South Africans have a strong affinity with cars that resemble a rugged design. There is a reason why cars such as the Volkswagen Cross Polo, Polo Vivo Maxx, Geely LC Cross and on the other side of the scale the Audi A4 Allroad are locally available. Now Toyota has added its contender in the shape of the Etios Cross.
It seems the car will be offer with a raised body, new bumpers, roof rails, rear roof spoiler, a pseudo nudge bar and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet will be the same engine powering the standard hatchback. This means a 1,5-litre, 66 kW/132 N.m, four-cylinder engine. Driving the front wheels will be a five-speed manual gearbox. Expect fuel consumption to be slightly higher than the claimed 6,0 litres per 100 km for the hatchback while standard safety equipment will include ABS with EBD brakes and two airbags.
The Etios Cross will be priced from R159 800, an increase of R23 000 over the top specification 1,5 Xs Etios hatch.
Click here to read our comparative test of the Renault Sandero vs. Ford Figo vs. Toyota Etios vs. Volkswagen Polo Vivo.
