A top seller in the popular small hatch segment, the Toyota Etios has undergone some mild midlife revisions to keep up with arch-rival, the recently upgraded VW Polo.
Externally there are no new features to speak of unless you opt for the one new colour option: Jet Grey metallic. The bulk of the changes have taken place within the cabin.
Occupants in Xs models will rest their bottoms on a new seat fabric. A new audio system has been adopted for Etios (standard on Xs). This double-din unit features Bluetooth functionality.
These latest alterations are part of an ongoing upgrade process – referred to as Kaizen, or continuous improvement, that Toyota has applied to the Etios since its introduction in May 2012. Among these are a new grille design, colour-coding across the range for door mirrors and handles, a new tail lamp design, re-profiled front and rear seat design with adjustable headrests for Xs models, a redesigned central instrument cluster, improved NVH package which included a switch from rubber engine mounts to more refined, sound-absorbing hydraulic mounts.
As always the same 1.5-litre, inline four (66 kW/132 N.m) powers all models. Toyota claims a fuel economy of5,9 L /100 km for the sedan and 6,0 L/100 km for the hatch in the combined cycle.
Toyota has applied a symbolic R100 price increase across the range.
Etios 1,5 Xi 5-door R134 500
Etios 1,5 Xs 5-door R143 600
Etios 1,5 Xi 4-door R141 100
Etios 1,5 Xs 4-door R150 000
Etios Cross R164 700
All prices include a two-year/30 000 km service plan