Johannesburg - Toyota has added a pinch of salt and a few extra spices to its Indian-built Etios with the introduction of a limited edition Sport model, which
ushers in a few small running changes across the range.
Like the Yaris Bi-tone that was launched a few years ago, the Etios Sport gets a two-tone external paint job where a black roof and C-pillars contrast with one of the two available paint colours - Glacier White or Retro Red.
The wheels also got the dual-tone memo, with the Sport wearing black and silver 15-inch alloys pinched from the Etios Cross, while the chrome strip that you usually find on the Etios grille makes way for an all-black colour scheme, and that courtesy extends to the door mirrors and roof spoiler as well.
Spec upgrades
All Etios models receive a new Optitron instrument cluster with orange backlighting, while the entry Xi model now gets rear electric windows - previously they were only fitted upfront.
As before, all versions are fitted with an aircon, audio system with Bluetooth, reach-adjustable steering, dual front airbags and ABS brakes - not forgetting that it received four stars in Global NCAP’s crash tests.
The Etios is backed up by a two-year/30 000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.
The sole engine choice is the familiar 1.5-litre normally aspirated unit that produces 66kW and 132Nm.
We took a brief spin on the Sport’s Gauteng based launch, serving as a reminder that this is a solid little car that’s easy to drive, and the free-revving engine provides reasonably brisk performance that’s pretty much as good as you could expect at this end of the market.
TOYOTA ETIOS PRICES
Hatch
1.5 Xi 66kW/132Nm R171 0001.5 Sprint 66kW/132Nm R176 3001.5 Sport
66kW/132Nm
R178 800
1.5 Cross66kW/132NmR198 400
Sedan
1.5 Xi 66kW/132Nm R179 5001.5 Sprint 66kW/132Nm R184 400
Alternatives to the 1.5 Sport
Ford Figo hatch 1.5 Trend82kW/136NmR189 900Honda Brio hatch 1.5 Comfort65kW/109NmR176 500Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid64kW/120NmR191 900Kia Picanto 1.2 Style61kW/122NmR181 495Nissan Micra Active 1.2 Visia56kW/104NmR161 500Renault Sandero 0.9T Expression66kW/135NmR171 900Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL63kW/113NmR174 900VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline63kW/132NmR192 000