Toyota will launch the new 2016 version of the Etios sedan in the third week of September. The second upgrade of the budget sedan will include changes to the exterior as well as the interior along with additions to the feature list.
The new 2016 Toyota Etios is a facelift and will carry the same body shell as the existing car. The styling has undergone quite a few changes with a new front fascia. The front bumper has been redesigned with a contoured radiator grille with black horizontal slats. The blacked out air dam has been split into two with a body coloured bumper line and houses the fog lamps. The reflector clear lens headlamps have been carried forward. The profile remains the same thanks to the retained body shell though the design of the alloys will be new. The rear bumper gets additional contours to make it look premium.
A majority of changes will be seen inside the new Etios with the interiors being revamped to feel premium. The black and beige combination might get an all-black treatment like the Brazilian car that has been launched recently. While the dashboard layout remains the same, the centrally mounted instrument cluster will get the digital treatment instead of the existing analogue dials. The 2-DIN music system will now offer a touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and music. Along with electrically operated wing mirrors and steering mounted audio controls, the top-spec Etios might also get automatic climate control.
To ensure that the Etios carries its occupants safely, the sedan may get dual front airbags and ABS standard across all variants. Engine performance and driving feel will remain unchanged but you can expect better noise insulation in the new Etios. Under the skin, the Etios will continue with its reliable 1.5-litre petrol engine option and the 1.4-litre diesel mill. The four cylinder engines develop 88bhp and 67bhp of power respectively and come mated to a five speed manual gearbox that powers the front wheels.
The new Toyota Etios will have to fend of competition from the compact sedans with the equipment they offer for a lower price. Low maintenance costs, reliability and cabin space along with larger boot-size, though, will work in favour of the Etios. To be launched next month, we expect the new Toyota Etios to be priced aggressively with an introductory price tag of under Rs 7 lakh.
