Brazilians want their cars to look good and that has prompted Toyota to consider a spruced-up version of the Etios hatchback called the 'Etios Cross' according to our friends at C&D Brazil.
Readers must not link this variant to the proposed Etios-based crossover to compete with the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.
Toyota commenced sales of the Etios in Brazil last month in both hatchback and sedan versions. The cars are locally built and powered by a 1.3 litre and a 1.4 litre flex-fuel motors. Compared to the Indian cousins, the Brazilian models have better sound insulation, a 15% increase in body stiffness and new materials and trims on the cabin.
Toyota Brazil is considering a cosmetically upgraded version of the Etios hatcback (no Liva branding for Brazil) which is expected to hit the market next year. The visual treatment will be something like what Skoda did with the Fabia Scout, a variant that's leading a silent life in India.
As per the rendering by Car and Driver magazine, the Etios Cross has an off-roader like front bumper, blacked-out grill and headlamps. The side profile gets oomph through black skirts and the wheel arches also get the black cladding.
The roof rails, black mirrors, 15" alloy wheels with grey finish and the body decals enhance its off-road flavour, however there would be no increment in the ground clearance to make the Etios actually go off the road.
The Etios cross is expected to be introduced in Brazil next year with a slight premium from the existing high end XLS variant. The Etios Cross will be available only with the 1.5 litre flex fuel engine.
Will Toyota consider launching this variant in India to boost the brand image of the Etios? They are certainly capable as nothing held them back from doing a full-blown sporty TRD special edition.
[Source: Caranddriverbrasil.uol.com.br]
