Toyota after a bad experience with the DCM Toyota joint venture was a late entry into the Indian auto market but the success of the Qualis, Innova, Corolla, Fortuna and other models soon established a solid image of quality and reliability. These vehicles however only competed in the top end of the fast growing 2.2 million Indian domestic auto market so it was only a matter of time before Toyota would seek an entry into the lower priced segment. The Etios small saloon is now here and is a car that intends to sell in good numbers in the highly competitive ` 5 to 7 lakh segment where cars like the Accent, Maruti Dezire, Tata Indigo and Ford Fiesta have strong market presence.
Like many Toyota models it is not very remarkable at first glance. The wide smiling grille, with pretty creases to highlight the hood and side profiles, break up a shape that is more sensible than sexy. With a length of 4.26 meters it is roughly the size of a Fiesta and Accent and 10 cms longer than the Indigo and Dezire. What is remarkable is the space inside where there is plenty of legroom and headroom and a huge boot. Surprisingly, despite its solid feel, it is more than 100 kgs lighter than its competitors. In the quest for fuel efficiencies the power of new 1500 cc petrol engine has been optimized to 5500 rpm to deliver a modest 90 HP with good low end torque for easy acceleration with low fuel consumption of at 17.6 kmpl under test conditions.
The interiors have several highlights. The bright upholstery and impressive centrally mounted aircraft cockpit type speedometer and rpm gauges are a definitive hit. Though these enable all the occupants to see them clearly their main benefit is for safety as the driver can see them constantly in his peripheral vision and does not have to shift his gaze from the road. The two central airconditioner vents are also unusual as they are one above the other to provide better cooling for the rear passengers. The cooling also reaches a huge glove box where four large bottles can be stored.
Do not be too impressed by the base price of ` 4.96 lakhs as this is for a car without power steering. The next model with a few additional features is however good value at `. 5.46 lakhs. The two top models offer ABS brakes with EBD, immobilizer, superior music systems, etc., cost ` 6.4 and 6.86 lakhs respectively. Next March the Etios will be joined by a hatchback sibling called Liva to further widen Toyota’s market share. Little wonder therefore that A.R. Rahman is singing its praises with a better anthem than what he produced for the commonwealth games.