This is Toyota's new entry level saloon for India, the Etios.
The car has been designed and engineered specifically for India's growing middle class and Toyota says it has given the car a "one class above" theme, with features and space not normally associated with cars in its class.
See the official pics of the new Toyota Etios saloon
Powering the Etios is an 89bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while a 1.4-litre diesel saloon is also expected to join the range, Autocar's sister publication Autocar India has learned.
The Etios's interior is the most spacious in its class, while boot space is 595-litres. Toyota president Akio Toyoda said the Etios "reflects our determination to serve an even-broader range of customers here with genuine Toyota quality".
Read more on the Toyota Etios concept and the firm's plan for an Etios range
The Etios saloon, now on sale in India for the equivalent of around £7000, would be joined by a five-door hatchback variant known as Etios Liva in 2011. This will be powered by an 80bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit, while the 1.4 diesel is also expected to be offered in the Liva.
The Etios name will be used for a range of budget cars by Toyota in India, but it's unlikely to develop into a full budget sub-brand like Scion in the US.
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Re: Toyota's new budget saloon
No doubt its a lot better than an early Cortina (which I craved at 18!) or a Marina and certainly a 1960 Morris Oxford/Hindustan Ambassador. Having been driven many times in India I know that this type of modern 4 door sedan is very welcome when the taxi or hired car driver turns up in one. We were driven down from the hills to Kochi in a Renault version and it was comfortable and relatively roomy with air con. As a private vehicle it will be aspirational for many families and totally out of reach for most of the population. Driver in his smart uniform and cap was very proud of it and drove with care. Main concern for me would be lack of safety features required for Europe.
Re: Toyota's new budget saloon
No need to be insulting.
What did the developing world ever do to you? ;)
Re: Toyota's new budget saloon
Would never sell in europe but an excellent vehicle for the developing world.