Thrilled by the overwhelming response received by the petrol version of its latest sensation Etios, the Japanese auto giant is now eyeing to roll-out a diesel version of this model in the Indian market by the end of next year. As per a recent statement given by Mr. Koji Nagata, Director, Marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the company hopes that Toyota Etios diesel would be launched in India by December, next year.

It is widely speculated that the upcoming diesel version of Etios will be launched with the same 1.4L, Common Rail Diesel engine that is currently doing duties in premium sedan Toyota Corolla Altis. The engine is capable of delivering a maximum power of 88.4 PS in combination with a peak torque of 205Nm

Interestingly, Nissan, which is one of the closest rivals of Toyota in its domestic market is all set to launch a diesel version of its Micra model in the country this week and it is expected to be one of the biggest competitors of Etios hatchback diesel version in coming years.

Earlier this month, the company had launched its first ever mass segment car – Toyota Etios – in the Indian market on 1st of December. The car comes powered by a 1.5 L DOHC engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 90 bhp with 132 Nm of peak torque. It offers an exceptional mileage of over 17 km/l.

Designed with Toyota’s global quality standards, the new Etios sedan is all set to give its competitors a run for their money. The company has kept it starting price highly competitive at Rs 4.96 (Delhi ex-showroom), in a bid to give it a price edge over its rivals like Maruti Swift Dzire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Tata Indigo CS and Manza, and Chevrolet Aveo.