Toyota Etios (2010): news and photos

Toyota unveiled the Etios hatchback and saloon concepts today at the 2010 New Delhi auto show. It’s Toyota’s New Compact Car for the growing Indian car market.

The Etios is aimed at family users, and is consequently a notch above the Tata Nano – in size and anticipated prices.

Although concepts, the Etios pair are understood to be close to the production versions planned for late 2010. The saloon is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the hatch a new 1.2; both engines will continue for the showroom versions.

Yep. It’s the fruits of Toyota’s alliance in India, from the grandly named Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd company.

They’re building a new, second factory in India expressly for the Etios – Indian sales are tipped for 70,000 a year, with exports to follow.

Don’t expect the Etios in Europe any time soon, however. It’s a more rugged model for emerging markets, including Russia and South America.

By Tim Pollard