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Etios sedan set to rival the Renault Logan and there is a hatchback on the horizon too
Toyota has pulled the covers off the sedan version of its new Etios, a compact and affordable car range that was developed by Toyota with significant input from its Indian subsidiary, which will also be building the car.
This low-cost model measures 4265mm in length and is spacious for its size. Think of it as Toyota's answer to the Renault Logan. There's also a hatchback version waiting in the wings, and this will go on sale in India in April 2011.
While Toyota has confirmed that the Etios is coming to South Africa and that we'll be one of the first markets outside of India to get the car (expected launch date is late 2011 or early 2012), Toyota cannot yet confirm which model derivatives are coming here. We'd bet the house on the hatchback coming here, and won't be surprised if the sedan is also part of the mix.
As you've probably gathered by now, the Etios is unlikely to win any beauty contests and will once again raise the question many asked when the Renault Sandero was launched - why can't cheap cars be good looking too?
Judging by the concept cars shown earlier this year though, the hatchback will be a bit easier on the eye, and it has a shape resembling the Toyota RunX.
Mechanically, Toyota has kept the Etios rather simple. The sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre 16-valve petrol engine, which is a bit more rudimentary than the variable-valve-timed equivalent in other markets and this reflects in the outputs of 66kW at 5600rpm and 132Nm at 3000rpm.
Interior mirrors Yaris in offering a centrally mounted instrument pod
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The hatchback model will be fitted with a less powerful 1.2-litre engine, but let's hope that TSA convinces them to also slot the 1.5 into the hatch for our market.
Four models are offered in the Indian sedan range, all of which are fitted with air conditioning and all but the base model have electric power steering, central locking and electric windows. On the safety front, ABS and airbags are only fitted to the two top models.
According to Toyota, the Etios offers a smooth ride even in demanding conditions, so it should be perfect for our roads.
It's practical too, with generous rear legroom, a flat rear floor and the sedan's luggage volume of 595 litres even betters many large sedans.
Toyota desperately needs a vehicle in the entry level segment and although the rivalry here is ruthless, the Etios is almost guaranteed to sell in droves if Toyota can keep the pricing competitive enough.
Prices start at R76 000 in India, although it'll inevitably be more expensive in South Africa once import duties and the like have been factored in.
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Horrified, wrote
I googled the world's ugliest cars and compared them to this monstrosity!! Yip! Its right up there! What the hell are the designers at toyota thinking?
kuvha, wrote
TOYOTA cars are like loaf of brown bread so ugly,boring old fashioned.the design is terrible,i think KIA and HYUNDAI they gona have to assist TOYOTA on how to design the cars
Ex-toy Fan, wrote
I think i will stick to my old RXI. The last of the good corolla's toyota made. The car still keeps up with many of the newer models.
Anonymous, wrote
Toyota South Afric has owed the South African public a modern entry-level car for years now, so the Etios's imminent introduction is great news. I suppose that it will be priced right, because it is made in India instead of Japan, so for now, I will give Toyota the benefit of the doubt. I would like to see the sedan here as well, for those who need large luggage spance but are on a tight budget. I am sure that Toyota will make u lost sales with this new model As far as the Aygo is concerned: I hear that it will also be introduced here, but it will be aimed at a totally different market. It will appeal to those who think they are trendy, whereas the Etios will be aimed at those who have no need to impress anybody.
Meet JACK, wrote
Officially the ugliest car on the road!!! Chery must be happy to hand this title over....
Tshikare, wrote
My Tazz is still going strong. Where did it go wrong Toyoda? People are tired of all those recalls. They make U to be untrustworthy. Hope U are delivering a quality product this time around.
Tshikare, wrote
Colin Fluxman, wrote
Thinta, wrote
Whitey, wrote
I wonder if Toyota still get their rebate (up to 100%?) on import taxes like they did in the past? Which they obviously dont acknowledge to end-users when questioned about South Africa's ridiculously high car prices..hence the high profit margins!!Toyota manufacture good quality cars, I'll give them that, but they have dominated the market and at the same time ripped South Africans off for far too long!
Pauline, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
Paul, wrote
People, a product that is made locally or imported, especially vehicles, the public is always charged higher than anywhere else in the world. Product is not the problem, the greed in SA is.
Boss, wrote
It has to be cheaper than R129k as it cannot compete with the Yaris Zen. Well lets see what TSA do.
raven, wrote
yeah, right, once it gets to SA, the ripp-off campaign by toyota will start. it will probably close to 200 grand.
Joker, wrote
It would be cheaper to purchase the car overseas and import it privately as was demostrated by a gentleman when he purchased a Prado in Dubai and brought the vehicle to SA.
Trevor, wrote
Ash, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
The reason cheap cars are so ugly, is because if they were good looking, less people would spend money on better looking more expensive cars.
Steven, wrote
Once rip off duties have been factored in. Its got nothing to do with how much the car costs but rather to do what the customer is willing to pay!
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