2014 Toyota Etios Cross- Preview

The growing sub-4 metre segment is soon going to populate with new additions scheduled to launch this year, one of them being Toyota's most awaited, Etios Cross. The 2014 Etios Cross was recently unveiled at Auto Expo'14, and the dealers have also started taking bookings for this model at a token of Rs. 50,000. As far as launch is concerned, the crossover will arrive by May'14 in India.

Based on the Etios hatch, the new Etios Cross is certainly a vehicle exhibiting its off-road capabilities and the rugged looks that supports it being such a car. In the past with the crossover segment, the auto companies could not really justify in the sense that these cars don't really stand apart from their hatch counterpart. This could be the challenge for Toyota as well with the yet to arrive Etios Cross. To enhance the youthful quotient and sporty appeal of the vehicle, the new Etios Cross comes with a vibrant Inferno orange color. When it comes to the competition, this upcoming vehicle will lock horns with Ford Ecosport , Volkswagen Cross Polo and upcoming Fiat Avventura. As far as pricing is concerned, we expect the vehicle to be priced around Rs. 7Lakh (ex-showroom).

Design:

When it comes to the design of the vehicle, although being based on Etios Liva hatch, it is definitely developed with rugged and sporty appeal to it. The new Etios Crossover's front is defined with a bold grille, a grille gaurd and the over-size fog lamps than the usual size comes integrated with turn indicators. Other distinctive features that represents the new Etios Crossover are sturdy and stylish roof rails, diamond cut alloys, dynamic rear cladding with badging and roof spoiler, ORVMs with turn indicators and rear defogger with wiper. Also the sporty Inferno orange adds to its youth oriented design philosophy.

Interior:

Inside the cabin, there are extensive changes made making it look more up-market in comparision to its hatchback sibling. The piano balck interiors, sporty seat fabric with white stitch and logo, 2 DIN Audio with Bluetooth, USB, Aux-In and Remote and audio controls mounted over leather wrapped steering wheel are certain new additional features added to this car.

The Japanese auto major has stressed on QDR (Quality, Durability & Reliability), and has promised to deliver aeach of these with their products. So, in the safety feature section, the new crossover gets highest standards of safety with dual front SRS airbags and ABS with EBD.

Engine

When compared to Cross Polo, there's a single variant of the model available, but with Etios Cross, whole range of models will be equipped with three different engine options. The vehicle will be available with three engine options- 1.5-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel, producing power outputs of 88bhp, 78bhp and 67bhp, respectively.

Verdict:

Globally, the crossover segment is certainly carving success stories for car makers. But in India, the companies are not able to justify with the introduction of these crossovers, and cannot draw a line of difference between these and their hatch counter parts. So, the fact to build up totally a new segment with crossovers can not really work well in the local car market. Also, there's already a compact SUV segment doing great business for the companies. So, with the perspective of a normal Indian, he would prefer going for a compact SUV rather than these hatchback based crossovers.

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