One new car, lots of information in short paragraphs
What you may want to know: From the moment our test car arrived it was crystal clear that, thanks to its name, this car was always going to get a Sprint Review. Toyota’s cheapy Etios range is available in hatchback or sedan shape with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and three spec levels – Xi, Cross (hatchback only) or this “Sprint” version.
More facts: The four cylinder motor kicks out up to 66kW (90hp) or 132Nm through a five-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 11.3 seconds and an alleged top speed of 165km/h. The sedan we tested managed 0-100 in an impressive 10.57 seconds at sea level and 400m in 17.4 seconds.
Its engine sounds a tad rough and has a comparably low red-line; the party is over just before 6,000rpm. Perhaps it aids longevity but the Etios has always been a bit of an oddball – especially when it comes to its centrally-mounted dials / instruments which look like they were designed by a fifth grader in second break.
Where we went: Work, home, family, shopping, friends, airport and so on … the refreshed Toyota Etios is easy to pilot, relatively comfy and reasonably sturdy at the posted speed limits. Drivers with a longing for excitement or character best look elsewhere but fans of sensible efficiency can start queuing…
Toyota says it uses an average of 5.9L/100km from the 45L tank and that you can cram up to 595 litres of cargo into the boot. That’s massive! Ground clearance is 154mm and the cabin is decked out in affordable and hardy-looking materials – all of which explains why these vehicles are favoured by rental fleets.
We didn’t like: To be honest, not much. The boot-lid feels a bit flimsy but we have to stress that nothing broke or fell off in a week of testing. Unfortunately there isn’t an automatic version but the manual gears are well spaced and easy to operate. This sedan costs around N$185,000 with a 3-year/100,000km warranty.
Why you’ll want one: Great value and amazing space, especially for luggage. Of course you get a superior number of dealers around the country and this car also has central locking, air-con, power steering, two airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, Bluetooth, USB port and a small (2-year/30,000km) service plan.
FULL SPECLIST
| Engine: | 1.5L in-line four cylinder petrol |
| Transmission: | 5-speed Manual, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 66kW |
| Max. Torque: | 132Nm @ 3,200rpm |
| Average fuel consumption: | 5.9 L/100km (claimed) |
| 0-100km/h: | 11.3 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed: | 165km/h (claimed) |
| List Price: | Round about N$$185,000 |
Performance
0-10km/h: 0,62 seconds
0-20km/h: 1,22 seconds
0-30km/h: 1,85 seconds
0-40km/h: 2,46 seconds
0-50km/h: 3,50 seconds
0-60km/h: 4,49 seconds
0-70km/h: 5,68 seconds
0-80km/h: 6,92 seconds
0-90km/h: 8,67 seconds
0-100km/h: 10,57 seconds
0-110km/h: 12,63 seconds
0-120km/h: 14,93 seconds
0-130km/h: 18,57 seconds
0-140km/h: 22,86 seconds
0-100m: 7,38 seconds @ 83,49km/h
0-200m: 11,24 seconds @ 103,29km/h
0-300m: 14,48 seconds @ 118,25km/h
0-400m: 17,40 seconds @ 127,11km/h
100-0km/h: 2,99 seconds @ 42,34 metres (once-off)
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0-10mph: 0,99 seconds
0-20mph: 2,00 seconds
0-30mph: 3,37 seconds
0-40mph: 5,00 seconds
0-50mph: 6,98 seconds
0-60mph: 9,91 seconds
0-70mph: 13,21 seconds
0-80mph: 18,02 seconds
1/4 mile: 17,47 seconds @ 79,08 mph
Maximum acceleration G-force: 0,56G
Altitude: 60m
All data captured by Racelogic® Performance Box