In a bid to personify its existing image, the Japanese car maker Toyota has decided to showcase its iconic hatchback Etios Liva's Cross version at Auto Expo 2014. Speculations are rife that the company has reached the testing phase of this car and it will soon be ready for unveiling. Interestingly, the first glimpse of this model was seen at Brazil Motor show in 2013 and since then it has been in queue to officially join the vast portfolio of the car maker. Toyota claims that its new creation has got the appropriate characteristics to match with the likes of upcoming crossovers.
Coming to the outlooks, Toyota Etios Cross is expected to be much more appealing than its sibling hatchback. The car will feature sturdy looks along with advance features, which are meticulously created by the company's think tank. As per the latest reports, its front and rear are much more rugged looking than Toyota Etios Liva. This Cross is expected to flaunt a lofty roofline along with roof rails to enhance the car's outlooks. Fog lamps are supposed to be equipped on lower bonnet with curvy headlights. Also, wheels will be fabricated with ten-spoke alloy wheels, which will add to its side profile's looks.
At interiors, the car is expected to be lumped with technologically advanced engineering of Toyota. Dashboard is expected to have multi usage compartments for small luggage and finely stitched fabric upholstery will be primarily seen as a basic feature, along with option of leather seats in high-end variants. Also, it is speculated that steering mounted consoles and height adjustment driver seat will be unique features accompanying the top versions. A similarity could be witnessed on the main dashboard where speedometer is likely to be placed in the middle, similar to the hatchback version.
Under the hood, this crossover is likely to be incorporated with the same 1.4-litre diesel engine and the option of a 1.5-litre petrol mill is also likely to be offered. These engines are currently being offered in the ongoing hatchback and produce a decent power output, with petrol mill developing 89 bhp and diesel unit producing 68 bhp. Considering the overall configuration of Etios Cross, the company might retune the engines slightly to churn out more power. Sources close to the development process have revealed that the auto maker does aim to provide a compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) look to its new creation and has been working on a similar platform regarding the same.
Expected to be placed in a price range of Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh, Toyota Etios Cross is anticipated to face stiff rivalry from Volkswagen Cross Polo. The German auto major introduced Cross Polo last year and it was lauded with appreciations. Also in the league is upcoming Fiat Punto Cross, which is expected to arrive in late-2014. It must be noted that Toyota Etios Cross is being sold in Brazilian market where it comes as a left-hand drive model. However, in India, this Cross will be arriving in a right-hand drive version. Experts are of a view that the Cross segment is much newer in domestic auto market and is striving to get acclamation. In such a case, the most important factor for Toyota would be the pricing its new product in an apt range to lure prospective buyers. Much cannot be said as of now but it will be interesting to see how Indian consumers welcome this hatchback in a whole new avatar.
