Toyota first launched the Etios sedan in the Indian market way back in 2011. Now, after close to five years on the market, the manufacturer has begun work on the next-generation model. The next-generation Etios is expected to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016 in India.
The response to the current-generation Toyota Etios in the Indian market has been disappointing and one of the prime reasons, according to the carmaker, is the boxy styling.
“Design is one issue and you will see that the new version will have a much better design,” said Hisayuki Inoue, CEO Asia-Pacific operations, Toyota. According to our sources, the next-gen Etios is expected to get the styling inspired by the new Corolla Altis and it may get the LED daytime-running lamps as well.
According to Toyota, the Etios' strengths comprise fuel efficiency, space and durability and the carmaker wants to portray these aspects in a better form with the next-generation Etios. There are various studies being carried out currently to gather feedback and customer preferences across the Indian market, which are to be taken into account for the next-generation Toyota Etios.
According to sources, the new 2016 Toyota Etios will come with a completely new ‘top hat’ and will bear little resemblance to the robust but boxy shape of the current model. We expect the current lot of engines, the 1.2- and 1.5-litre petrols and the 1.4-litre diesel to continue.
Toyota, along with the new Etios, is also looking at other body styles based on the same platform. According to sources, a compact SUV is under consideration, although it hasn’t been signed off yet.
The Etios Cross, which was shown at the Auto Expo 2014, will test the response to a crossover concept once it is launched in May 2014, and is the first of a series of more stylish variants that can be expected on the Etios platform.