Toyota Etios [2013-2014] User Reviews

Exterior

After driving Alto for about 4 years, I decided to move on to a little bigger car which has more space and comfort, also a large boot space as we carry lot of luggage’s when we go out, particularly to our native. Earlier in 2011 when Etios was launched and then when the Diesel version and Liva was launched I did the TD, but felt what a pathetic car by seeing the interiors, noise, weight of the car felt to be unsafe for driving, etc. However, my situation and circumstances took nearly 2 plus years after having tested 12 Brands and nearly 20 different cars to finally come to a conclusion. But this time after hearing the facelift versions are exceptionally good, I did the TD of Etios or Liva (P & D versions) felt what an awesome style (a proper sedan) with a brilliant rebuilt and finish from Toyota, much more better than the previous versions and finally made up my mind to go with Etios G for the price which I could afford. 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 Standard interiors with very convenient and spacious at rear and front, seats are particularly good compared to the previous versions, features are relatively the same but this time better plastic, finishing was good with better insulation to reduce the noise hearing inside, still you can hear the horn sound more than the outsiders hear it.  Good MP3 2 Din music system. Convenient to sit drive in the city and high ways for a long hours. Overall fine for the cost we pay. It is a practical car no sophisticated features.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Standard and high responsive Engine, Fuel Economy i am yet to comment as i have driven just 450 kms after getting the vehicle delivered on 13th Dec 2013. It has a smooth gear box transmission, brilliant and smooth steering (I really got zapped bcoz of this), once i felt the vehicle is slightly underpowered although it has a 1496 cc engine. Speed and control is awesome, can be an easily handled by any beginners also. 

Ride Quality & Handling

Driving the car in City and Highways are good, sometimes feel you are sailing and you would feel the car is grip less, but the make is done in such a way. However we have to make up our mind and stay assured that Toyota products are well known for its reliability, durability and Quality. 

Final Words

Although it took a lot of time for me to finalize this car by reading all the reviews in Car Wale site and other sites, get to know from people who drive the similar car on the road, I finally made up my mind to go with Etios G and now I own this Classic Grey beauty. Also the Dealer, Sales person, Service guys respect us and give utmost importance which I feel Toyota has taught them well. All these are completely my own views…….but have to wait and see the performance of the car and the services of it.

Areas of improvement  

Left side ORVM adjustment is difficult to operate sitting from the driver seat, more insulation to avoid hearing the noise, Dust settling at the door corners and beadings, need to have a better horn and to include rear speakers.

 

Stylish, Spacious, Smooth Steering & Gears, Large Boot and Powerful ACORVM Left side adjustment, Insulation, Small ODO meter and no Tachometer

I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN AUTOMOBILES BUT A GENUINE LOVER OF AUTOMOBILES. I VALUE  EFFICIENCY SAFETY AND HASSLE FREE OWNERSHIP OF A VEHICLE. WHEN I DECIDE TO BUY A CAR, I CHECKED OUT MANY ESTABLISHED MAKERS AND THEIR PRODUCTS.

MARUTI DEZIRE WAS LESS SPECIOUS IN THE SAME PRICE BRACKET. BEING A SUB 4 METER CAR, HAVING RENTED ENGINE FROM FIAT , ITS JUST LIKE ERSTWHILE HERO-HONDA WITHOUT HONDA TECHNOLOGY. BUT YES IT HAS RESALE VALUE. BUT WHO CARES FOR RESALE? WE WANT TO BUY AND USE IT FIRSTLY. THE NOTION -MARUTI IS THE BEST SELLING CAR DOES NOT MEAN IT IS THE BEST. FEATURE WISE ALSO IT IS LESS APPEALING. EXCEPT SX4 AND SWIFT NO OTHER CAR OF MARUTI IS A GOOD LOOKING DESIGN. ITS JUST THAT MARUTI CAN SELL ANYTHING IN THE NAME OF VEHICLE HAVING FOUR WHEELS.

CHEVY AND FORD BOTH ARE AMERICAN COMPANY, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEST AND EAST IS WEST BELIVES IN EXUBERANCE AND EAST IN EFFICIENCY. ONE BELIVES INTERNAL OPTIMISATION OTHER IN EXTERNAL LUXURY. CHEVY ALSO RENT FIAT ENGINE, LACK BOTH IN EFFICIENCY AND MAINTENANCE. FORD IS SAME WITH SOME COST FACTOR ISSUES.

HYUNDAI IS ALL ABOUT FANCY LUXURY GADGETS, HYPE IN CLAIMED MILLAGE AND MAINTENANCE ISSUES AND COST FACTOR. (IN AMERICA IT WAS PENALISED FOR MILLAGE HYPE)

TATA AND MAHINDRA HAVE THEIR SET OF CUSTOMERS (MORE COMPROMISE THAN PEACE OF MIND IN THE LONG RUN)

HONDA THOUGH BETTER, MORE COSTLY AND GRADUAL SYMBOLISM OF HYPE AND MANIA IN INDIA.

FIAT ,VW , SKODA AND NISSAN HAS SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES (MAINTENANCE, SPARE AND COST)

I FOUND TOYOTA EFFICIENT, SAFE, HASSLE FREE MAINTENANCE, SPACIOUS, FEATURES YOU CAN USE AND REQUIRE, COMPTETIVE COST, AND DRIVING PLASURE.

ONE MORE THING TO SHARE , IN TODAYS CITIES WITH EVER INCREASING TRAFFIC AND CHAOS WHERE IS THE DRIVING PLASURE (PERSONAL FEELING)?

Exterior : IT IS A CAR NOT A UGLY SHAPED CABIN. CURVES DOES NOT MAKE MUCH SENSE.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) : REALLY SPACIOUS, REQUIRED FEATURES SANS LUXURY, EXACT COMFORT NOT SPOIL AND SPILL.  

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox : ONCE IT IS TOYOTA , YOU ARE REST ASSURED.

Ride Quality & Handling: THOUGH THIS IS SUBJECTIVE AND PERSONAL PREFERENCE, IT IS VERY GOOD.

Final Words: I AM PROUD TO HAVE MY ETIOS SEDAN WITH NO NONSENCE.

Areas of improvement: TKM IS LOOKING AFTER THE CUSTOMER NEEDS AND SHOULD SHED THE EARLIER BAD IMPRESSION BY COMPARABLE ADVERTISING. BECAUSE FIRST IMPRESSION LASTS LONG.

 

 

GOOD FUEL ECONOMY, SPACIOUS, USEABLE FEATURES, SAFTY, HASSLE FREE MAINTENANCE, QUALITY, DURABILITYNOTHING SPECIAL

Exterior

 The exterior is average looking. The body is of very thin, flimsy metal and plastics and can easily dent.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 The back seats have good room and can seat 3 comfortably. Driver comfort is less as the seats are thinly padded so not good for long drives on poor roads. Cheap looking plastics.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 Engine is responsive and overtakes well on highways. Fuel economy would be overall about 15kmpl.

Ride Quality & Handling

Bumpy ride and poor noise insulation in cabin. 

Final Words

 Not worth the money. 

Areas of improvement  

 Better quality in keeping with the Toyota brand.

 Poor after sales service where dealer attempts to get out of repair under warranty.

 

My etios has gone for repairs twice in 10 months to the dealer. A fuel leak meant it was towed to the dealership. The dealer Wasan panvel refused to replace the pipe under warranty saying it was not a manufacturing defect but that rats had chewed the fuel line. The quality of parts used is so poor. None of the other cars in my residence have been affected but this is the second time the etios has been affected for thesame problem.Definately not worth it. Much better to pay little more and get a City or other better built car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space and boot sizePoor quality parts,uncomfortable seats,

Exterior I love the way it looks. While it is not a headturner by any means, it has sensible and practical that you will never get bore of. I got the black color one and I swapped the stocks with 15" steel alloys and yokohama tyres. Now it grips the road like a boss.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) There is ample of space inside, much more than Dzire, SX4, City and Verna. There are massive bottle holders on each door that can hold 1l bottles with ease. There is a super cool glove box that can keep your drinks chilled wherever you are. Practical interiors.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox One of the best cars ever driven by me. I have the petrol version and it weighs less than 1 tonne which gives it an excellent weight:power ratio. This translates to effortless acceleration thanks to 90bhp 1500 cc engine. Gearbox feels like the one in new car and mine is 3y old. Toyota knows how to make best gearboxes and engines for sure.

Ride Quality & Handling Very nice. While not as good as Honda City, it is definitely better than more expensive cars like Verna and SX4 that have poorer suspensions. It cruises at high speeds like a pro. That is why you see a lot of them in highways.

Final Words After driving the car from past 3 years and 15000 kms, I am yet to find anything of major concern with Etios. The after sales service is very cheap ; cheaper than Maruti Suzuki. The car is as reliable as other Toyota models and you enjoy the prestige of driving a Toyota.

Areas of improvement Make the tyres a bit wider for better grip. Still a better buy than Volkswagen and Hyundai where you get a very unreliable car with high maintenance costs (mine is ?3500/service).

Best after sales service, peppy engine and interior spaceSuspension is bit stiff for Indian roads but excellent for highways