Exclusive: Toyota Etios Cross Launching on May 7th, 2014

Toyota India will launch the much awaited Etios Cross on May 7th across India, our dealer sources reveal. The car was first unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo in February, and the bookings began right after that. (Also read: New Toyota Corolla Altis Coming on May 27th)

The Etios Cross is based on the Liva hatchback, but it manages to look rugged and sportier than the former. The car has received changes both inside and out. While on the outside, it gets a new grille with guard, unique side cladding, roof rails, diamond cut alloy wheels, fog lamps with integrated turn indicators, ORVMs with turn indicators and rear defogger with wiper, giving it quite a bold look.

The Etios Cross gets several new features inside the cabin as well, which make it look more up-market than the hatchback. The car gets piano black shade, sporty seat fabric with white stitch & logo, 2 Din Audio system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in support and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls mounted on it.

The car will be available in three engine options - 1.5-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel, capable of churning out 88bhp, 78bhp and 67bhp, respectively.

Expected to be coming at a starting price of 5.5-6 lakh, the Etios cross will compete against the Volkswagen Cross Polo and the upcoming Fiat Avventura.