Argentina - Upcoming Toyota Etios Cross caught on the road

24/09/2013 - 10:57 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

Even as Toyota Kirloskar Motor is introducing special edition models on the Etios, such as the newly launched Xclusive edition, the story in South America is quite different. After having launched the updated Etios hatchback and sedan twins locally, Toyota South America is gearing up to launch a new variant called the Etios Cross.

Toyota Etios Cross front
The additional bumper incorporates an extra set of lights on the grille.

The Toyota Etios Cross, as you may have already seen in earlier images, is an Etios hatchback with a rough-road package. In short, the Etios Cross is the Japanese carmakers answer to the VW Gol Rallye, Hyundai HB20X and the Renault Sandero Stepway. If introduced in India, think of the Etios Cross as a Cross Polo rival.

Changes on the Etios Cross are purely cosmetic. Silver front and rear skid plates, black plastic protectors surrounding the car, an additional bumper which blends into the grille offering another set of small lights, diamond-cut 15-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and roof rails. These additional features described, are more of a checklist carmakers use to convert their regular hatchback offerings to so-called crossovers.

Toyota Etios Cross side view
Plastic protectors for the lower body, a must-have feature on a crossover, is seen on the Etios Cross.

According to the local media, the Etios Cross would be launched by the end of this year and Argentina would be its first market of retail. Based on the top-end XLS variant of the Etios hatchback, the Cross will have a price of more than 42,490 Brazilian Reals (INR 11.9 lakhs). The 1.5-liter flex-fuel engine will continue unchanged though.

[Images from Argentina Autoblog]

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