An amazing no-nonsense mid market sedan from one of the most trusted names in the industry

Exterior The Etios definitely is not a great looking car. Its box type design solves the purpose though. However the dynamics incorporated in the design helps in getting it a better economy.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The quality of plastics used are not very good and the fit and finish of the dashboard are very tacky. However, the Etios has scores high in leg room, both front and rear and comfort. The seats are comfortable and the rear flat floor is a good idea, which helps in easy movement for the rear passengers. The cooled glove box is huge by standards and the 7 bottle holders are a great feature when travelling with a 'car-load' and for long distances. The AC is good and comes with a heater and clean air filter as well. However, a rear window defogger is missed and would have definitely been a good feature. The 595 litre boot is great for long distance travels with a group.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox I am personally pretty satisfied with the diesel engine of the Etios. Though a little turbo lag is noticed when the AC is switched on, but turbo doesnt take very long to kick in either. Fuel economy is great. Gear shifts are smooth and drive quality is very comfortable. I drive my car to work everyday in heavy city traffic in Kolkata and frankly, I do not feel any fatigue at all.

Ride Quality & Handling Amazing ride quality and handling. The power steering response is very good and the turn circle radius of 4.9m seems great for a sedan. As mentioned earlier, drive is very comfortable and the engine really seems powerful, even in slow speeds. I have driven it on highways and have clocked 140 kmph without feeling any difference in the way the car behaves. As a matter of fact, once my co passenger was surprised to see the needle hover around 140 as otherwise she couldn't feel it at all. However, one big turn off is the beefed up suspension of the Etios. On pot holes and bumps, the suspension makes an unpleasant noise, though it is not felt that much inside, but the noise surely is very annoying. The ground clearance also could be raised by a bit, which I have learnt has been taken care of, in the newer models.

Final Words Great car in the mid market segment in terms of drive and comfort. Amazing fuel economy of almost 18 kmpl in city (with AC). Could improve on interiors and feautures in the base segment.

Areas of improvement Suspension and Interiors need improvement.

Fuel economy, drive, comfortSuspension, looks, interiors, features in mid variant