Toyota Etios Cross

 

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Price: 5.76 - 7.41 lakhs

Ex-showroom, New Delhi

EMI:  10,665/-

Toyota Etios Cross Price by Versions

Toyota Etios Cross comes in following versions with 3 engine and 1transmission and 2 fuel options. Click on a Etios Cross version name to know on-road price in your city, specifications and features.

Version	Ex-Showroom Price (New Delhi)
Toyota Etios Cross 1.2 G 1197cc Petrol, Manual, 17.71 kpl	5.76 lakhs Check On-Road Price
Toyota Etios Cross 1.4 GD 1364cc Diesel, Manual, 23.59 kpl	6.90 lakhs Check On-Road Price
Toyota Etios Cross 1.5 V 1496cc Petrol, Manual, 16.78 kpl	7.35 lakhs Check On-Road Price
Toyota Etios Cross 1.4 VD 1364cc Diesel, Manual, 23.59 kpl	7.41 lakhs Check On-Road Price

Toyota Etios Cross Review

Toyota recently launched the Etios Cross for the Brazilian market and it is expected to now make its Indian debut at the 2014 Auto Expo. Much like the Volkswagen Cross Polo and the Ford EcoSport, it will be the Japanese automaker’s entry into the rapidly expanding compact crossover segment. It has been spotted running in and around Pune which means that it is likely to have got its ARAI approval and will go on sale shortly after the Auto Expo.

Exterior

The Toyota Etios Cross is a beefed up version of the standard car and much like the Cross Polo, it gets a large plastic based body kit. This is further enhanced in terms of overall toughness through the use of taller wheels and contrast coloured roof rails which can hold luggage up to the range of 50kgs-55kgs. The overall design of the car is pretty much the same as the Etios Liva hatchback. Other changes from the standard car include the Etios Cross lettering on the side.

Interior

The interiors and the feature list remain the same as the standard car with the exception of some new seat fabrics and trim accents. We expect that Toyota will offer the Etios Cross only in the top spec petrol and diesel variants which means that it will get the same feature list and cabin design including the centrally mounted speedometer and gauges. This is currently the case with the Brazilian spec car so we expect that the Indian one will be no different.

Engines

The India spec Etios Cross will get the 1.2-litre petrol unit that produces 79bhp and 104Nm of torque as well as the 1.4-litre diesel unit that does 67bhp and 170Nm of torque. Both engines have been mated to a five-speed manual. There is a possibility of a TRD Sportivo unit that will get the 1.5-petrol engine and the same 1.4-litre diesel unit.

Competition and price

The Toyota Etios Cross will compete with the VW Cross Polo, Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and the Nissan Terrano of which the latter two will be in the lower spec variants. It is also expected to get competition in the form of the Mahindra S-101 which will see the light of the day sometime this year. It is expected to be priced Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 more than the standard car. The model sold in India will be locally produced at Toyota’s factory outside Bengaluru and so will have a large amount of localisation, definitely more than the Cross Polo and so that should give it an advantage.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Diesel

 

Expected Launch: October 2014

Expected Price: 4.20 - 5.30 lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Diesel is not launched in India yet. Information on 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Diesel Preview

The entry-level diesel small car from Maruti Suzuki is the Ritz. In terms of sales numbers it is certainly not a failure, but not segment dominating like the Alto, Swift and the Dzire. The numbers are similar to that of the Ford Figo and the Hyundai i10, wherein latter is available only with petrol mill.

For a company that dominates every other segment in the sub-four meter vehicles, this is not the most ideal scenario.It might change soon. There are rumours that Maruti might introduce a diesel version of their highly successful entry-level hatchback, the Wagon R.

The Wagon R will compete mainly with the next generation Hyundai i10, which will be launched by the end of 2013. There is also a possibility that the diesel version of the hatchback will be introduced with yet another facelift.

The existing 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine will be little big for the Wagon R and currently they don’t have a smaller diesel engine. However the chairman of Maruti Suzuki, RC Bhargava,had said ‘At the moment, we have a 1.3-litre diesel engine. Fiat is working on 1,000cc engines also. We don’t know the timeline, but surely, we will get these for our smaller cars.’

This 1.0-litre mill will probably be a three-cylinder unit, similar to the Chevrolet Beat diesel, which is also derived from the 1,3-litre multijet that was jointly developed by Fiat and GM.

Without a diesel engine, Wagon R is comfortably selling over 10,000 units every month. A diesel unit can make it the new best-selling model in Maruti’s lineup. If Chevy Beat’s specs are taken as reference, this diesel mill will be around 900cc developing 59bhp and 150Nm of torque.

With the weight of Wagon R, it will certain be fuel efficient, returning nothing less than 20 kilometers per litre. Though there is no official information regarding this model, rumours suggest that it will be launched by mid-2013.

The pricing difference between the petrol and diesel will be a bit high, considering it might be the first car to get this engine. The Wagon R diesel might start at Rs 4.3 lakh, while the top-end version could be around Rs 5.2 lakh.

Tata Nano (Diesel)

Tata Nano (Diesel)

 

Expected Launch: October 2014

Expected Price: 2.40 - 3.25 lakhs

Tata Nano (Diesel) is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Tata Nano (Diesel) Preview

The Nano managed to capture the public's imagination, but it didn't manage to capture the sales charts in quite the same way. Thededicated facility in Sanand Gujarat for the Nano is functioning way below optimum and is not even close to break-even. Tata has tried everything to improve the numbers, right from offering discounts to limited editions with added features and even mid-life facelift, but unfortunately things haven’t changed much. Now however Tata is working on a new version, one that will set the statistics right and give the Indian carmaker more than a fighting chance in the slowing auto market – the Nano diesel.

The test-mules of the Nano diesel have been spotted a few times making distinct clatter of the oil burners, but there is no official information regarding the same. Tata has been tightlipped about the development of the new hatchback, so we will have to rely on our sources for the time being. The Nano diesel will look slightly different from its petrol counterpart, mainly for the better cooling required by the diesel engine. There is a possibility that the car will be launched with a facelift that will also be incorporated for the petrol variant. The new version will have few more features and better quality fitments. Tata cars have better interior space compared to its competitors; even the Nano is roomier than its rivals, mainly the Maruti Alto. The diesel version is expected to offer similar cabin space.

There is a word that the Tata Nano diesel will be an 800cc three-cylinder turbocharged unit. Turbo manufacturer Garett has updated their website confirming that they will be building a small turbine for the new mill. The power ratings are yet to be confirmed, but the diesel engine is expected to produce 42.9bhp and by virtue of being a diesel, a significantly higher torque. There are rumors that the diesel Nano will have an astonishing fuel efficiency of over 30kpl. Last but not the least, since the engine and transmission will be evolutions of the Ace pickup truck's drivetrain keeping the cots in check.

The new small car will be the least expensive diesel model in the country, and that will be its biggest USP. The prices will be significantly higher than that of the petrol model, but will compete with the top-end petrol versions of its competitors. The Nano diesel is expected to remain unchallenged for a while, as most manufacturers are working on diesel versions only in the B-Segment. The diesel version of Nano is expected to be launched in India in early 2014. The prices of the diesel Nano are expected to start around Rs 2.4 lakh, while the top-end variant will cost around Rs 3.25 lakh.

Hyundai Grand i10 Diesel AT

 

Expected Launch: July 2014

Expected Price: 6.75 - 7.50 lakhs

Hyundai Grand i10 Diesel AT Preview

The Hyundai Grand i10 has been a major success for the Korean automaker - it managed to get over 10,000 bookings in just under 20 days. The car is slotted between the last gen i10 and the i20 in India while it replaces the previous car in the European markets. However, it looks set to start another revolution in the Indian market- the sub Rs 10 lakh diesel automatic car. The closest vehicle is the Hyundai Verna (a win-win either way) but even it is priced over Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) and so the Grand i10 diesel AT will arrive with much expectations.

Variants

The Hyundai Grand i10 diesel AT much like its petrol counterpart is expected to be available only in the Sportz and Asta variant and will have all the features and specifications that come with these cars. This includes the rear AC vents, 1GB hard disk and rear parking sensors and the optional extra- dual airbags and ABS (Asta only). We expect no changes to external design of the car save for the AT badges on the rear.

Engine and gearbox

The Hyundai Grand i10 diesel automatic will be powered by the same 1.1-litre three cylinder diesel unit that produces 70bhp and 160Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via the Korean automaker’s four-speed automatic gearbox that is used in a variety of vehicles ranging from the previous generation i10 to the Verna diesel AT. Diesel engines are heavier than their petrol counterparts and the addition of a heavy AT box is likely to hit the car’s performance. However, most of the buyers of this car will use it mainly for urban commuting in heavy traffic, so that should not be much of an issue.

Pricing

Hyundai is likely to price the Grand i10 diesel AT Rs One lakh more than the equivalent petrol AT variants which went on sale recently. The move to create a small diesel AT is the first in segment, so once the car is launched, its rivals will have to play catch up to stay in the game. We also expect that based on the response to this car, Hyundai may also launch the i20 diesel AT version.

Datsun Go Plus

Datsun Go Plus

 

Expected Launch: September 2014

Expected Price: 5.70 - 7.50 lakhs

Datsun Go Plus is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Datsun Go Plus Preview

In February, the Datsun brand was born again when parent company Nissan launched the Go hatchback at a function in Delhi. It was the first car in the line-up as well as the first car in what the Japanese automaker called ‘locally designed cars for local markets’. At the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show, Datsun unveiled the second car in the line-up; the Go+ MPV, designed to cater to MPV crazy Indonesia but also with the intention that it will be available in Datsun’s other markets too.

The Datsun Go+ looks like a stretched version of the Go hatchback and shares many of its design cues including the front fascia and the overall shape. It is 1.6 meters wide, 1.4-meters high and more importantly 3.95 (wheelbase of 2450mm) meters long qualifying it for the concessions available under the sub four-metre rule when it is launched in India. The rear end too is the same as the Go hatchback but looks proportionately larger due to this being a bigger vehicle.

In a bid to keep costs down and follow what is now an accepted practice among manufacturers to maintain economies of scale, the Datsun Go+ gets exactly the same interior features as the Go hatchback. Everything is exactly the same including the accessories like the mobile phone charging dock.

However, since this an MPV, we expect that on higher spec variants Datsun will offer features like AC vents for the second row and foldable third row seats to increase boot space and unlike the industry trend of captain seats in the second row on the highest spec variant, the Datsun Go+ will continue to have split bench design. From the looks of the pictures, the third row does not get openable windows and passengers will be sitting higher up so as to get breeze from the second row windows and front AC vents.

The engine and underpinnings are the same as the Go hatchback. It makes use of the 1.2-litre three- cylinder petrol engine that produces 67bhp and 104Nm of torque. However since this is the larger vehicle, we expect that Nissan may increase the power. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. In India, we expect that they will also offer the Go+ with the 1.5-litre diesel engine.

In Indonesia, the Go+ will be priced below 100million Rupiah (Rs 5.52 lakh). However in India, we expect that Datsun will price the Go+ in the range of Rs 5.7 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh for the top-spec diesel-engined variant. It is expected that they will display the car at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and launch it a few months after the Indonesia market gets it, the latter being scheduled for the first part of next year.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

 

Expected Launch: September 2014

Expected Price: 7.25 - 10.50 lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Preview

Maruti Suzuki will discontinue the SX4 sedan next year – it will be replaced by a new executive car which is currently under testing with the code name YL1. Although the Indian auto major has been tightlipped about the upcoming model, a fair bit of information is available on the web, courtesy leaks and spy images.

The YL1 sedan is allegedly based on the Suzuki Authentics concept that debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. Both the sketches and spy photos show that the new car gets an aggressive front fascia, with trapezoidal front grille. The front grille has ample amount of chrome and headlamps are stretched and angular. The overall dimensions of the new sedan will be a bit bigger than the outgoing SX4, but it won’t be as tall a car. The design sketch reveals an equally aggressive rear end with lamps that runs into the tailgate that has multiple creases (needless to say more chrome).

The YL1 will be based on the Ertiga platform, which in turn borrows from the Swift hatchback. This means Maruti will have the option of component sharing to cut cost and bring in economies of scale. We expect the YL1 interiors to be similar to that of the Ertiga with the all-beige treatment. The drop trims and other inserts will be premium as this will slot it in the segment above the Ertiga. The SX4 has always been a spacious car and the same will be the case with the YL1. The cabin will be ergonomic and designed to comfortably seat three adults on the rear bench.

The features on the new car will include a factory-fitted music system with Bluetooth and multimedia functions. The AC with climate control will feature on the mid and top-end variants along with rear vents. Steering mounted audio control, cooled glove box, door pockets at the back are few other features that will be available with the new car. Maruti might also offer a premium package with leather seats as an optional extra. The safety features in the new car will include ABS-EBD and two airbags as standard for the top end variants.

The petrol version of the YL1 will be powered by the 1.4-litre K-Series engine from the Ertiga producing 93bhp and 130Nm of torque. The base variants will be available with a five-speed manual transmission, whereas the top-end will also get the option of AT. The diesel on the other hand will continue to use the 1.3-litre turbocharged multi jet mill developing 90bhp and 200NM of torque. Depending upon the response to the new car, Maruti will make plans to introduce a CNG variant, since it is already available with the 1.4 litre Ertiga petrol.

Maruti is expected to continue using the same nomenclature for the new sedan, the petrol variants should be – LXi, VXi and ZXi, while the diesel variants will mostly be named – LDi, VDi and ZDi. The YL1 is still a codename and the company will rebrand the product before launch. There is a possibility that the new car will also be badged as the SX4. However, Maruti will opt for a different name, if the current model is not discontinued.

More details on the new car are likely to emerge at the Auto Expo 2014, where the YL1 is expected to debut along with few other Maruti products. The executive sedan will go on sale by mid-2014 to compete in the C-Segment with cars like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Renault Scala and others. Being a Maruti product, the pricing strategy is expected to be very aggressive with an entry tag of around Rs 7.25 lakh and the top version will be priced under Rs 10.5 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross SX4

 

Expected Launch: December 2014

Expected Price: 8 - 14 lakhs

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross SX4 is not launched in India yet. Information on this page is tentative.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross SX4 Preview

We first saw the Suzuki S-Cross SX4 crossover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. First developed and produced in collaboration with Fiat, the S-Cross SX4 is currently in its third generation and for the first time will spawn two separate models with the same naming convention. We in India,for the first time, are also expected to get the compact crossover due to a sudden spurt in demand for compact utility vehicles.

Exterior

The S-Cross SX4despite being a crossover has a very familiar shape that the Indian market will be able to recognise, thanks to the presence of the SX4 sedan that has been on sale here since 2006. The front gets a three piece black grille with the Suzuki logo prominently standing in the middle. The headlights are the same as before but now get daytime LEDs. There is a black plastic cladding running along the base with a bit under the number plate holder and doors in a silver shade.

The side profile has changed slightly from the previous vehicle with the roofline being altered slightly. At the back, the S-Cross SX4 retains a similar profile as the outgoing vehicle but now gets sharper features including a new design for the tail lamps. The silver and black cladding can be seen here too and runs the length of the rear bumper. Suzuki has also fitted roof rails but in India we expect that they will offer a carrier as an optional extra.

Interiors

Suzuki by virtue of being known for its mass markets vehicles follows the policy through and through. This is most reflected in the interiors which look very similar to the ones found on the smaller Swift. The steering wheel, gauges, gearbox, stalks and buttons are all exactly the same as is the case with the layout. In fact, if you were to blindfold someone and seat them in the car, it would be hard for them to tell which Suzuki vehicle they are sitting in. The only major difference is that in the four-wheel-drive enabled models there is a drive selector. The rear can seat three people comfortably and will fold down to expand the boot space.

Engines

The S-Cross SX4 is being offered with one diesel mill and one petrol engine. The oil burner is a turbocharged 1.6-litre unit that produces 120bhp and 320Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels or all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The petrol is also a 1.6-litre mill but is naturally aspirated. It produces 120bhp and 156Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels or the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

When to expect and price

We can expect that Suzuki will tounveil the car in the second half of 2014 and is likely totbe launched at the start of 2015. It will give the Indo-Japanese automaker an entry into the highly competitive crossover segment and with their reputation and service network should do quite well. It is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 14 lakh putting it in competition with the XUV500, Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport.

Price: Rs 8 lakh to Rs 14 lakh