Toyota Yaris ATIV test mule has been spotted doing rounds in camouflaged form around Bengaluru.
Riding the wave of popularity of the Innova and Fortuner, Toyota is planning to attend to its mass-market lineup in the country. Currently, the Japanese automaker has just Etios twins in the volumes segment which are facing the heat from newer entrants and are showing weaker performance on the sales charts. Rumoured to replace the ageing Etios sedan, the Toyota Yaris ATIV has been captured doing test rounds somewhere in Bengaluru.
Even though the Vios test mule has been spotted multiple times in the country, it seems that the Corolla-maker has other plans in mind. However, it comes as no surprise since the Yaris ATIV is essentially a Vios under the clothes inspired by Yaris. It comes with the same 1.5-litre petrol motor as the Vios. While the Yaris ATIV also comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine in some markets, the India-bound model is likely to come with at least a 1.5-litre petrol engine to sit at par with or above the Etios.
Sharing the Toyota B platform from the Vios sedan, this car will be equipped with a petrol heart at launch while the diesel engine may or may not arrive depending on the situation prevailing two or three years from now. The spotted car comes with LED DRLs, projector headlamps and six split-spoke alloy wheels to look visually pleasing and premium. It is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo even though there is uncertainty surrounding its launch timeline and positioning in the country.
In some markets, Yaris ATIV is a cheaper alternative to the Vios which could be a probable reason to introduce it in a price-sensitive market like ours. In Singapore, Toyota sells the Yaris ATIV with a bigger 1.5-litre engine which makes it a sweet deal for buyers. Nevertheless, the car is a revolution as compared to the Etios in terms of design and features which will make it a welcome addition to the Toyota lineup.
Toyota Yaris ATIV
– Yaris ATIV spied testing on Indian roads
– Could be a worthy replacement to the Etios
– Comes with 1.5-litre petrol engine in some markets, smaller 1.2-litre petrol motor in some
– To go against the likes of Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City
Images Source – Team-BHP.com
