2016 Toyota Etios review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

Since the diesel engine has been carried over unchanged, there’s no difference in performance. The sporty flat-bottom steering feels good to hold, and the standard height-adjustable seat and tilt-adjustable steering make getting into a good driving position easy. Selecting gears still requires a bit more effort than on most cars in this class, but the lighter clutch needs a bit less muscle, and this makes driving easier. This diesel motor responds to taps on the accelerator quite immediately and this makes it easy to drive around in traffic. The Etios engine, however, feels too restrained, and there isn't really enough power available to make it an exciting drive. Overall refinement has improved, but there is still some mild clatter at low engine speeds.

The ride feels a bit stiff over sharp bumps at low speeds. However, it is this stiffness that enables the sedan to be stable at higher speeds and stay quite flat. The Etios never feels unsettled over undulations either, and it also gives the driver plenty of confidence in corners. There is a bit of body roll, but overall stability is quite impressive

Should I buy one?

The Etios has always had the makings of a competent, if slightly bland, family car. It’s impressively spacious, very comfortable, and what makes it even more sensible is that it is low on maintenance. It is now also one of the safest cars in its segment; Toyota is likely to get an overall four-star Euro NCAP rating for this facelift, thanks to the added safety equipment on board. With the recent update, the Etios is now better looking, it's also a bit more refined and more comfortable. However, it’s slightly costlier than before, and as always, it’s pricier than better-equipped compact sedans. That said, if safety, space, practicality and ease of ownership are high on your priority list, the facelifted Etios is surely worth considering.