Toyota Etios, Ok kind of car

I was driving a Hyundai Getz GLX, a well engineered car, since 2006. I wanted a Sedan as quiet as a Hyundai.I could not drive a petrol car for a test drive, something that I regert now. I took a test of their Disel car for about ten km. It was a noisy car, but I thought it was diesel anyways.

Exterior My first impression was WOW! What a look. On a closer look I could make it out that it was Innova junior from front and Mahindra Verito from rear. Still it was Toyota. It was an admirable car for its look. The shape of the dooe was like an egg from the to which spoiled its look. When I closed the door the sound was not that of a modern day car. It reminded me of an Ambassador. The rubber beadings looked weak. There wasnt any beading abouve the door, but a slot was provided. The power windows were a bit noisy.I asked whether the music system could be switched on, the CCE said he did not have the key. My idea was how much sound proof was the car. The mudgaurd seemed to be a bit higher than required from the vertex of the tyres. Bumpers were looking sophisticated in the front. Overall exterior was good. The chrome decoration on the dicky was looking unnecessary. The car had only one wiper. I am yet to drive it inthe rain.I amnot sure how it will perform. The head lights, fog lamps indicators were all very well placed. The rear view mirrors were manual for its class. To adjust the rear view mirror at the pillion side was not an easy task as I had to lean quite a lot to adjust it. The dicky was very spacious for its class. The boot lamp should have been a little more brighter.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The dash board is made of good plastic. The glove box is spacious. One can push a small bag inside. The cooling mechanism of the glove box looked innovative. Like in other cars of this class the seat did not have a mechanism to go up and down.The seats were bi coloured, with red and ash which looked somewhat odd. It did not have the executive look. Airconditionig was excellent. The revolving type a/c vent can easily ciriculate the air all over. The tachometer and speedometer were place at the centre in such a way that it was to be made visible to all travelling in the car. They were looking extra large. The boot space was more than enough for the front space and the rear seats. The doors would not close silently and softly. It was quite noisy and almost had to give it a mild bang.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The pick up was excellent. Fuel economy was 18.7km /L with AC at a speed of 70kmph. When I started the car it started like a diesel Indigo, shaking its body all over and then became silent. I would  say that the Etios make quite a lot of noise and vibration.Transmission is smooth except for reverse. The fourth gear was vibrating at a speed of 60kmph.

Ride Quality & Handling Maneuvering was easier than Manza, but not as easy as Verna. Still it wasnt difficult.

Final Words Etios iPetrol s just an above average car of the new age Sedan class. If fuel economy is not an issue, Honda City would be a better choice.

Areas of improvement Thickness of the body,Door closure system,Engine vibration,Design of the door, Location of the Jack.

Exterior,boot space, a/c, fuel economyNoisy engine, poor music system, vibration of engine