Creating a reliable, economical, practical, and affordable vehicle that is also fun and quirky is a tough task for any car manufacturer. Toyota reckon they have the perfect recipe in the Toyota Etios range, designed and built to match all of those requirements.
Small enough to park almost anywhere but still stand out from the crowd, the Etios comes in a range of vibrant colours. It's the entry-level vehicle for the pioneering and globally renowned Toyota brand, and regularly features on NAAMSA's best-selling cars list.
Launched in 2010 specifically for the Indian market, Toyota later expanded the Etios' horizons and exported it to countries across the world; it has been available in South Africa since 2013.
Viewed as the replacement for the popular Toyota Tazz model, the Etios had a momentous task to fulfil, but appears to be doing well. The budget model is available in a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.
Throughout the model's lifetime, Toyota has added several editions to the Etios range including the Etios Cross, a compact crossover model featuring a raised ride-height, roof rails, and durable bumpers.
The Etios features an array of specs and comforts including air-conditioning, electric power steering, electric windows, and an alarm/immobiliser. Bluetooth, USB, and AUX ports are standard features on all Etios models.
Exterior styling offers coloured bumpers and door handles, laminated windshield glass, halogen headlights, and a high-mounted LED brake light. The Etios doesn't skimp on safety; driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) all come standard.
The base Etios 1.5 Xi HB model is powered by a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine producing 66kW and 132Nm of torque. Fuel consumption measures at a combined cycle of 6.0 L/100 km and 138 g/km of CO2.
The Etios is available at your nearest Toyota dealership in South Africa, which you can find easily using their online dealership locator.
Toyota also offers their in-house Toyota Financial Services Limited, where customers can customise a financing plan that suits their budgets.
If you'd prefer to test drive the model before buying it, consider hiring a Toyota Etios from a reputable car rental service first.
The Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi HB retails from R179,500.
A Toyota warranty comes standard with the Etios and is valid for three years/100,000 km. The automaker also offers a service plan, which is valid for three services/30,000 km, with service intervals every 12 months/10,000 km. This falls under the Toyota Genuine Warranty, which includes roadside assistance, genuine Toyota parts, and a no-hassles claims process.
View the details of the Toyota Genuine Warranty at any Toyota dealership in South Africa or visit their website for more info.
Considering the Toyota Etios is among the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, Toyota has gone to great lengths to ensure good parts availability. However, the downside is the car's high risk for theft and hijacking, according to the Ctrack vehicle theft report.
In-house insurance is available through a MyToyota insurance policy, which covers repair work by a Toyota-accredited service agent. It also insures against accidental damage, hail damage, theft and hijacking, and comes with roadside, legal, medical, and home assistance.
Most South African vehicle insurers offer a competitive premium for Toyota vehicles, including the Etios, and many offer standard roadside, medical, legal, and home assist. So before you commit, hippo it! Simply visit our online vehicle insurance quote comparison tool and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
Sources: Toyota South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA, Vehicle Theft Report
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
