Toyota has been sitting dormant for a while now after the launch of the New Corolla at the Auto Expo 2014. This has been a very popular vehicle in the segment but the competition has grown fierce in all these years of its existence. Still it continues to be a vehicle of choice when it comes to reliability and quality. The popular people carrier Innova has been around for a long time as well and has received various minor and major changes. It is still a very popular vehicle in the segment despite the increase in prices.
All New Vios
The Etios and Etios Liva hatchback have been another success story for Toyota though they are missing on a lot of potential customers due to the absence of a product between the Etios and Corolla. To fill this gap, the Toyota Vios which is already being sold in many other markets, can be quite a good option. This segment is dominated by the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. While the City was lagging behind earlier, the addition of a diesel engine as an option with the launch of new model put it on the top once again.
Toyota can replicate this story if they come up with the right product to compete against the Honda City. Vios looks more like a slightly scaled down version of the Corolla which isn’t a bad thing at all. The exterior design is simple yet elegant and the fit and finish is typically Toyota once you get inside. It might be powered by the same engine from Etios sedan if it is launched in India. There are some other cars entering this segment like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz that will replace the SX4.
Toyota is soon going to launch the popular premium SUV Fortuner with a 2.5 litre engine. Until now it has always been available with a 3.0 litre engine which was very capable but made the vehicle very costly. A 2.5 litre engine will make it relatively appealing to people who have otherwise been looking at the low cost alternatives. They might also cut down the equipment list to decrease the costs further though the looks will be the same except for the different badging. The 2.5 litre engine is expected to develop a peak power of around 130-140 bhp which would be plenty to haul the SUV easily.
There can be other Toyota products lined up for the Indian market as well. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been stealing some of the customers who would have chosen a lower variant of Innova otherwise. Another new entry in the market, the Honda Mobilio will further add to the competition and Toyota needs a low cost people carrier in the market. To tackle the competition, they might introduce the Toyota Avanza in Indian market. It is being sold in some other markets with a 1.5 lire petrol engine. If it makes it here, expect this engine with the option of a diesel as well.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Toyota Vios
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