A crossover version of Toyota’s popular little Etios has been launched in South Africa.
The Etios Cross is essentially the same as the other models in the Etios range, but with a few extras to give it that tougher, more SUV-like look.
The more masculine face of Etios Cross comes courtesy of a distended new grille design in matt black incorporating an unusual powder grey grille guard that extends all the way into the bumpers, mimicking the appearance of bumper overriders.
The chunky anthracite front bumper is further enhanced by oversized fog lamps with integrated turn indicators and accented in a grey frame. The Etios Cross also gets a ribbed front scuff plate – once again in powder grey.
Completing the front end is a revised headlight cluster with a fuller design which melds better with the new grille.
In profile, the Etios Cross gets the full “off road” treatment in the form of black cladding (with embossed Etios Cross logos) which extends halfway up the doors. Silver shaded accent garnishes adorn the lip of the cladding.
Prominently protruding matt black over fenders clad the wheelarches, providing visual continuity and further amping up the newcomer’s ‘SUV’ persona.
Re-designed side mirrors feature turn indicators.
Bringing up the rear, the back door gets a stylish garnish strip with embossed Etios Cross logo. Mirroring the frontal treatment, the rear likewise gets a new matt black bumper with a trapezoidal silver grey, ribbed scuff plate. The tail lights are also unique to the Cross and feature prominent ‘puzzle piece’ reverse light lenses.
Final touches to further beef up the Etios Cross include a roof spoiler, multi-spoke diamond-cut 15″ alloys and a set of roof rails also finished in the de rigeur powdery silver. The latter are fully functional and able to support 50 kg of luggage or even a bicycle.
Two new colours are exclusive to the Etios Cross – Inferno Metallic (a vivid orange) and Jet Grey Metallic.
Inside, the Cross edition gets all-black interiors with new sporty seat fabrics featuring special white stitching and embroidered Etios Cross logos.
A tech-enhanced, upgraded double din audio system – as with the unit found on Xs models, this system comes with USB and AUX-in ports but adds extra functionality in the form of Bluetooth to facilitate hands-free mobile phone operation.
To further uplift the cabin appeal the dashboard receives piano black metallic finishing and chrome detailing around the air vents.
Other handy features on the Cross include Air conditioning with clean air filter, Power windows (rear windows as well), Rear window demister with wiper, Double Din audio system with USB and AUX-in ports, Remote central locking, as well as ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and immobiliser.
The vehicle is powered by the same 1,5-litre engine found on the rest of the Etios range. Boasting a 16-valve DOHC 1.5-litre engine, all models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Outputs are pegged at 66kW of power @ 5600 rpm and 132Nm of torque @ 3000 rpm. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 11,3 seconds for all models including the new Cross.
Fuel consumption is claimed as six litres per 100km.
The Etios Cross is priced at R159 800.