Cartrade Comparison Test
Crossovers are slowly picking pace on the Indian soil as many car makers are venturing into it sighting its ease of manufacturing and an addition to their existing portfolio. To make a crossover, one needs a hatchback and a bunch of claddings with a reinforced suspension setup. But then that makes them so special? Their attempt at offering the benefits of SUV and the convenience of a hatchback really works well with its target audience.
Toyota Etios Cross is one such crossover, which didn’t really make it to the most asked list and there are reasons for it. The Etios Cross doesn’t look convincing with its faux plastic cladding and drab interiors. Though it is powered by one of the best motors in the business, ride and handling doesn’t hold any weightage. Offered in petrol and diesel, the Etios Cross is priced between Rs. 6.18 - Rs. 7.68 lakhs. Standing poles apart is the Hyundai i20 Active which has a long list of features, design inspired by waves and a powertrain line up to attract everyone. Hyundai has slotted the i20 Active between Rs. 6.7 - Rs. 9.33 lakhs. Our spec-feature comparo between these two is here.
Exterior and Interior Design: Hyundai i20 Active Vs Toyota Etios Cross
As mentioned earlier, Toyota Etios Cross doesn’t make it to the most appealing list. The Japanese car maker stuck to the conventional requisites and got the same added to the Etios Liva hatch. It’s like serving two slices of bread put together haphazardly with chilli sauce and calling it a spicy sandwich. Things like plastic claddings, aluminum finished bash plates and a bold name, are the perfect recipe for a crossover hatchback. The front face has a handle bar moustache looking grille.
Looking more convincing and premium is the Hyundai i20 Active. Firstly, it shares bit and pieces from the Elite i20 which itself is a gorgeous being on four wheels and looks far better than its peers. The most evident change from Elite is the brand new inversed radiator grille on the Active, which looks more impressive. It gets multiple vertical slats running along the width. The dual tone bumpers have a matte plastic cladding below to make it a rough terrain ready vehicle. Instead of sleek fog lamps, the Active gets standard yet effective round lamps. The headlight features projectors, cornering lights and also LED day time running lights.
Also inside the Korean crossover, the arrangement is a lot better and plush compared its Japanese rival as the build quality continues to be a strong point. The new darker feel of the interiors doesn’t make it feel as plush and premium as that in Elite. The twin dial instrumental cluster has been carried away without any changes as it shows the essentials of vehicle information. There are numerous setting options on this cluster.
Performance: Hyundai i20 Active Vs Toyota Etios Cross
The Etios Cross comes in three engine trims, namely the 1.2L and 1.5L petrol and the 1.4L. The four cylinder 1496 cc petrol engine produces 90PS of power at 5600 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. All the engines come with a standard 5 speed manual transmission. The i20 Active comes in a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine which makes 83PS of power and 115Nm of torque and in a 1.4L U2 CRDI engine which develops 90PS of power and 220Nm of torque. The diesel engine comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission while the petrol unit does away with a 5-Speed box.
Conclusion: Hyundai i20 Active Vs Toyota Etios Cross
If you are looking for a premium crossover with multiple features and a superior tune of engines, Hyundai i20 Active is a strong recommendation but then if all these do not make it to your necessary requirements and want a car with bare essentials and an impressive 1.5L petrol engine, which also happens to sound better, the Toyota Etios Cross is the one.
