Toyota Etios – The Q-Class | Review

Etios is the world’s largest car maker Toyota’s new talisman to crack the entry-level sedan party in the Indian market. I loved the Etios Anthem composed by AR Rahman so much. But what about the car?? Does it fare enough to keep the expectations alive?? Here is our review!

Like the most Toyota designs the brand new Etios has not been designed to take your breath away. As it is supposed to be a value offering, the design is cost-effective. Though the looks and styling are subject to one’s own sensibilities, the design is safe and well-balanced. The smiling chrome-finish Toyota grille, simple and relatively smaller headlamps, marginally boxy-looking bumpers mark the styling in the front. The crease on the door looks crips and rises sharply towards the rear wheel arch, adding some character to the car. The angular boot with large triangular taillight is not exiting either. Overall, the Etios is certainly not an Aishwarya Rai in the looks department! Unfortunate though, it is appealing due to its freshness.

Inside, the Etios is undeniably bare-looking. The asymmetrically placed vertical AC vents, instrument cluster at the top of the central console makes it so. But, the plastic quality is a bit superior. The red colour door pads and the seats (only in the top variant) are encouragingly sportier, though not excitingly. The space and leg room is decent but the rear seats could have been better in terms of comfort.  There is an ample room for passenger loads with 7 bottle & cup holders. The massive 595 litre boot with an extra expandable 150 litres of storage space is a good touch, especially for Indians.

 Etios weighs just 930 kg and boasts an able 1.5 litre petrol motor that can churn out 90PS and a magnificent 132 Nm of torque. The light weight and torque nature gives it an amazing driveability and gets off the mark with ease, thanks to its gearing which feels a little short. The low weight and linear torque helps Etios achieve an impressive average fuel economy of over 18 kmpl. However, there is no diesel option offered and is expected by the end of the year. 

On the whole, the Etios is well-build, reasonably comfortable and roomy, and decent in performance and fuel-efficiency. Considering the Toyota’s reliability, service network and resale value, the Etios is an ideal car for the middle-class who expects a good family car.

 

Rs 4,83,868^* - Rs 6,74,372^*

(Ex-Showroom Price in Chennai)

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