Toyota Etios VD

Toyota Etios VD

Toyota recently unleashed its attack on Maruti Suzuki by launching the Etios sedan and following it with the Etios Liva hatchback. Now the company plans to launch the Etios diesel, Toyota plans to launch the Etios diesel in September to capitalize on the festive season when car sales usually spike. The Etios diesel will come with the same 1.4 turbo-diesel that powers the Corolla diesel but will not get the bigger saloon’s more expensive Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) hardware. The Etios diesel will be boosted with a simpler Fixed Geometry Turbo (FGT) and hence the power output is expected to be in the region of 75bhp (the Corolla diesel develops 87bhp). However, for the lightweight Etios, the lower output seems adequate, especially since the focus for this entry midsize saloon is fuel efficiency. In fact, the Etios diesel is expected to set a new standard for fuel efficiency among midsize saloons which, along with its spacious cabin, could make it unbeatable in terms of practicality. Currently, the market leader in this segment is the Maruti Swift Dzire, but the Dzire’s place will be under serious threat as the Etios Diesel Sedan has all the potential to ride on Brand Toyota to emerge as the sales leader, given the immense trust that the Toyota brand enjoys amongst the Indian car buying populace. The diesel version of the Etios Sedan is expected be priced at least INR 70,000 to INR 1 Lakh more than the equivalent petrol variant, which pegs the range between Rs6-8 lakh. The diesel Etios will definitely appeal a lot more to buyers and would pose serious competition to the Maruti Dzire, Mahindra Verito (Earlier Logan) and the Tata Manza.