New Toyota Etios Review

Toyota is known for its dependable cars, which makes it one of the top car makers in the world. In India, it got pretty much everything right in its debut attempt at ‘built for a price’ Toyota Etios sedan. In terms of engineering, there’s nothing really to complain about in the budget sedan. The only few qualms, car buyers had on the initial model, was the simple interiors and uninspiring overall styling.

The latest update hopes to iron out these concerns with a few visual changes. The biggest change is seen on the front design of the new Toyota Etios, as it looks much smarter now with a bold new grille. Other updates include chrome finished door handles and new 12-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels. Also worth a mention is the introduction of a new Pearl White body colour.

There are plenty of changes in the interiors as well. However, the layout remains unchanged with the instrument console positioned on the centre of the two-tone dashboard, but the use of material has improved and Toyota has also introduced a few new features to make the cabin slightly more premium. The instruments get a new LCD display with digital clock, and there’s even a cooled glove compartment. The seats flaunt a new fabric, while the door armrest is finished in faux wood. Still there are few cheap plastic parts used and the exposed bits under the glove compartment look odd.

The new Toyota retains the height with adjustable driver seats and the leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls. Also new is a 2-din audio system with Bluetooth, USB, AUX-in and remote combined with a couple of new rear speakers in addition to the two up front. Feature wise, the new Toyota Etios also comes equipped with an immobilizer and Door Ajar Warning as standard across all Trim. And depending on the variant, you also get electronically controlled ORVMs and reverse parking sensors.

The most important addition is the front airbags which is now a standard fitment across all variants. The cabin is really spacious and is also pretty comfortable for rear seats passengers. The back bench is flat and offers decent support and the flat rear floor is an added advantage.

The update is limited to the design and features, but mechanically the car remains unchanged. The new Toyota Etios comes strapped with the same 90PS, 1,496cc petrol engine along with the diesel 63PS, 1,364cc CRDI that we drove. Both the engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The D-4D motor delivers power in a smooth, effortless fashion which makes it cut out for the city runs, employing the 170Nm of torque which comes in early between 1800-2400rpm. The 0-100kmph performance isn’t anything that’ll bring you on the edge of the seat, but when one stomps on the gas, the surge is good enough. For the segment, more importantly, Toyota claims a 23.59kmpl fuel efficiency which in the real world would come close to 18-20kmpl.

For me, the deal maker in the new Toyota Etios sedan is the comfort it has to offer. The front MacPherson Struts and the rear torsion beam suspension are in such harmony with the cassis that the new Etios offers fabulous ride quality. It irons out uneven roads and gives a smooth drive. Even the steering of the car, though electrically assisted, is more communicative than most of its competition. Big 15-inch wheels, well sprung suspension and a decent steering also make the new Toyota Etios well behaved and nice handling car in its segment.

The 2014 new Toyota Etios is priced at Rs 8.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi ) for the range topping diesel variant. It’s one of the finest pieces of engineering in its class, topped with Toyota’s renowned after-sales service. The only drawback the out-going model was its understated design and uninspiring interiors, which the new look Toyota Etios has overcome. Absolutely worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable, well engineered and safe car for your family.