Toyota to launch diesel powered Etios in India next month

Toyota’s decision to make a small saloon for India, and its first hatchback for the country, seems to be paying off. Sales of the Etios is currently above expectations – in the seven months since it was launched, the Etios has found 37,000 new homes, 7,000 above Toyota’s estimates. The Etios Liva hatchback received 1,400 bookings in just four days after its June 27 launch.

The Etios was launched with a 2NR-FE 1.5-litre engine (90 PS/132 Nm), while the Liva is powered by a 1.2L with 80 PS and 104 Nm of torque. While they should be entirely adequate for the compact duo, Toyota will be wheeling out a diesel powered Etios sedan, and the estimated date of arrival is in September, a festive season in India where sales peak.

Toyota to launch diesel powered Etios in India next month

According to Autocar India, the oil burner in question is a 1,364 cc turbodiesel that also powers India’s Corolla. However, the version in the cheaper Etios will not get the bigger car’s Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT), and will make do with fixed geometry boost.

The mag speculates a max power figure of 75 hp, 12 horses less than in the Corolla. But we all know that diesels are all about low rpm torque and the D-4D in the six-speed manual Altis makes 205 Nm at 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

Sounds good, and fuel consumption in the 900-plus kg Etios should be brilliant. While it looks rather bland, the Etios has the same 2,550 mm wheelbase as the Vios (meaning it’s quite roomy) and a huge 595-litre boot.

Do you think something like this will work in Malaysia?

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.