Toyota Kirloskar Motors launched the much anticipated and awaited car, the Etios Sedan in Banglore today. The first car to roll out under Toyota's 'Q' class concept, the sedan made heads turn when it was first showcased in the Delhi Auto Expo. Under the hood beats a 2NR-FE - 1496cc 16V DOHC engine which delivers 90ps @ 5600rpm and according to ARAI gives a mileage of 17.6 kmpl. Projected as a family car the sedan has a 595 ltr boot space to store all the luggage for your long journeys. The sedan has undergone 2,00,000 km of real world testing in India and hence priority has been given to mileage, space, style and price.
The car will be launched in the J, G, V and VX (top of the line) variants. The pricing will be as follows:Â J - Rs. 
4.96 lakhs, G - Rs. 5.46 lakhs, G with options - Rs. 5.96 lakh, V - Rs. 6.41 lakhs and the top-of-the-line VX will boast of a price tag of a Rs. 6.86 ( all prices ex-showroom Delhi). Bookings are now open at Rs. 50000 and deleveries of the sedan will begin in Jan 2011. The J and G variants will boast of 175/65 R14 wheels while the V and VX will be based on 185/60 R15 tyres with 12 spoke alloys. Safety features in the car includes Airbags, ABS with EBD optional on G trim while on the other these safety features will be standard on V and VX trim. The sedan also gets a centrally mounted instrument cluster.
A 2DIN DVD Mp3 system on VX variant is the first of its kind entertainment system offered in its segment. The VX features audio controls on the steering wheel and a USB and Aux-In facility as well. Some of the other features also include a 13-litre cooled glove box. The sedan will be available in a range of colours Symphony silver, Serene bluish silver, Celestial black, Harmony beige, Vermillion red and White colours. The J trim though will be available only in Symphony Silver and white. When it comes to the interiors of the sedan, the J variant gets a dual tone - black and grey upholstrey and the VX has dual tone black and red upholstrey. The low spec J and G variants come with all black upholstrey.
The Etios design concept is all about a balance of form and function. It is thoughtfully designed to provied ample legroom & headroom. This is visible in the car as it has a flat floor for the rear - with no transmission tunnel hump, so three people can sit comfortably and move within the cabin with ease. The J variant is so basic that it doesn't even come with the electric assist power streering. The G, V and VX comes with electric power assist steering. The V and VX on the other hand comes with tilt steering for adjustability. The suspension of the sedan will boast of MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The safety of the car is enhanced by the front ventilated discs and brake drums at the rear.
Made for India, in India and addressing the problems of the Indian customer like fuel efficiency, comfort, safety on the road could make the Etios is a frontrunner in the segment. Toyota states that they are keenly studying the possibility of a diesel engine in the Etios but we have a strong feeling that the 87 bhp 1.4 L diesel engine will makes it way under the hood of the sedan and will be launched in a few months. The diesel version of the sedan will be out by March 2011 and will cost Rs. 50,000-60,000 more than the petrol variant.
News is also out that the Etios hatchback will be out in a few months from now. The hatch will be called the Etios Liva and Toyota aims at selling 70000 etios and liva. We await with bated breath for the hatch as well and we sure are going to see a tussle for the top spot in the Indian car market. Will the sedan and the hatch be game changers in the market? we sure think so and we will keep updating you with the latest news so, stay tuned!
