NEW DELHI — Toyota's new Entry Family Car, which debuts in early January at Auto Expo 2010, will be called Etios.
The name Etios, which means "the origin of," will be officially announced at the Delhi show, according to Autocar India. The concept is expected to be 90 percent true to the production version that goes on sale in late 2010.
Toyota will showcase both hatchback and notchback body styles, but when the car is ready for production, it will be the notchback that will be launched first, followed three months later by the hatch. Toyota wants a gradual ramp up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later.
Toyota is understood to have squeezed out costs wherever possible to ensure that the Etios is as price-competitive as possible and within striking reach of the Maruti Swift. According to company sources, the Etios will come with only one wiper, and the seats have been built to a cost as well. The interior plastics are expected to be basic but hard-wearing, and there have been a few compromises on the NVH package as well.
The Etios will come with two engine options — a 1.4-liter diesel that powers the Yaris and a 1.2- or 1.3-liter gasoline unit. Toyota already has a 1.3 (K3) engine, but it is not clear if that unit will be further downsized to under 1,200cc to meet India's small-car regulations.
Inside Line says: India will be the lead plant in the world for the Etios, followed by Brazil, thus further consolidating India as a global hub for small cars. — Hormazd Sorabjee, Correspondent
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auto_guy says:
04:33 PM, 12/22/2009
Looks like Toyota wants a piece of the Nano pie.