One new car, lots of quick information
What is it? The Etios is one of those affordable but reasonably-sized cars made in the East. Introduced in southern Africa two years ago, it’s been bought more than 45,000 time already. “Cross” implies that it’s a little more adventurous but what you’re buying is an Etios with extra plastic and some toys.
The Cross shares its donor’s lively 1.5-litre engine (66kW, 132Nm) and 5-speed manual gearbox to hit 100km/h in 11.3 seconds. Our Racelogic equipment showed just under 11 at sea level. Average fuel use is claimed at just 6L/100km. Two airbags and an immobiliser are standard; the ABS brakes with EBD are excellent.
What else is different? Etios Cross gets snazzy seat fabrics, larger audio system, shiny black interior trim, new grill and bumpers, black side detailing, 15-inch alloys, roof spoiler, roof rails (max 50kg load) different lights and huge letters on the back. Cross is also available in two additional, exclusive colours – a vivid orange or metallic grey.
What we did: Dart around town, go to the stables and visit two farms. The extra ride height and pliant suspension coped with dirt tracks well but steep slippery inclines almost foiled this front-wheel-drive. Handling is spongy, the ride is very comfortable, while steering and pedal feel are both light but numb.
What annoyed us: None of us liked the wannabe-SUV looks; it’s trying too hard. The interior is an explosion of cheaply-made, totally differing shapes and textures. The position and design of the central instruments are ghastly. No cruise control or satellite audio buttons.
What we liked: Good to drive, good headlights. Looks and feels cheap because it is: just N$159,800. Most of its direct rivals are more expensive with better specs but the Etios Cross has THAT badge. That badge which has a dealership in almost every town across the country…
Happy Snaps
Performance
0-10km/h: 0.55 seconds
0-20km/h: 1.14 seconds
0-30km/h: 1.70 seconds
0-40km/h: 2.47 seconds
0-50km/h: 3.42 seconds
0-60km/h: 4.59 seconds
0-70km/h: 5.83 seconds
0-80km/h: 7.11 seconds
0-90km/h: 9.00 seconds
0-100km/h: 10.95 seconds
0-110km/h: 13.11 seconds
0-120km/h: 15.46 seconds
0-130km/h: 19.34 seconds
0-100m: 7.40 seconds @ 82.26km/h
0-200m: 11.32 seconds @ 101.83km/h
0-300m: 14.62 seconds @ 116.55km/h
0-400m: 17.57 seconds @ 126.21km/h
Maximum acceleration G-force: 0.58G
Altitude: 51m
All data captured by Racelogic® Performance Box