Toyota has just introduced the 2016 Platinum Etios for the Indian market and has priced at Rs 6.83 lakh (ex-showroom Mumba)i for the petrol variants and Rs 7.96 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) for the diesel models.
Externally, the 2016 Platinum Etios has a new V-shape nose that incorporates a redesigned grille, black accents and chrome inserts. With the blacked-out air dams that house the fog lamps, this lends the car a sporty look. While the Etios now gets electric folding door mirrors, it also now comes with a new design for the alloy wheels. The rear end is characterised by a mildly sculpted bumper, chrome inserts, and new internals for the tail lights.
Move into the inside and one will notice the new ivory and black dual tone dash, an instrument clustre which holds a digital tachometer, fresh contours for the seats which now incorporate a strong tubular structure (replaces traditional wire-frame), and the rear centre armrest. Toyota has now equipped the entire range with ABS and ISOFIX mounting points for child safety seats. While the side-impact reinforcements that have been made to the 2016 cars add an extra 20kg, this was done with the aim of getting a four star rating in the NCAP norms (crash test safety).
The Etios Platinum, like the outgoing model, gets both petrol and diesel engine options. So, it gets the 90bhp 1.5-litre petrol motor which makes 132Nm of torque while the diesel is a 1.4-litre 68bhp engine that produces 170Nm of torque. Both engines continue to use a five-speed manual gearbox, but the diesel now gets a revised clutch which claims to improve the clutch pedal action. Toyota engineers have also altered the damping effects of the suspension to give passengers a more comfy ride.
Toyota expects the 2016 facelifted Etios to boost its sales thanks to the upcoming festive season, and also offer some competition to the likes of the compact saloons. The current car will be available in the base STD variant and costs Rs 40,000 lesser than the new car.
Prices of the 2016 Toyota Etios Platinum petrol (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Toyota Platinum Etios G – Rs 6.83 lakh
Toyota Platinum Etios V – Rs 7.17 lakh
Toyota Platinum Etios VX – Rs 7.74 lakh
Prices of the 2016 Toyota Etios Platinum diesel (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Toyota Platinum Etios G – Rs 7.96 lakh
Toyota Platinum Etios V – Rs 8.30 lakh
Toyota Platinum Etios VX – Rs 8.87 lakh