Toyota Etios hatchback likely in March 2011
In the recent edition of Autocar India, it is mentioned that Toyota could introduce the Etios hatch in March 2011. The hatchback comes with a 1.2-liter petrol engine developing around 80bhp and return close to 20kmpl in the ARAI fuel economy test.
Toyota is also looking at the option of the 1.4-liter diesel engine employed in Altis diesel. The major difference here is the absence of a VGT. Toyota will instead opt for a fixed geometry turbo that will cost less. It goes without saying that an improved fuel economy will be achieved through the use of a diesel engine.
Toyota is weighing the option of throwing in the sedan's 1.5-liter engine into the hatch's engine bay at a later stage. This could make the Etios into a sort of a hot hatch.