Toyota Etios launches in South Africa

Tweet

There’s good news in the entry-level car market and first-time car buyers or those seeking an affordable transport option now have the opportunity to consider the all-new Toyota Etios which was launched in South Africa this week.

It has been a long time coming and it was just a matter of time before Toyota released a car that would take the fight to the VW Polo Vivo and the Ford Figo in the sub-B-Segment after the success of the Toyota Tazz. Although somewhat conservative in its styling, the Toyota Etios offers car buyers a sound value proposition in terms of price and car quality. Offered in two trim levels, namely Xi or XS, the Toyota Etios is a practical and well rounded offering and is available as a sedan or hatchback. The entry-level Toyota Xi offers air conditioning, power steering, dual airbags and ABS brakes while the XS offers central locking, electric windows, chrome finishing and colour coded mirrors and grille.  

Under the hood is home to the Etios’ 1.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces 66kW at 5600rpm. The transmission comes in the form of a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption for the hatchback version stands at 6 litres/100km while the sedan is slightly less with 5.9 litres/100km.

The interior is well laid out and can comfortably accommodate five passengers and with ample luggage space for those family trips, the Etios becomes a pleasing proposition. Reports seem to indicate that the drivability of the Toyota Etios exceeds expectations and proves to handle the road smoothly with minimal road noise.

How much can you expect to pay for the Toyota Etios? Well, thankfully, not much. If you are looking for a whole lot of car for a fair price, the Etios is well worth a look. Here are the prices. Each Toyota Etios comes with a 2-year / 30 000km service plan and a 100 000km warranty.

Etios 1.5 Hatch Xi - R115 800

Etios 1.5 Hatch Xs - R120 900

Etios 1.5 Sedan Xi - R121 800

Etios 1.5 Sedan Xs - R126 600

Do you like the Toyota Etios?

Toyota Aygo undergoes Facelift

Tweet

Toyota’s entry-level city car, the Aygo, has undergone some minor changes that’s  made it somewhat prettier than before. Although the changes won’t make you start dancing on your office desk, the Aygo is still a reasonable option for first-time car buyers to consider. Bear in mind though that the Toyota Etios will be launched soon, adding to the entry-level choice if you are a Toyota fan.

The upgraded Toyota Aygo comes with a new front bumper and grille inspired by the Toyta Yaris with the larger air intake helping with engine cooling. In addition to the ‘Fresh’ and ‘Wild’ trim option, Toyota has added a special edition flagship ‘Inferno’ to the range. The ‘Inferno’ comes in a distinctive burnt orange metallic colour along with Alcantara seats, foglights, leather steering wheel and gear lever.  The ‘Fresh’ trim option includes a CD player as standard along with air conditioning, adjustable steering, dual airbags and ABS brakes.

The ‘Wild’ trim option includes 14” wheels, front electric windows, rev counter, remote central locking, side airbags and a split folding rear seat. As per usual, this city dwelling car is powered by a 1.0-litre, three cylinder, 50kW engine with 93Nm of torque to play with.

Although not the fastest cow in the shed, it’s one of the cheaper options available if you are looking for a little something to scoot around in, possibly a good option for teenagers and grannies alike. If you are really strapped for cash you might want to consider a used Toyota Aygo.  Here are the prices for a new Toyota Aygo. 

1.0 Fresh 3-door - R111 900

1.0 Fresh 5-door - R118 100

1.0 Wild 3-door - R121 200

1.0 Wild 5-door - R127 400

1.0 Inferno 5-door - R135 100

What do you think of the Toyota Aygo?

Video: Toyota Etios in South Africa

Tweet

Here's what to expect from the new entry level Toyota Etios that has just landed in South Africa and will be available in May 2012. The Etios will seek to gain traction in the entry level market and rumors indicate that the Toyota Etios will sell for only R120 000. The Etios is fitted with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine and ABS brakes and airbags will come standard. Watch the video and decide for yourself. 

Toyota Etios arrives in SA

Tweet

Toyota’s new entry level Etios has arrived in South Africa from India and will be available in May 2012. The Toyota Etios will be sold alongside the Toyota Aygo and Toyota Yaris and will bolster Toyota’s grip in the entry level market and will go head to head with the Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), the Indian affiliate of the global Toyota Motor Corporation, is set to become a major exporter of Etios vehicles with export volumes expected to exceed 20 000 units per year. The Etios will be available as a hatchback or sedan and will be fitted with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine. The interior is surprisingly spacious and ABS Brakes and airbags will come standard with all models.

Value for money is the name of the game and the new Toyota Etios is ready to play, with rumors floating around that the Etios will go for around R120 000, what a bargain, let the games begin.