Toyota Etios Officially Launched

Just like we told you yesterday, Toyota was getting ready for the debut of its new Etios, a model that will initially become available in India and then in several emerging markets around the world. Although currently available in concept form, the production model is believed to be 90 percent the same with the prototype displayed at Auto Expo 2010.

The Japanese manufacturer revealed both the hatchback and the sedan flavors of the car but the launch date will be different for the two models. Toyota will initially launch the hatch and, depending on the market's reaction and the feedback it receives, it will then ponder the official debut of the sedan.

"We are very excited to finally showcase the concept of Etios, which has been newly developed specifically for customers in India. Our tagline represents the choice of India for the

global premiere of Etios concept, following which, export to other countries will be evaluated," Toyota Motor Corp vice chairman Kazuo Okamoto was quoted as saying by rediff.com.

"After the slowdown, we are now in a difficult situation and we are trying to achieve constant recovery. The Indian market is very important and big for Toyota and it is expected to grow up to four million units by 2015," Okamoto said.

The car will be offered with two engine options, a 1.2- and a 1.5-liter, both powered by gasoline. Still, it seems like several diesel options are also on the table but a final decision is to be made before the official launch of the production version.

The car will go on sale in late 2010 and, if we are to trust the rumors, it will be priced at around $10,000.