Toyota has unveiled the promised Etios concept in New Delhi, in both sedan and hatchback form. As previously mentioned, they are concept cars, but will form the basis for production variants.
The Etios is a compact car, developed specifically for the Indian market. It is aimed at families, hence the practical format of sedan and hatchback. Toyota promises a spacious interior with plenty of storage space. Most parts will be produced locally, in India, to keep costs low. The sedan concept is fitted with a new 1.5L engine, while the hatchback has been given a new 1.2L engine.
The car is set to go into production late this year. Toyota aims to sell 70,000 units a year, and is also planning to export the car to other markets.
It looks quite good actually, but with so little details available, it’s hard to say whether or not it will actually be any good.
Press Release
Toyota Unveils Concept Version of New Compact Car for India
Tokyo—TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces its production and sales subsidiary in India unveiled today—under the banner: “World First, India First”—a concept version of the “Etios*”, a compact car newly developed specifically for the Indian market. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd. (TKM) is showing the concept car at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi, which runs until January 11.
The Etios is aimed at family users in India’s rapidly growing automobile market. Reflecting its “one class above” theme, the Etios’ styling evokes a sense of advanced status, and, along with a spacious interior with abundant storage space, it aims to offer both smooth and powerful driving and excellent fuel efficiency. To make the car as affordable as possible for potential customers, thorough use of local parts will be pursued to keep costs low. On display at the show are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a hatchback version with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine.
Etios chief engineer, Yoshinori Noritake, said at the show: “I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly. Over four years, more than 2,000 engineers have been involved in the development of the Etios, and each has devoted his or her best effort with no compromises. I am convinced in my heart that the Etios offers joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers in India.”
TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, which is now being built expressly for the new car. Annual sales in India are set at 70,000 units. Exports are planned.
At the show, the TKM exhibit, with its key message of “Quality Revolution”, comprises a total of 14 production and concept vehicles, including the third-generation “Prius” gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car, which is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2010, the “Prado” SUV recently unveiled for the Indian market, the “i-REAL” personal mobility vehicle and the “Fine-S” fuel-cell hybrid vehicle.
More information about the Toyota booth at the show can be found at http://toyotaautoexpo.in.
*Derived from ethos.
Source: Toyota