Toyota Etios-based Sedan To Compete With Honda City & Maruti Ciaz

Toyota Motors is planning to launch an all-new mid-size sedan in several emerging markets. The mid-size sedan is most likely to be based on the Toyota Etios model. Initially, the new mid-size sedan will be launched in Brazil and will then make its way to the Indian market.

The mid-size sedan segment consists of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento models in India. Currently, Toyota Motors does not offer any product within this segment in the country. The Etios-based mid-size sedan could be launched sometime during 2017.

Previously, Toyota Motors had imported the Vios sedan to India for R&D purpose. Introducing the Toyota Vios could be an expensive affair, however, using the Etios as a base for new model makes sense. Currently, Toyota offers the Etios compact sedan and Etios Liva hatchback on the same platform.

In terms of engine options, Toyota will be keeping it as a secret close to their chest. There is a high possibility that the Japanese-based manufacturer could use the same engine that powers the Etios. Both petrol and diesel engine options with a manual transmission will be offered initially with an automatic transmission launch at a later stage.

The Toyota Vios sedan is most likely to not launch in the Indian market. An investment that was supposed to be made in the Indian facility was recently withdrawn. This could put a halt to the introduction of international models that would be locally manufactured by Toyota in India.

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