Well, this car is not very concept-ish nor very Toyota-ish! Actually it looks more like a cheap Malaysia-made car. But when you realize that it is developed for the Indian car market, then it makes sense. Called the Etios, it’s a compact car which will be made in both sedan and hatchback variant and will feature a 1.2 and a 1.5 liter petrol engines.
The Etios is a strategic product for Toyota, as vice president Mr.Kazuo Okamotopoints out: “We are very excited to finally showcase the concept of Etios, which has been newly developed specifically for customers in India. Our tagline of ‘World First, India First’ represents our choice of India for the global premiere of the Etios concept, following which exports to other countries will be evaluated. India will play a pivotal role in Toyota’s global expansion plans and the time has come for us to strategically accelerate our growth here. Based on our ‘Customer First’ approach, our highest priority will be to make every effort to exceed the Indian customer’s expectations and the introduction of the Etios concept today is the first step in this direction.”
Toyota has not released further details on the car, may be because they knew no one’s interested!
Only Etios is a car where eyes stay to experience something new.Toyota is a car manufacturer where we can trust for best quality.
A hatchback car from Toyota!!! Wow. . Thats really amazing and i’m very curious to experience this beauty . .
we are waiting for toyota etios launch. please tell when we can see this on road.we are sure that it will a wolf among sheep on the road as toyota’s image is a true auto maker in the world.
@Rocky: Well it is true that indian market is not sensitive to quality. Out of 10 indians that you survey 9.5 will not know anything about cars but will expect a luxarious drive. As a result there is the Hyundai i10 – a car with suspension so soft that one hand brake turn will get the car turtle on its roof. People still say it’s a good car, don’t they? Of course there are brands that sell the same products in india as well as abroad, but they cut down on engine and performance for indian variants and soften the car up for Indians. Look wise as well, look at small cars in Italy, UK and US and look at the small cars in india – most are ugly, underpowered and the materials used are crappy. Indian’s don’t really care as long it gives them a good mileage. That is the point.
I dont understand when you say ” developed for the Indian car market, then it makes sense. ” i think it is rubbish to under estimate the indian car market and preferences for design and value for money.. we have seen in the past how the market has reacted when proper attention is not paid. This is a much better market when it comes to judging car abilities ..of course we do pay importance to value for money..but that doesnt mean you can dump anything here..
car design is a bit let down, since Toyota is always know its tech prowess than looking any thing appealing.
the tech spec should be the key as it would require to be better than the rest of the market sub 7 lkh ex shrowrrom india.
so ENGINE
DoHC 4 valves per cyl out put can be about 78- 88 bhp Diesel. space more than figo or equal(hatch), torque 180nm-220nm(i am expecting less), drive should be same that of figo or polo but more compliant and handles with minimal body roll (like BMWmini i hope…) build quality better than any with Wallet friendly service. interior space should be a real deal breaker with airy room and plush fabrics holding our modern physical dimensions of large and small. the central dash i do not like as its out of the drivers vision to passenger friendly vision!!!????
price at premium(is understandable) if the tech spec on the engine & features are same and more tan i20hundai.(a bit less than HUndai, well aprriciated)