In order to improve market share, Toyota has launched new generation Corolla and Etios Cross which has received a good response from buyers. The Japanese car manufacturer is planning to launch a C-segment sedan which will sit between the Corolla and the Etios. If media reports are to be believed, the company might introduce the successful Vios sedan in the country to fill the void between entry level Etios and the Premium Corolla.
The Toyota Etios has been disappointing and is failed to lure buyers in the country, credit goes to its poor styling and interior quality. The new C-segment sedan will be launched in the country in 2015 and will compete against the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento and soon to be launched Suzuki Ciaz. The Vios is one of the popular models in international markets and is currently on sale in several Asian countries including Malaysia and Thailand.
Based on the Yaris hatchback, the Toyota Vios measure 4.4-metres in length which makes it spacious sedan. The aggressive front fascia, sharp curves and spaciousness is its USP. Features on offer includes projector headlights, LED daytime running lamps, chrome inserts on door handles, grille, rear and interior parts. The top spec model gets leather upholstery, start-stop button, automatic climate control and others. It has a large boot space of 506-litres which is more than sufficient to carry 4 suitcases.
The Toyota Vios will be offered in both petrol and diesel guise. The petrol version of the sedan gets the 1.5-litre VVT i-petrol engine that produces 109PS and 141Nm of torque, and this engine is paired to either five-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The oil burner is likely to get the same 1.4-litre D4-D unit producing 88PS, paired to a five-speed manual transmission.
Expected Price: Rs: 8-12 lakh
Expected Launch: mid-2015
Source: AutoColumn
