Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. has introduced the all-new Etios saloon and Etios Liva hatchback to further drive up volumes.
These launches come as a breath of fresh air to the lineup after the Etios was launched back in December 2010 and the Etios Liva in June 2011; which have sold more than 1,45,000 units since. The new saloon and batchback have been designed to be bold and trendy, with an emphasis on class. Newly added variants offer an extended feature list and wider choices between price. The launch was at the end of the final match of the Toyota University Cricket Championship amid much fanfare.
The new Etios and Etios Liva now sport a revised front grille with a chrome finish, the side mirrors get indicators while the rear gets combination lamps with a distinct fin pattern. A new shade – Classic Grey, is added to the list as well. The most welcome changes however, are on the inside rather than the outside. Two-tone premium interiors now adorn the cabin, with a stylish textured dashboard wrapped in soft fabric. The Ash Brown colour adds to the classy air. There’s a new double-DIN audio system with Aux-in, Bluetooth and USB connectivity together with a remote control. The dashboard features a Combimeter with blue illumination. There’s also a new AC control panel with clean air filters. The seats are more comfortable with the driver’s seat now being height adjustable.
More good new comes in the form of added grades. The popularity of the Liva 1.2 TRD Sportivo grade has led to its introduction as a regular grade with a new 90 PS 1.5L engine with ABS, front airbags, 15” smoked alloy wheels, a TRD aero kit along with the TRD Sportivo logo on the seats and a roof ornament. A major addition is a new entry-level JD grade for the diesel lineup which now makes the diesel versions available at a more attractive price.
The price range for the new Etios lineup starts from Rs. 5.45 lakh to Rs. 7.08 lakh for the petrols and Rs. 6.70 to Rs. 8.15 lakh for the diesels. The Etios Liva price range now begins from Rs. 4.46 lakh to Rs. 5.99 lakh for the petrols and Rs. 5.72 lakh to Rs. 6.38 lakh for the diesels. The all-new Etios Liva TRD Sportivo 1.5 petrol is priced at Rs. 6.13 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marketing and Commercial said, “As a part of our product lifecycle and with the aim to bring newness to the lineup we are launching the New Etios and Etios Liva. We have incorporated customer feedback and are looking forward to delighting more customers with the new vehicles. The whole lineup is aimed at giving the customers the latest in features and looks, adding to its style quotient. The new lineup is a lot more youthful and trendy. We thank all our customers who have liked and appreciated the product. The Etios has made inroads not just in India but also in South Africa and Brazil. The vehicles are available in the Toyota showrooms starting today. We welcome all to experience and enjoy the new vehicles.”
Toyota Kirloskar Motors, in its endeavour to reach out to greater numbers of customers, has also expanded its dealer network from 97 dealerships in 2009 to 220 outlets at present; including several new outlets in semi-urban and rural areas. They have set a target of 235 outlets by this March end. The company is also expanding its “Toyota U Trust” operations, which allows potential customers to exchange any car make they own for a new Toyota. They plan to increase the present 42 outlets to 65 by the end of 2013.
