The much awaited diesel versions of entry level sedan, Toyota Etios and compact hatchback, Toyota Etios Liva were launched in the Indian market on Friday. Both the models of the car are powered by the same 1.4 litre diesel engine that offers a segment leading fuel economy of 23.59 kmpl.
The diesel version of Etios series of cars have been placed in the price segment of Rs.5.54 lakh and Rs. 7.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The starting range sedan Etios is priced about Rs 90,000 higher as compared to its petrol counterpart. On the other hand, the compact hatchback Liva is priced about Rs 95,000 higher as compared to the petrol version of Liva.
Till August 2011, the company had sold about 33,000 units of Etios sedan and about 5,500 units of Liva hatchback in the Indian market. Excited with the initial response received by the diesel version of Etios series of cars, the company now aims to sell 63,000 units in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Toyota Kirloksar deputy managing director (marketing) Sandeep Singh said, "We have seen the market dynamics changing and the rapid shift toward diesel cars. Customers are gradually buying diesel despite the higher ticket price that has skewed the market in its favour. He added that “The company wants to have a 40:60 mix of petrol and diesel sales and would be asking its dealers to propagate the benefits more affordable petrol cars."
