Last year, Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed that it would launch a new Etios derivative (complete with a “Sprint” badge) in the first quarter of 2017.
And now, ahead of the official arrival of this newcomer, we have managed to source pricing.
Interestingly, there will be a Sprint variant in both the hatchback and sedan body styles, each featuring a completely revamped front end with a sportier front bumper design. In addition, a large lower air-dam, complete with integrated foglamp bezels, is joined by a sharply tapered grille.
Round back, the rear bumper (of the hatchback, at least) gains a fresh lower crease line, while Toyota says the cabin features “improved interior tactile elements throughout” (we also expect a light smattering of added standard equipment, to match the seemingly outgoing Xs models). The package is rounded off by twin-spoke 15-inch alloys.
Mechanically, the two new Sprint models are unchanged, which means they both employ the brand’s familiar, naturally aspirated 1,5-litre petrol mill (66 kW/132 N.m) married to a five-speed manual transmission.
So, how much are we looking at? Well, the Etios Hatch 1,5 Sprint will be priced at R172 600 (R8 700 more than the standard Xi model) while the Etios Sedan 1,5 Sprint will come in at R180 500 (an R8 300 premium over the standard Xi sedan).
If you’re familiar with the Etios range, you’ll perhaps notice that these prices mirror those of the Xs models, which appear destined to be replaced by the Sprint derivatives. The Etios Cross 1,5 Xs, however, will still top the line-up.
