Taking a page from the books of Renault and Volkswagen, Toyota has taken its entry-level hatchback, the Etios, added a few details and created a crossover version dubbed the Etios Cross. Like all the others in this segment, the intention is to offer a vehicle for the adventurous, outdoor-living type, but at a bargain price.
Exterior
Showing its adventurous intent from the start, the Etios Cross comes fitted with side cladding, 15-inch wheels, roof rails and a rear roof spoiler. The overall look, while it takes some getting used to, is certainly eye-catching and bold. Initially I didn’t like it much, but I warmed up to it as the day went on and I think while it’s not handsome or pretty, it’s better looking than the standard Etios.
Interior
Inside, the Etios Cross’s cabin is dark with black seats, paneling and piano black surface around the audio and air-con controls. The layout of everything is a bit busy and I find it untidy, but I’m sure potential owners will be fine with it. There are some fit and finish issues that I came across, but nothing alarming.
On the road
The Etios Cross comes equipped with Toyota’s 16-valve, 1,5-litre petrol engine with 66 kW and 132 N.m of torque. It’s a revvy unit that gets going quickly and easily moved the light hatchback along. It comes fitted with a five-speed manual transmission. The short gearing helps the engine revs climb and allows for a quick build-up of speed should you need it.
The launch route really tested the dynamics and handling of the vehicle. The steering is a bit vague, but it’s not completely devoid of feel. There’s enough there for you to know what the wheels are doing and for you to feel confident. There’s some roll through the corners, but overall, the Cross felt composed and capable of handling whatever was thrown its way. The light and compact body meant that piloting the Etios Cross in and around Johannesburg CBD was done with ease.
Value-for-money
A big selling point of this vehicle will undoubtedly be the lengthy list of standard equipment. This includes items such as air-conditioning, power windows all around with a driver-side one-touch up function, remote central locking, fog lights, an audio system with radio, CD, USB and auxiliary connections and Bluetooth connectivity, and ABS with EBD. All of this, along with a standard 2-year/30 000 km service plan, means that Toyota is serious about being a contender in this market segment. The Etios Cross comes in at a price of R159 800. To put in into perspective – the impressive Sandero Stepway retails for R159 900, while the Polo Vivo Maxx has a sticker price of R178 800.
Overall
Toyota is clearly not playing around here. The company has seen how well these small crossover-type vehicles do in our market and has created it’s own version to take on the competition. And the competition is tough. With a competitive pricing strategy, acceptable engine performance and a lengthy list of standard features, the Etios Cross is definitely here to shake up the segment. And honestly, even though I have a soft spot for the Sandero Stepway, I think the Etios has what it takes do just that.