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Cape Town - The Etios range remains a staple in Toyota South Africa’s passenger vehicle stable, offered in both hatchback and sedan body styles as well as a crossover-inspired “Cross” model.
Following the introduction of the enhanced Sprint derivatives in 2017, the range is once again being treated to a host of upgrades as well as a limited-edition model in 2018.
Limited edition Etios Sport
The biggest news is the introduction of a limited edition model bearing the “Sport” moniker and featuring a bi-tone colour scheme. The Sport is exclusively available in hatchback guise and costs R178 800.
Toyota SA told Wheels24 that the limited Sport version will only be available for about four months in the local market with the first month's orders already snatched up - all 300 of them. So that only leaves three more months of availability.
And while the Etios Sprint is available at a price tag of just R176 300, the Sport is most certainly worth the extra R3 000.
Toyota SA also revealed a limited edition Corolla model which will be available at dealers in June.
Image: Motorpress
Sporting a black roof and pillars, paired with either White or Red body finishing, the Sport stands out from its ‘normal’ Etios siblings.
Complementing the two-tone arrangement is a black radiator grille, black exterior mirrors and black treatment for the rear-roof spoiler.
The Sport has 15" alloy wheels in a bright silver finish, borrowed from the Cross variant. Shod with 185/60/R15 tyres, they offer a balance of comfort, nimble handling and low-rolling resistance.
Upgrades all round
The entire Etios range also receives a number of interior upgrades.
An all-new Optitron instrument cluster is fitted across the range. A new digital-sweep tachometer is positioned on the left with a full-sweep speedometer completing the gauge layout.
Image: Motorpress
Soft, orange-hued, backlit illumination provides a unified colour scheme.
The entry-level Xi model receives an additional upgrade in the form of power windows at the rear.
Enthusiastic engine
The range powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol capable of 66kW/132Nm and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission driving power to the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 11.3 seconds with a top speed of 165km/h.
Image: Motorpress
Fuel consumption for the sedan is 5.9 litres/100km and the hatchback 6.0 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 138 and 136 g/km respectively.
Peace of mind
The Etios range also boasts impressive safety credentials, receiving a 4-star Global NCAP rating. This score was achieved courtesy of the following active and passive safety systems: Driver and Passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belts with pre-tensioner and force limiter as well as ISOFIX provision.
Prices
Hatch
1.5 Xi - R171 000
1.5 Sprint - R176 300
1.5 Cross - R198 400
1.5 Sport - R178 800
Sedan
1.5 Xi - R179 500
1.5 Sprint - R184 400
All Etios models are sold with a 2-year or 30 000km service plan, backed by a 3-year or 100 000 kilometre warranty.
