The rear end of this vehicle is very sporty, thanks to the black colored bumper that is further equipped with an aluminum protective cladding that also features a license plate console. Here the taillight cluster has a bold design and it gives a magnificent look to the rear.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Toyota Etios Cross 1.4L GD have been done up with piano black color scheme and it is complimented by silver inserts. The best part about the cabin is its elegantly crafted dashboard that is equipped with a stylish center console with a glossy black finish. It is further equipped with a three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel that has silver and chrome inserts. The seats inside are wide, well cushioned and have been covered with sporty fabric upholstery that also has white stitching on it. The leg room in the cockpit is roomy, thanks to the large wheelbase of 2460mm, which can give satisfying comfort to five passengers with ease. The manufacturer has blessed this compact crossover with a decent boot compartment that has a storage capacity of 251 litres, which is rather acceptable. On the other hand, it is equipped with a lot of utility based aspects, which include seven bottle holders, door pockets, day/night inside rear view mirror, three assist grips with coat hook, 'Etios Cross' badging on front seats, remote fuel lid and tailgate opener along with a few other such aspects as well.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this trim is the 1.4-litre, D-4D diesel engine that is based on single overhead camshaft valve configuration. It has four cylinders and a total of eight valves that displaces 1364cc . The car maker has incorporated this engine with a common rail direct fuel injection system, which enables the motor to produce 67.06bhp at 3800rpm of peak power in combination with a maximum torque of 170Nm in the range of 1800 to 2400rpm. This torque output is transmitted to the front wheels through an advanced five speed manual transmission gear box that helps in delivering an impressive mileage of 23.59 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels have been fitted with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones are coupled with conventional drum brakes. This disc and drum braking mechanism is further enhanced by an advanced anti lock braking system that works proficiently in combination with electronic brake force distribution as well. On the other hand, its front axle of this compact crossover is fitted with McPherson Strut type of a mechanism, while its rear axle is equipped with torsion beam system, which keeps the vehicle steady and well balanced on any road condition.

Comfort Features:

The new Toyota Etios Cross 1.4L GD is the entry level diesel trim, yet it is equipped with some significant features. It comes with a proficient air conditioning system with heater and clean air filter, electric power steering with tilt function, central locking system, cooled glove box, tachometer, driver seat height adjuster, digital trip meter, internally adjustable ORVMs and so on. The company also incorporated a 2-DIN music system that features a Radio/CD/MP3 player along with USB sockets and 4 speakers.

Safety Features:

The manufacturer is offering this trim with a list of crucial safety aspects that provides maximized protection to the occupants. The list includes ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer that restricts any unauthorized entry, key less entry, headlamp-on indicator, door ajar warning, parking brake indicator and a driver seat belt warning.

Pros:

1. Fuel efficiency is very impressive in comparison with its competitors.

2. Rugged exteriors that can handle any terrain with ease.

Cons:

1. Luggage space is quite less.

2. Rear leg and shoulder room is lower than other utility vehicles.