With the growing demand for compact cars, especially compact SUVs and crossovers, carmakers are aiming to mark their presence in this segment. We all know that developing an all-new product need years of time and money. Keeping this in mind, car manufacturers instead of launching new produces, they are coming up with upgraded models of the existing ones. Toyota Etios Cross is also the product based on the existing Etios hatchback. It will directly compete against the likes of Ford EcoSport, Volkswagen Cross Polo and upcoming Fiat Avventura. Last year, Ford introduced the EcoSport compact SUV which has received an overwhelming response from car buyers in the country. Unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, the Toyota Etios Cross will be launched in the first or second week of May this year.
The Etios Cross gets black plastic cladding on the lower half of the car from the bumpers to the doors, which add to its sporty character. This hatchback crossover features a new 10-spoke diamond cut alloy wheels and roof rails. It has revised front bumper with new fog lamp assembly and grille, which distinguish it from the regular hatchback model.
Based on the Kinetic Design philosophy, the Ford EcoSport gets common family look. The front features hexagonal grille with loads of chrome and is complemented by sleek contemporary headlamps. The side profile of the SUV looks good, while its flared wheel arches have been fitted to alloy wheels which look really nice. The rear profile of the SUV is dominated by the spare wheel and tail-lamps on the either side of wheel.
The Toyota Etios Cross will be positioned above the standard hatchback model in Etios series. This model features 2-DIN audio system with USB, Bluetooth and AUX-in connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, cooled gloved box and rear defogger and wiper. The vehicle gets piano black interiors, sporty seat fabric with white stitch and logo. The New Etios Cross will be made available in a new sporty Inferno Orange and seven other colors- Ultramarine Blue, Classic Grey, Symphony Silver, Celestial Black, White, Vermilion Red & Harmony Beige.
Ford EcoSport sourced its interior styling and materials from the Fiesta sedan. The switches, instrument cluster design is similar to that of the sedan sibling. The electric mirror adjustment is mounted on the driver’s door, while the interiors theme is all-black with silver inserts. The rear seats don’t have armrest, which helps the maker to maximize the interior space. Inside the cabin, the vehicle gets nine bottle/cup-holders, charging sockets, and a large cooled glovebox.
It will sit above the standard hatchback model, so the Etios Cross features ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and two airbags as standard features. On the other hand, the top end EcoSport Titanium model gets ABS with EBD and six airbags. The entry spec model comes with ABS as standard.
Ford EcoSport is priced at Rs. 6.15 lakh for the entry level model and it goes all the way to Rs. 9.49 lakh for the top end model. The Toyota Etios Cross is likely to costs around Rs. 40,000-50,000 more than the regular Etios Liva trim. So, we expect it to be priced around Rs. 5.5 lakh to 8 lakh.
| Technical Specifications | Toyota Etios Cross | Ford EcoSport |
| Petrol Engine | 1.5-litre DOHC & 1.2-litre DOHC | 1.5-litre Ti-VCT & 1.0L EcoBoost |
| Diesel Engine | 1.4-litre D-4D | 1.5-litre TDCi |
| Power Output Petrol | 90PS @5600rpm and 80PS @5600rpm | 109bhp @6300RPM & 123bhp @ 6000RPM |
| Power Output Diesel | 68PS @3800rpm | 89bhp @3750RPM |
| Torque Petrol | 132Nm @3000rpm & 104Nm @3100rpm | 140Nm @4400RPM & 170Nm @1400RPM |
| Torque Diesel | 170Nm @1800-2400rpm | 204Nm @2000RPM |
| Mileage/Fuel Economy | 17kmpl & 16kmpl petrol & 23kmpl diesel | 15.8kmpl & 18.9kmpl petrol & 22.7kmpl diesel |
| Transmission/Gearbox | Five-speed manual gearbox | 5-speed manual & 5-speed automatic |
| Overall Dimensions (mm) | ||
| Length | 3895 | 3999 |
| Width | 1735 | 1765 |
| Height | 1555 | 1708 |
| Wheelbase | 2460 | 2520 |
| Fuel Tank | 45-litres | 52-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 200mm |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | McPherson Strut | Independent McPherson strut with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Torsion Beam | Semi-independent twist beam with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
