Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Did they fix the speedo binnacle?
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Toyota Etios
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Nope. Still central.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
#carporn...haha
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota's new Etios Sprint arrives in SA: Prices, details
The new Toyota Etios Sprint will 'give prospective and returning buyers more choice for their hard-earned Rand,' writes Wheels24's Charlen Raymond.
Toyota has sold 90 551 units of its budget-friendly Etios since it first arrived in South Africa in 2012.
The Etios established itself as a formidable contender in the sub-B category; and in the process achieved a 23% market share in the segment.
Not content to rest on its laurels, Toyota South Africa has added a new Sprint derivative to the range in both hatchback and sedan guise.
Styling and practicality
In terms of design, the Etios Sprint sports subtle tweaks to differentiate it from standard versions. At the front the Toyota badge sits snug in the slightly redesigned chromed-strip grille and on the edges of the front bumper fog lights are housed in large, gaping air inlets.
The rear bumper sits slightly higher and its chromed strip runs above the badge. Buyers can choose from six exterior colour options.
In sedan guise, the Sprint continues to boast with the impressive 562 litres of boot space and both body styles have seven one-litre bottle holders throughout the cabin. The glovebox is 13 litres big.
The interior retains the same black/gray colour scheme, as well as dials and gauges. Two airbags, one for the driver and passenger each, are standard, as are Isofix mountings.
On the road
The Etios Sprint has a marginally better steering than the rest of the range. The 15” tyres available to the Sprint do well to aid dynamic traits, but the car is not suited to, uhm… “sprint” driving.
With a very modest 66kW/132Nm from its 1.5-litre petrol engine you're not going to be engaging in spirited driving. The Sprint uses the same five-speed manual as other derivatives in the range though a sixth gear would be a welcome addition. At high speeds the engine can begin to squeal.
Apart from the mentioned drivetrain gripes, the car is comfortable transporting passengers along the open road though it excels as a city car. Comfort is definitely aided by a strong-blowing air con (which Toyota SA claims is the best system in its class) and the seats offer adequate support for journeys. Overall it makes for a great budget family car.
Toyota claims a fuel consumption of 6.0-litres/100km.
Getting it right
In total, the Etios range consists of three body types - sedan, hatchback and Cross - while the Sprint package is available on all but the Cross variant. Retailing from R172 600 for the hatch and R180 500 for the sedan, the Sprint will add to the range, giving prospective and returning buyers more choice for their hard-earned Rand.
Since 2012 the car has been a top seller in the South African new car market, Toyota's new Etios Sprint, given its improvements, is likely destined to be another hit for the automaker. Toyota SA knows that it has a good, value-for-money proposition on the table and bolstering the range will only enhance that offering.
The car is offered with a two-year or 30 000km service plan as standard.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/toyotas-new-etios-sprint-arrives-in-sa-prices-details-20170324
The new Toyota Etios Sprint will 'give prospective and returning buyers more choice for their hard-earned Rand,' writes Wheels24's Charlen Raymond.
Toyota has sold 90 551 units of its budget-friendly Etios since it first arrived in South Africa in 2012.
The Etios established itself as a formidable contender in the sub-B category; and in the process achieved a 23% market share in the segment.
Not content to rest on its laurels, Toyota South Africa has added a new Sprint derivative to the range in both hatchback and sedan guise.
Styling and practicality
In terms of design, the Etios Sprint sports subtle tweaks to differentiate it from standard versions. At the front the Toyota badge sits snug in the slightly redesigned chromed-strip grille and on the edges of the front bumper fog lights are housed in large, gaping air inlets.
The rear bumper sits slightly higher and its chromed strip runs above the badge. Buyers can choose from six exterior colour options.
In sedan guise, the Sprint continues to boast with the impressive 562 litres of boot space and both body styles have seven one-litre bottle holders throughout the cabin. The glovebox is 13 litres big.
The interior retains the same black/gray colour scheme, as well as dials and gauges. Two airbags, one for the driver and passenger each, are standard, as are Isofix mountings.
On the road
The Etios Sprint has a marginally better steering than the rest of the range. The 15” tyres available to the Sprint do well to aid dynamic traits, but the car is not suited to, uhm… “sprint” driving.
With a very modest 66kW/132Nm from its 1.5-litre petrol engine you're not going to be engaging in spirited driving. The Sprint uses the same five-speed manual as other derivatives in the range though a sixth gear would be a welcome addition. At high speeds the engine can begin to squeal.
Apart from the mentioned drivetrain gripes, the car is comfortable transporting passengers along the open road though it excels as a city car. Comfort is definitely aided by a strong-blowing air con (which Toyota SA claims is the best system in its class) and the seats offer adequate support for journeys. Overall it makes for a great budget family car.
Toyota claims a fuel consumption of 6.0-litres/100km.
Getting it right
In total, the Etios range consists of three body types - sedan, hatchback and Cross - while the Sprint package is available on all but the Cross variant. Retailing from R172 600 for the hatch and R180 500 for the sedan, the Sprint will add to the range, giving prospective and returning buyers more choice for their hard-earned Rand.
Since 2012 the car has been a top seller in the South African new car market, Toyota's new Etios Sprint, given its improvements, is likely destined to be another hit for the automaker. Toyota SA knows that it has a good, value-for-money proposition on the table and bolstering the range will only enhance that offering.
The car is offered with a two-year or 30 000km service plan as standard.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/toyotas-new-etios-sprint-arrives-in-sa-prices-details-20170324
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Update: Toyota Etios Sprint - Price in SA
The Toyota Etios Sprint has arrived in South Africa! Take a look at what you can expect in terms of specification and pricing...
The Etios Sprint will replace the previous Xs model in the Etios stable. As can be seen from these photographs, the Etios Sprint's front-end styling has changed significantly and features a new grille with chrome detailing and black inserts. There's a set of new 15-inch alloy wheels that are quite stylish, while some new skirts and a bumper round off the bodywork. There's also a faux carbon-fibre Sprint badge stuck to the bodywork. The interior hasn't had much of an update because the Sprint is not a facelift but a model introduction. Toyota does however say that some of the touch surfaces have been improved to feel more solid.
Safety features include ISOfix child seat mounts, driver and passenger airbags, ABS and EBD. The rear passengers all have 3-point seatbelts now as well. The Toyota Etios will be powered by the same 1.5-litre VVT-i engine that produces peak outputs of 66 kW and 132 Nm, which are ample for this entry-level vehicle.
Toyota Etios - Price in South Africa
Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi Hatchback - R163 900
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint Hatchback - R172 600
Toyota Etios 1.5 Cross Hatchback - R194 300
Sedan
Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi Sedan - R172 200
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint Sedan - R180 500
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/update-toyota-etios-sprint---price-in-sa/42589/
The Toyota Etios Sprint has arrived in South Africa! Take a look at what you can expect in terms of specification and pricing...
The Etios Sprint will replace the previous Xs model in the Etios stable. As can be seen from these photographs, the Etios Sprint's front-end styling has changed significantly and features a new grille with chrome detailing and black inserts. There's a set of new 15-inch alloy wheels that are quite stylish, while some new skirts and a bumper round off the bodywork. There's also a faux carbon-fibre Sprint badge stuck to the bodywork. The interior hasn't had much of an update because the Sprint is not a facelift but a model introduction. Toyota does however say that some of the touch surfaces have been improved to feel more solid.
Safety features include ISOfix child seat mounts, driver and passenger airbags, ABS and EBD. The rear passengers all have 3-point seatbelts now as well. The Toyota Etios will be powered by the same 1.5-litre VVT-i engine that produces peak outputs of 66 kW and 132 Nm, which are ample for this entry-level vehicle.
Toyota Etios - Price in South Africa
Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi Hatchback - R163 900
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint Hatchback - R172 600
Toyota Etios 1.5 Cross Hatchback - R194 300
Sedan
Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi Sedan - R172 200
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint Sedan - R180 500
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/update-toyota-etios-sprint---price-in-sa/42589/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Sprint grade gives Etios a sharper look
Toyota has tweaked its Etios range in South Africa and the big news is the arrival of a new grade called ‘Sprint’. Replacing the previous mid-range ‘Xs’ model and sporting a redesigned front end, you could basically call this is a facelift that applies to only one model.
The ‘Xi’ base model continues with same sagging face as before, except that in place of its black grille it gets the previous Xs version’s colour coding and upper chrome garnishes.
Though the Sprint name might imply a performance upgrade of sorts, it’s a purely cosmetic enhancement. Beneath the bonnet you’ll find the same 66kW/132Nm normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol unit that the Etios has always had, and experience tells us it’s a perfectly decent motor at this price point.
The Sprint’s unique frontal design is clearly inspired by more modern Toyotas such as the latest Auris, and although the headlights retain their familiar contours, the rest of the bumper-grille treatment is all-new, with the upper air intake getting a wing-like design and the lower intakes increasing in size significantly.
Whereas the Xs made do with covered steel wheels, the Sprint rides on new twin-spoke, 15-inch alloys.The newcomer also gets a fresh rear bumper design, with a lower crease that runs into the number plate recess.
Not much changes inside the latest Etios range, but Toyota does claim to have improved the trim surfaces.
As for standard kit, the base Xi comes with air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, height-adjustable steering wheel, dual airbags and ABS brakes. In addition to all the visual extras already mentioned, the Sprint adds electric windows, central locking and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The Etios Cross has all that too, and remains unchanged with its unique crossover styling elements.
A two-year/30 000km service plan is also part of the deal, across the Etios range.
TOYOTA ETIOS PRICES
ModelPower/TorquePrice
Hatch
1.5 Xi66kW/132NmR163 900
1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR172 600
1.5 Cross66kW/132NmR194 300
Sedan
1.5 Xi66kW/132NmR172 200
1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR180 500
ALTERNATIVES
Renault Sandero 0.9T Expression66kW/135NmR159 900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL63kW/113NmR167 900
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR172 600
VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Citi55kW/132NmR177 300
Hyundai Grand i10 1.25 Motion64kW/120NmR186 900
Ford Figo hatch 1.5 Trend82kW/136Nm
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/sprint-grade-gives-etios-a-sharper-look-8327561
Toyota has tweaked its Etios range in South Africa and the big news is the arrival of a new grade called ‘Sprint’. Replacing the previous mid-range ‘Xs’ model and sporting a redesigned front end, you could basically call this is a facelift that applies to only one model.
The ‘Xi’ base model continues with same sagging face as before, except that in place of its black grille it gets the previous Xs version’s colour coding and upper chrome garnishes.
Though the Sprint name might imply a performance upgrade of sorts, it’s a purely cosmetic enhancement. Beneath the bonnet you’ll find the same 66kW/132Nm normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol unit that the Etios has always had, and experience tells us it’s a perfectly decent motor at this price point.
The Sprint’s unique frontal design is clearly inspired by more modern Toyotas such as the latest Auris, and although the headlights retain their familiar contours, the rest of the bumper-grille treatment is all-new, with the upper air intake getting a wing-like design and the lower intakes increasing in size significantly.
Whereas the Xs made do with covered steel wheels, the Sprint rides on new twin-spoke, 15-inch alloys.The newcomer also gets a fresh rear bumper design, with a lower crease that runs into the number plate recess.
Not much changes inside the latest Etios range, but Toyota does claim to have improved the trim surfaces.
As for standard kit, the base Xi comes with air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, height-adjustable steering wheel, dual airbags and ABS brakes. In addition to all the visual extras already mentioned, the Sprint adds electric windows, central locking and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The Etios Cross has all that too, and remains unchanged with its unique crossover styling elements.
A two-year/30 000km service plan is also part of the deal, across the Etios range.
TOYOTA ETIOS PRICES
ModelPower/TorquePrice
Hatch
1.5 Xi66kW/132NmR163 900
1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR172 600
1.5 Cross66kW/132NmR194 300
Sedan
1.5 Xi66kW/132NmR172 200
1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR180 500
ALTERNATIVES
Renault Sandero 0.9T Expression66kW/135NmR159 900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL63kW/113NmR167 900
Toyota Etios 1.5 Sprint66kW/132NmR172 600
VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Citi55kW/132NmR177 300
Hyundai Grand i10 1.25 Motion64kW/120NmR186 900
Ford Figo hatch 1.5 Trend82kW/136Nm
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/sprint-grade-gives-etios-a-sharper-look-8327561
TheChamp
Honorary Master
/Sigh
The one part of the car that mattered most is unchanged, that hideous interior with the Speedo that was created by kids at kindergarten...
The one part of the car that mattered most is unchanged, that hideous interior with the Speedo that was created by kids at kindergarten...
The_Traveller
Expert Member
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- Aug 9, 2008
- Messages
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- 649
This car was not made to give you a cock stand, it was made to run around with, use and abuse.
Last edited:
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Putting an air vent in the correct location and designing a proper speedometer cluster and putting it at the right place is not much to ask for.
Last edited:
HAL 9000
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- 25,912
Toyota Showcases The Etios And Etios Liva Facelift In Brazil
Published Aug 5, 2016, 3:28 pm IST
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/busi...-etios-and-etios-liva-facelift-in-brazil.html
Published Aug 5, 2016, 3:28 pm IST
The 2016 Etios and Etios Liva have been showcased in Brazil by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. The unveiled cars are the facelifted versions of the Etios and the Liva, which are currently being sold in the Indian market.
These new cars have been spied in India earlier during road tests under camouflage, however, their showcase in Brazil gives us a clear idea about the changes incorporated.
The new cars have been renamed as the Etios Platinum and the Liva Platinum.
Speaking of the exterior changes, both the cars receive a revised front end, new alloy wheels and a few nips and tuck on the rear end of the car.
The front now sports a sleeker and more stylish grille setup, and a more muscular bumper is also standing out with a wider lower air dam as compared to the current car. The headlamps remain intact and so does the hood; the same goes for the sides, except for the new diamond cut alloy wheels.
The same changes could be noted with the hatchback version, however, it has a more neatly appointed rear as compared to the sedan.
Inside, the Toyota Etios retains the all black dashboard with piano black trim and round HVAC vents, but now features a new steering wheel design with buttons and a new digital instrument cluster inspired by the latest Toyota Prius.
Other new features include cruise control, ISOFIX child seat mounts and head restraint and three-point seat belt for the middle seat passenger.
However, since these are Brazilian-spec cars, we expect the Indian version to carry the same beige interiors as the current Indian models. Also, the possibility of the digital instrument cluster making it to India is dicey.
Under the hood, the Brazilian Etios sisters carry the same 1.5-litre petrol motor as the car available in India. However, it gets a 10PS bump over ours.
The Indian version will retain the same set of motors on both the diesel and petrol fronts and with the current power figures.
We expect the launch to take place in the upcoming festive season.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/busi...-etios-and-etios-liva-facelift-in-brazil.html
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
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Toyota Etios with new dashboard launched in Brazil
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/04/toyota-etios-facelift-launched-brazil-228874
There are no design changes to the exterior of the new Toyota Etios, apart from new alloy wheel designs. It retains the current design that is well familiar to the Indian market. There are no new exterior features as well.
Inside, the Toyota Etios retains the all black dashboard with piano black trim and round HVAC vents, but now features a new steering wheel design with buttons and a new digital instrument cluster inspired by the latest Toyota Prius.
Other new features include cruise control, ISOFIX child seat mounts and head restraint and three-point seat belt for the middle seat passenger.
It retains the same 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i flex-fuel engines from the outgoing model.
Both engines have been slightly tuned to be 9 percent more fuel efficient than before, while the 1.5-litre unit now develops 107 hp (10.5 hp power bump).
The 5-speed manual transmission has been replaced by a 6-speed manual transmission, and there’s a new 4-speed automatic transmission option now.
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/04/toyota-etios-facelift-launched-brazil-228874
Saves costs i guess in having to move around for RHD and LHD versions
Not a fan of it but it works and that is all one needs in a cheap budget car.
The 1.5 was surprising when we rented one and drove from Swakopmund to Windhoek also very comfortable and worked perfectly for the task.
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
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Toyota Etios Platinum with facelifted exterior launched in Brazil
Posted on: Aug 3, 2016 - 12:12pm IST
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/08/toyota-etios-platinum-facelift-revealed-238814
Posted on: Aug 3, 2016 - 12:12pm IST
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/08/toyota-etios-platinum-facelift-revealed-238814
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Much better, I guess it will be ages before we see this in SA.
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
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Maybe we will get lucky if Toyota ever decides to release an Etios baseline model to compete with VW's Citi Vivo and they use the digital dashboard & infotainment screen as an extra selling point!
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Living in hope, we so much need something decent as an alternative for those who don't want to buy a Polo Vivo, but I feel Toyota is missing this opportunity, I certainly don't think I am the only one who is put off by that interior.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
No problem with putting the speedo in the middle. Just take these two simple tips from Gordon Murray
1) Put the steering wheel in the middle.
2) Put the drivers seat in the middle.
This is cutting corners on a level that not even corner cutting king Ford has stooped too. Just sort out your dash mold to accommodate both RHD and LHD derivatives. That center binnacle is only fooling morons that know nothing about cars to begin with.
1) Put the steering wheel in the middle.
2) Put the drivers seat in the middle.
This is cutting corners on a level that not even corner cutting king Ford has stooped too. Just sort out your dash mold to accommodate both RHD and LHD derivatives. That center binnacle is only fooling morons that know nothing about cars to begin with.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota Etios Sprint (2017) First Drive
Toyota has refreshed its Etios hatchback and sedan line-up with the addition of the Etios Sprint derivative, which is now available in South Africa. We took the Etios Sprint for a drive in the Eastern Cape to see what it has to offer...
The Etios, much like the Corolla, is a bread and butter model for Toyota in South Africa and the local appetite for reliable budget-market-oriented compact passenger vehicles has made the Etios quite popular, with over 90 000 units sold since its introduction in 2012. To keep its Etios offering fresh and exciting, Toyota now welcomes the Etios Sprint to the range and we attended the local launch to take it for a spin.
Updated Etios Range
There are now 3 distinct Etios derivatives on offer.
The Etios Sprint replaces the previous mid-spec Etios Xs and can easily be distinguished from its brethren courtesy of a redesigned bumper with large air dams and integrated fog lamps, plus a wing motif grille (replete with a broad chrome strip). Apart from a reprofiled rear bumper, the newcomer is further differentiated with new twin-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre inspired "Sprint" badge.
The Etios Sprint slots above the entry-level Etios Xi derivative, which remains much the same as before, but now includes a colour-coded grille with chrome accents and rides on 14-inch steel wheels. Both the Xi and Sprint derivatives are offered in hatchback and sedan body styles.
The Etios range is headlined by the Etios Cross, adding a degree of ruggedness with its roof rails, protective body cladding and raised ground clearance. Much like the Etios Xi, the Etios Cross remains unchanged in terms of exterior design and it’s only offered as a hatchback.
All 3 derivatives are powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 66 kW and 132 Nm of torque and is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption for the Etios hatchback is claimed at 6.0 L/100 km, while the sedan sips slightly less at 5.9 L/100 km. In terms of safety, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are fitted, plus Isofix child seat mounting points are now offered as standard across the range.
What’s the Etios Sprint like to drive?
Offering perky performance and decent ride quality, the Etios Sprint is a suitable daily runner.
The media contingent landed in East London where a number of Etios Sprint hatchbacks and sedans were waiting for us. To our surprise, were told to drive to the nearby East London Grand Prix Circuit for a lap around the track. We only had 1 lap to push the Etios Sprint to its performance limit and although we barely reached 150 kph on the main straight, the Toyota seemed to handle the corners with relatively good composure.
As we set off into the sunset towards Port Alfred (some 150 km away), the 1.5-litre engine proved itself a solid performer. Although its outputs aren’t particularly lofty, the motor makes the most of the Etios' low kerb weight to provide good overtaking ability on the freeway; for the record, the 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly with little effort required.
Tractability in the higher ratios is good – even on steeper sections of road, the Etios Sprint showed few signs of labouring in fifth gear, which is an absolute bonus in a budget car. Suffice to say buyers should find the Sprint’s performance adequate in both the city and open road scenarios.
In terms of ride quality, the Etios Sprint delivered a relatively smooth drive and even though the road to Port Alfred was in a poor state, the newcomer absorbed the bumps and ruts surprisingly well. Road noise intrusion is moderate (Toyota credits additional sound-deadening material).
A somewhat awkward interior design, but it's functional...
In terms of the Etios' interior, it remains pretty basic and the instrument cluster, radio/CD player and air-conditioning controls are centrally located on the dashboard. Bluetooth functionality is standard, as is a USB and auxiliary port. Despite claims of improved fit and finish, the interior build quality feels average, but the plastics are hard-wearing and should withstand typical abuse from shoe scuffs and grubby human hands (or animal paws).
The interior of the Etios Sprint is much the same as before with minor material upgrades and improved fit and finish.
The steering wheel is devoid of multifunction controls, but there are bottle holders in all 4 door pockets, plus another 3 drinks holders. We found the seats quite hard, which might become an issue on those longer journeys. Toyota has, however, upgraded the quality of the upholstery.
Space for rear passengers is adequate and the sedan is claimed to have a larger boot than its rivals (562 litres, which is quite sizable), while the hatchback’s luggage bay is claimed at 251 litres. The rear seats, however, are not split, which means the whole rear seat folds down to access more loading space. A lights-on warning is now offered on all derivatives and the Sprint is conveniently equipped with front and rear electric windows.
Summary
At this price point (R172 600 for the Sprint hatchback, R180 500 for the sedan), the Toyota is certainly a substantial product offering. Its engine and transmission feel unburstable, the ride quality is good and the performance punchy. The interior design isn’t flattering, but it’s functional and the occupant/luggage space is more than reasonable.
The competitively priced Etios Sprint should do a good job of being an inexpensive daily runner. It should also be reasonably affordable to maintain over time and Toyota’s reputation for reliability will likely continue to have a positive impact on Etios sales going forward.
Toyota Etios - Price in South Africa
Hatchback
1.5 Xi Hatchback R163 900
1.5 Sprint Hatchback R172 600
1.5 Cross Hatchback R194 300
Sedan
1.5 Xi Sedan R172 200
1.5 Sprint Sedan R180 500
All Etios models are sold with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-etios-sprint-2017-first-drive/43166/
Toyota has refreshed its Etios hatchback and sedan line-up with the addition of the Etios Sprint derivative, which is now available in South Africa. We took the Etios Sprint for a drive in the Eastern Cape to see what it has to offer...
The Etios, much like the Corolla, is a bread and butter model for Toyota in South Africa and the local appetite for reliable budget-market-oriented compact passenger vehicles has made the Etios quite popular, with over 90 000 units sold since its introduction in 2012. To keep its Etios offering fresh and exciting, Toyota now welcomes the Etios Sprint to the range and we attended the local launch to take it for a spin.
Updated Etios Range
There are now 3 distinct Etios derivatives on offer.
The Etios Sprint replaces the previous mid-spec Etios Xs and can easily be distinguished from its brethren courtesy of a redesigned bumper with large air dams and integrated fog lamps, plus a wing motif grille (replete with a broad chrome strip). Apart from a reprofiled rear bumper, the newcomer is further differentiated with new twin-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre inspired "Sprint" badge.
The Etios Sprint slots above the entry-level Etios Xi derivative, which remains much the same as before, but now includes a colour-coded grille with chrome accents and rides on 14-inch steel wheels. Both the Xi and Sprint derivatives are offered in hatchback and sedan body styles.
The Etios range is headlined by the Etios Cross, adding a degree of ruggedness with its roof rails, protective body cladding and raised ground clearance. Much like the Etios Xi, the Etios Cross remains unchanged in terms of exterior design and it’s only offered as a hatchback.
All 3 derivatives are powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 66 kW and 132 Nm of torque and is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption for the Etios hatchback is claimed at 6.0 L/100 km, while the sedan sips slightly less at 5.9 L/100 km. In terms of safety, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are fitted, plus Isofix child seat mounting points are now offered as standard across the range.
What’s the Etios Sprint like to drive?
Offering perky performance and decent ride quality, the Etios Sprint is a suitable daily runner.
The media contingent landed in East London where a number of Etios Sprint hatchbacks and sedans were waiting for us. To our surprise, were told to drive to the nearby East London Grand Prix Circuit for a lap around the track. We only had 1 lap to push the Etios Sprint to its performance limit and although we barely reached 150 kph on the main straight, the Toyota seemed to handle the corners with relatively good composure.
As we set off into the sunset towards Port Alfred (some 150 km away), the 1.5-litre engine proved itself a solid performer. Although its outputs aren’t particularly lofty, the motor makes the most of the Etios' low kerb weight to provide good overtaking ability on the freeway; for the record, the 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly with little effort required.
Tractability in the higher ratios is good – even on steeper sections of road, the Etios Sprint showed few signs of labouring in fifth gear, which is an absolute bonus in a budget car. Suffice to say buyers should find the Sprint’s performance adequate in both the city and open road scenarios.
In terms of ride quality, the Etios Sprint delivered a relatively smooth drive and even though the road to Port Alfred was in a poor state, the newcomer absorbed the bumps and ruts surprisingly well. Road noise intrusion is moderate (Toyota credits additional sound-deadening material).
A somewhat awkward interior design, but it's functional...
In terms of the Etios' interior, it remains pretty basic and the instrument cluster, radio/CD player and air-conditioning controls are centrally located on the dashboard. Bluetooth functionality is standard, as is a USB and auxiliary port. Despite claims of improved fit and finish, the interior build quality feels average, but the plastics are hard-wearing and should withstand typical abuse from shoe scuffs and grubby human hands (or animal paws).
The interior of the Etios Sprint is much the same as before with minor material upgrades and improved fit and finish.
The steering wheel is devoid of multifunction controls, but there are bottle holders in all 4 door pockets, plus another 3 drinks holders. We found the seats quite hard, which might become an issue on those longer journeys. Toyota has, however, upgraded the quality of the upholstery.
Space for rear passengers is adequate and the sedan is claimed to have a larger boot than its rivals (562 litres, which is quite sizable), while the hatchback’s luggage bay is claimed at 251 litres. The rear seats, however, are not split, which means the whole rear seat folds down to access more loading space. A lights-on warning is now offered on all derivatives and the Sprint is conveniently equipped with front and rear electric windows.
Summary
At this price point (R172 600 for the Sprint hatchback, R180 500 for the sedan), the Toyota is certainly a substantial product offering. Its engine and transmission feel unburstable, the ride quality is good and the performance punchy. The interior design isn’t flattering, but it’s functional and the occupant/luggage space is more than reasonable.
The competitively priced Etios Sprint should do a good job of being an inexpensive daily runner. It should also be reasonably affordable to maintain over time and Toyota’s reputation for reliability will likely continue to have a positive impact on Etios sales going forward.
Toyota Etios - Price in South Africa
Hatchback
1.5 Xi Hatchback R163 900
1.5 Sprint Hatchback R172 600
1.5 Cross Hatchback R194 300
Sedan
1.5 Xi Sedan R172 200
1.5 Sprint Sedan R180 500
All Etios models are sold with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-etios-sprint-2017-first-drive/43166/
