Toyota recently launched Etios sedan and following it with the Etios Liva hatchback, But Etios sedan been great success to the company with sales of 4,095 units in July. Now the company plans to launch the Etios diesel in September 2011, giving tough competition to the Maruti Suzuki’s Swift DZire. It will be priced Rs. 75,000/- more than petrol variant, which pegs the range between Rs 6-8 lakh.
The diesel Etios will most likely be powered by the 1.4-litre motor that already powers the Toyota Corolla Altis diesel. But, there would be mechanical changes such as inclusion of a Fixed Geometry Turbo in the Etios-bound engine to keep the production costs lower and price it competitively. Presently, the 1.4-litre engine in the Altis produces 89 bhp of maximum power and 205 Nm of maximum torque will ensure excellent driving dynamics in city driving conditions.
This engine is slightly underpowered for the Corolla Altis (when compared to rivals such as the Chevrolet Cruze and Skoda Laura). But the same engine could do wonders when installed in the lighter (900 kg kerb weight) Etios sedan. We expect power to be detuned to about 78 bhp with about 190 Nm of torque. The car will most likely come with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Toyota Etios is by far the lightest sedan on sale in India and the diesel version will be no different. Weighing in at around 950 kgs, the low weight of the Etios diesel will help in performance and fuel economy. Like petrol variant the waiting list for diesel version of Toyota’s new saloon is sure to extend into the new Year.
| Toyota Etios diesel specifications – | |
| Engine | 1.4 litre, Fixed Geometry Turbo* |
| Power | 75 bhp* |
| Torque | 190 Nm* |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel economy | 23 kmpl* |
Also see- Toyota Postpones Etios Diesel & Liva Launch To 2012
