Toyota Etios proves why it’s a best-seller
Consistently charting on the best-seller list, Toyota’s ubiquitous Etios is the recipient of further refinements for 2015.
While exterior enhancements are limited to a new colour option, Jet Grey Metallic (a shimmery mid-tone silver), it’s indoors where the most discernible changes have taken place. All-new anthracite seat fabric with a subtle, tailored, stipple design translates into a more “grown-up” decor for the Xs models.
In addition, a new audio system has been adopted for Etios (standard on Xs). This factory fitted double-din unit features Bluetooth functionality and is neatly integrated into the dashboard; the piano black finish with chrome trim elegantly mirrors the metallic bezels adorning the centralised instruments as well as the ventilation controls.
In keeping with the quality feel, the luggage compartment cover now features a lift function on all hatchback models. Beneath the finery is the same punchy 1.5-litre, four-cylinder mill (coupled to a five-speed manual transmission) whacking out a laudable 66kW and 132Nm endowing the light-weight Etios with a class-leading sub-11 second sprint time to 100km/h. Fuel economy is pegged at 5.9l/100km for the sedan and 6l/100km for the hatch in the combined cycle.
Kaizen, or continuous improvement, is a phrase coined by Toyota and the latest incarnation of the Etios is proof that it really works. With a class-leading 1.5-litre engine, generous spec, ample safety kit, affordable price tag and now some extra polish thanks to its evolutionary refinement, the Toyota Etios is a very worthy best-seller.
The best news is that these improvements haven’t come at a price. The latest refresher has resulted in a symbolic R100 (yes, only R100) price hike across the range. All Etios models come standard with a two-year/
30 000km service plan).
