Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota unveiled the mid-life facelift of the Etios and Etios Liva siblings by launching the model in the Brazilian market. Now, ahead of the launch of the 2016 Toyota Etios duo in India, we tell you five important updates on the upcoming model, christened as the Platinum Etios.
- Exterior: Let’s begin with the exterior profile of the 2016 Etios or rather the Platinum Etios, as it is christened. Upfront, the model receives a sportier bumper, replete with bigger air intakes and chrome trimmings. Sitting above is the new V shaped grille with chrome lips. On either side, the 2016 Etios receives a new set of wheels while the rear benefits from a redesigned bumper and a chrome applique running the length of the boot flanked by reflectors.
- Interior: The Etios facelift receives refreshed interiors that include a revised instrument cluster with new graphics and a digital tachometer. Also seen is a leather wrapped steering wheel. The 2016 Etios will come equipped with features such as a dual tone dashboard (Ivory and Grey), new seats with improved padding, steering mounted audio controls, electrically adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVM), and a foldable, central arm rest for the rear seat (only on Etios sedan).
- Engines: There are no details about any changes to the motors and hence it is safe to assume that the Etios siblings will be powered by the existing 1.5 litre petrol engine and the 1.4 litre turbo diesel engine. While the latter produces 68 PS and 170 Nm of torque, the former is good for 90 PS and 132 Nm of torque. Transmission duties on both the models will be taken care of by a five speed manual transmission. A report suggested that Toyota has tweaked the front suspension of the models for a better ride quality while the diesel variant receives improvements to the clutch.
- Safety: Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS and EBD will come as standard features across the model range. The rear cabin now comes with an ISOFIX points for the child seat. The structure of the 2016 Etios has been refined on the side body for enhanced impact absorption. The traditional wire frame structure makes way for a stronger tubular structure thus increasing the weight of the vehicle by 20 kg. Under the engines, the conventional rubber mounts have been replaced by new hydraulic mounts resulting in lesser vibrations.
- Price and Rivals: Once launched, the new Etios will rival the Ford Aspire, Hyundai Xcent, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire while the Etios Liva will take on the likes of the Tata Bolt, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Ford Figo. Expect both the models to arrive with a marginal increase in the price tag.
Following is an image gallery of the 2016 Toyota Etios and Etios Liva facelift:
Image courtesy: The Automotive India