Toyota is all set to make a pitch for the Indian car market as it launches Etios, the entry-level sedan. The car has been under development for the last 4 years. Toyota Etios was conceptualized after Toyota realized the potential of ruling the developing markets across the world. Toyota’s overall market share in the auto industry has remained less than 4%, though it enjoys strong market positions in segments where it is present in. Etios, which will be launched in the mid-size sedan and compact car categories, is expected to double Toyota’s sales from next year.
Talking about the important things that the common man puts first, are factors like high fuel efficiency, spacious interiors ensuring great comfort, low maintenance costs and very importantly bomb proof reliability. From the looks of it, the very bland and perhaps, even ugly looking Toyota Etios Sedan has all of this covered. Notwithstanding the bland looks, the Etios offers spacious interiors and a large boot. The 1.5 liter, 90 bhp engine, which while not being the wet dreams of pimply traffic light racing teens, will ensure enough rapidity, especially keeping in mind the very light 900 kilo kerb weight that the Etios weighs. Plus this light weight will ensure a decent fuel economy as the engine has lesser weight to lug around.
Industry sources said the car, which will sport a 1500cc petrol engine, is likely to carry an ex-showroom price of around Rs 5.25 lakh. “It will be placed around this price point as Toyota wants an aggressive stance in the market,” said a source. A diesel version of the sedan will be launched late next year, though its hatchback version (with a smaller petrol engine) will be launched in March 2011.
The Etios Viva hatchback will be powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine with peak power peeking near the 80PS mark.The Toyota Liva can be termed as lightweight with its 890kg body work. It doesn’t touch the Swift’s 1.2 K12 engine power output but that is expected to be made up during performance because of its lightweight. Fuel efficiency is probably what’s being anticipated now what with the the Swift and the Ritz recording strong figures. ARAI fuel efficiency reports for the Toyota Etios sedan is being penned at 17+ kmpl, so the smaller vehicles should look stronger than that.
With the Etios, Toyota plans to garner a higher market share of the fast-growing Indian car market which, along with China, is the world’s fastest growing. Toyota currently is a small player in India, though it enjoys a strong position in segments where it is present.
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