Just to put it out there; the Etios has been disappointing on so many levels, coming from the world’s largest automaker. Moreover, the company had stated that the Etios was designed to match the tastes of Indian consumers. Well, unless your research team caught up with every Indian on each of their worst days, there is no way we could have asked for something like that. After benchmarking its sedans with products like the Corolla and Camry, the Etios just widened the gap far too wide between itself and the next best model the Corolla in the company’s line-up, leaving a lot of potential in the C-segment space, which is booming rapidly with the most offerings yet.
Toyota has now confirmed that the launch of the C-segment competitor Vios for India that will arrive in the country in 2015. Competing against the the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid and the likes in the segment, the Vios will bridge the gap between the Etios and the Corolla sedans and is one of the more popular models in international markets. The C-segment is one of the sought after segments, trailing behind the highly competitive hatchback and compact SUV space.
The Vios is currently on sale in several other Asian markets including Malaysia and Thailand and is based on the Yaris hatchback. The sedan has been made to look like a baby Corolla and exudes similar characteristics as the D-segment model. Measuring at 4.4-metres, the Vios gets sharp lines and design with a premium looking front fascia that will certainly make heads turn. The side profile showcases the strong shoulder line, while the rear has been given a sporty touch with the integrated lip spoiler on the boot-lid.
There has been ample use of chrome all round, for the premium feel on the sedan. You also get projector headlights, LED DRLs in the front, while the tail lights get the LED treatment. A pleasing design, the interiors of the Vios are quite premium as well. You get a multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery, cubby storage options as well as a boot capacity of 506-litres. There is also abundant headroom and knee room even at the rear seats, while the feature list includes start-stop, keyless entry, automatic air-con and much more.
Internationally, the Toyota Vios is powered by the 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol motor producing 109 PS and 141 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota is likely to use the same specifications on the Indian spec model as well. Diesel power on the other hand could come from the 1.4-litre D4-D unit producing 88 PS of power, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Retailing at around Rs. 13 lakhs (Indian equivalent) in Malaysia, the Japanese automaker will have to price the Vios in the Rs. 8-13 lakh bracket to gain significant volumes. What are your thoughts on the Toyota Vios as a Honda City rival?
Source – AutoColumn.com