Toyota has very recently given the Etios a facelift – the most comprehensive so far! Called as the New Platinum Etios, it comes across as a very serious contender to find a place in your home. Priced between Rs 6,43,000 to Rs 7,83,000 for the petrol version and Rs 7,56,000 to Rs 8,87,000 for diesel (all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai) Toyota is promoting it as an ideal family sedan and very rightly so.
Last year, Etios was awarded as the ‘Most Dependable Sedan’ in the segment by JD Power Asia, which further demonstrates what Toyota is known for globally. Let us quickly have a look at what makes the brand new Platinum Etios worth consideration if you are in the market for a new car around this price band…
Engine:
The new Platinum Etios is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol mill churning out 90 PS of peak power and 132 Nm of maximum torque. Along with a rated fuel efficiency figure of 16.78 kmpl it is one of the most exciting cars to drive around in this segment. The diesel is the tried and tested 1.4-litre motor which has an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 23.59 kmpl. It produces 68PS of maximum power and 170 Nm of peak torque. This powertrain is known for its linear power delivery and fuss-free behaviour. Both the engine options are mated with 5 speed manual gearboxes.
Features:
2016 sees the new Platinum Etios emerge as a very capable family sedan. Let us quickly list its feature set…
- It gets several useful features like steering mounted audio controls, reverse parking sensors, electronically foldable outside rear view mirrors, best in class cabin space, height adjustable driver’s seat and a rear centre armrest for you to relax during long drives.
- Practicality is further boosted by the best in class boot space of whopping 592 litres. So, if you like carrying a lot of luggage, along with the volume you will also appreciate the ease of mounting it in.
- The air con vents can be rotated to a complete circle, providing true multi-directional airflow.
Safety:
Toyota, as a manufacturer, takes the idea of safety very seriously. They were one of the first car-maker in India to announce dual airbags right from the base variants of their cars which is now followed by making ABS and EBD a standard across the range!
Following suit, the New Platinum Etios gets ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution) as a standard fitment across all variants. The car also gets front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiter. While all the 5 seats get 3 point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts, the dual ISOFIX child seat lock will help protect your little ones.
What ascertains our faith in the car is that all of this functions which is highlighted by its 4 star safety rating (awarded by Global NCAP) which not many other cars in this price band can boast of.
Styling:
The New Platinum Etios has been styled to keep comfort as a priority. If we talk about exterior looks, the new bumpers and front grille ooze of sophistication (which was not its forte earlier). The foglamp enclosures have been restyled while the chrome belt on the bootlid with reflectors help it get a mature and sombre look – something which families will admire.
With an improved overall quality, the new Etios also gets refreshed interiors. The first thing that you notice is the new Optitron combimeter. The inclusion of a tachometer is also a welcome move. The dual tone dashboard gets well complimented with the light coloured profile continuing on to the seat fabric. All seats get removable headrests for optimum comfort and protection. The rear seats can be folded up to create additional space and the new central locking system finds a home on the dashboard.
Platinum Etios TVC
Here is the official television commercial of the new Platinum Etios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgUFfj9FXyU
Signature Toyota build-quality, several best in class features along with special emphasis on safety make the Platinum Etios an ideal sedan for families. And yes there is ample amount of room inside – truckloads of it actually since Toyota has not tried to squeeze it in the sub four meter mark. So, how about a visit to your nearest dealer to check it out….?