These are the first teaser images of the Toyota Etios, a new small car for emerging markets.
The car, which will be unveiled as a concept at next month’s New Dehli motor, won't be a Nano rival, however, as it's set to cost around $10,000 (£6000). Instead, it will challenge one of India's other best-selling cars on price, the Maruti Swift.
The Etios name means 'the origin of', and the concept car is said to be 90 per cent production reality.
Toyota will showcase both the hatch and notchback body styles in Delhi, with the latter set to go on sale first, followed three months later by the hatch.
Toyota wants a gradual ramp-up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later. Toyota is understood to have squeezed out costs wherever possible to ensure that the Etios is as price-competitive as possible. That means limited sound-proofing, a hard but durable interior, basic seats and one windscreen wiper.
The Etios will come with two engine options — a 1.4 diesel which powers the Yaris and a 1.2 or 1.3-litre petrol. Toyota already has a 1.3 (K3) engine but it is not clear if that motor will be further downsized to under 1200cc to meet small car regulations.
It will be sold from the end of 2010 in markets including India, Russian and South America, and it is likely to be built at Toyota’s new Indian factory from late 2010, with production also earmarked for Brazil in 2011.
Toyota will display the car alongside 13 other concept and production vehicles at the New Delhi show, which begins on January 5.
Autocar India
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Toyota reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: New Toyota Etios teased
I think it will be a massive success, it will be much more stylish & modern than the Maruti, & no doubt be as robust & reliable as a Corolla. They will completely dominate the market in India.
I would imagine it would pass all the EU safety regs/NCAP tests as well (I cant imagine Toyota would sell an unsafe car, wherever it is in the world), so it would make huge sense to sell it in Europe as well, as a rival to the Dacia Logan etc. I think it would do very well.
Re: New Toyota Etios teased
From the pics , it looks like it will provide rather more than budget transport.I see rather more style than a Nano can offer.
Re: New Toyota Etios teased
It looks a bit bland from these images (even though they don't give much away). Still, I suppose it will serve the purpose which is to provide budget transport.