SA's leading automotive portal motoring.co.za is reporting Toyota will introduce the Etios hatchback in their country by 2012. The online publication predicts the Etios to compete with several low cost hatchbacks like Chevrolet Spark Lite (Chevrolet Spark in India), Hyundai i10, Renault Sandero and VW Polo Vivo (previous generation Polo).
In India, Toyota is aiming for the Suzuki Swift's market share. The fight will be fierce especially with the next-gen Swift ready for launch next year.
Toyota has been tight-lipped about the car's price. Several predictions of a sub 5-lakh rupee on-road price have emerged in the recent past, but we can't vouch for any such claims. The Etios hatchback will be less than 4 meters long and comes equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine.
More than 2,000 engineers have taken part in the development of the low-cost Etios. South Africa will be the first country after India to receive the Etios, motoring.co.za adds. The car will subsequently reach China and Brazil.
Source - Motoring.co.za
