Toyota calls it a cross and nobody in India really knows what a cross means. Anything masculine looking is called an SUV and anything small that looks like an SUV is called a compact SUV. The Etios Cross is not an SUV, yet you cannot help looking at it and saying, “Hey, that’s a compact SUV”.
Well, it’s just an Etios Liva hatchback, made to wear a handsome armour made of plastic. When we got our hands on an Etios Cross VD variant, the first thing that struck me was, why not indulge in some off-roading. By jove! It did behave well and its suspensions and engine power did not disappoint me.
But this car is not an off-roader, mind you, Sir. This one’s just a smart looking car that has the character of youth etched all over it.
The Etios Cross comes with three engine options—a 1.4 litre diesel (1364cc), a 1.5 litre petrol (1496cc) and a 1.2 litre petrol (1197cc). There will be two variants of the diesel version and one each of the two petrol engine versions. The dual SRS airbag (for driver and co-passenger) will be available in the 1.5 litre petrol variant (V) and the top end diesel variant (VD). No airbags for the 1.4 litre petrol variant (G) and the lower variant of the diesel (GD). The G variant will also not have an ABS with EBD.
The car’s bound to excite the younger generation looking out for some fun in life. Everything macho appeals to the modern world, and there is no reason why the Etios Cross will not excite the youth. Apart from a masculinity angle, it’s a small car and easy to handle and easy to park.
The Cross comes with a lot of smart plastic claddings with silver accents, impressive front bumper with skid plate, roof rails, side turn signals integrated with fog lamps and 15inches alloy wheels.
All the plastic frills add to the dimensions of the Etios Liva resulting in the Cross becoming 120mm longer, 40mm wider and 45mm taller than the standard Liva. For those hankering for mileage, the diesel engine offers a mileage of around 23.59kmpl while 1.5 litre petrol offers 16.78kmpl and the 1.2 litre petrol, a 17.71kmpl.
The interiors are not uber rich in texture, but it’s not tacky either. The embossed seat fabric with the Cross logo and white stitching give a premium feel to the interiors. There is plenty of leg space for both front as well as rear passengers. There are ample slots for bottles, cups and mobile phones. The driver seat can be adjusted for height. Feature like leather wrapped steering, steering mounted audio controls, ORVMs with turn indicators, etc give the car a rich feel to it.
While every car maker in the country is trying to redefine the SUV space with SUV clones of all shapes and sizes, Toyota wants to be different by naming the Etios an Etios Cross! But it’s a mini hunk and there is no denying that fact.
TOYOTA ETIOS CROSS SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
1364cc, 4-cylinder 8V, SOHC, D-4D diesel
Transmission
5-speed manual
Max Power
67bhp@ 3800rpm
Max Torque
170 Nm@ 1800-2500rpm
Fuel Efficiency
23.59 kmpl (AT)
Suspension: Front/Rear
McPherson Strut /Torsion Beam
Brake: Front/ Rear
Ventilated Disc / Drum
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 litres
Tyres: Front/ Rear
185/60 R15 tubeless
Price
Rs 7,40,640
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