| |
| |
|
By Shrawan Raja |
|
|
|
| |
Toyota is witnessing the sort of success with the Etios sedan that leaves other manufacturers steaming with envy. The bookings for the sedan are nearing 20,000 even before test drives are declared open. People have perhaps seen only the concept and a display vehicle in showrooms, but that’s enough to make them deposit an advance and wait for a few months to take delivery. Despite global recalls that dented its image worldwide, the respect that the Toyota badge commands in India is only increasing by the day.
Buoyed by this extremely encouraging level of response, what sort of models should Toyota introduce next in India?
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Toyota Etios hatchback / diesel models |
|
| |
During the launch of the Etios sedan, Toyota said it’s looking at April 2011 for the launch of the Etios hatchback. The hatchback is expected to be more economical with less weight, and a tiny 1.2-liter petrol engine. Plus, as we speak, Toyota is studying the possibility for diesel variants of the Etios. According to reports in the media, the 1.4 liter engine from the Altis looks almost certain to power the hatch. Toyota will make suitable adjustments to keep costs in check, like replacing the Variable |
 |
Geometry Turbocharger with a relatively inexpensive fixed geometry type. The demand for the Etios sedan will prompt Toyota to launch future variants in a very phased manner. If all goes well, the diesels should be here in the middle of 2012. Another interesting development could be the sporty hatchback model containing the sedan’s bigger 1.5 liter petrol. Give it some racing stripes, a stiffer suspension, and a more upmarket interior, and the sports hatchback will be ready to roll! |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 Toyota Camry
The Camry is perhaps the only model in the entire Toyota portfolio that isn’t making a name for itself. Toyota admits that there’s no pressure from Japan to sell a million Camry’s in India. It has always played second fiddle to its European competitors, and despite the facelift last year, the Camry hasn’t exactly shifted gears. The only possible solution to give Camry sales a boost is to locally assemble the model, and, in the process, reduce its price tag. Toyota might be contemplating this option as its Japanese rival, Nissan, plans the same operation with the Teana. Toyota will also have to consider diesel power for the Camry, and, to boost its image, it could sell (albeit in limited numbers) the hybrid model that visited Auto Expo 2010. |
| |
 Toyota Innova facelift
The Indian MPV buyer appears to find the Innova the best bet for his commutes. Attempts made by other car manufacturers to rob Toyota of Innova customers, by providing both inexpensive and more expensive, alternatives have clearly not worked. Toyota seems to be following the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ So, Toyota may not have to thoroughly rework the Innova to fight away new entrants. It can supplement features and adjust minor details to consolidate its position. A new, more aggressive front-end could be in keeping with the scheme of things. Features like rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth compatibility, and better quality materials can help them complete the objective, and stay on top. The Innova is expected to continue its journey in India with the same engine and transmission. |
| |
 Toyota small MPV
By the end of the 2012, Toyota could begin working on a small MPV to plug the gap between the Etios sedan and the Innova. This will be a very important model for Toyota as competitors are planning to attack this high volume segment, which Toyota exited when the Qualis was stopped. Toyota has a few options already on the table. It might bring the Avanza MPV to India, and engineer it to accommodate a diesel motor – perhaps the same 1.4-liter diesel will do the trick. Or else Toyota can also work on the Etios platform to make a similar model. Since Toyota need not hunt for parts and the basic engineering has already been carried out during the Etios’ development, the model development lifecycle will take lesser time. We expect the Toyota MPV to carry the no-frills design ideology of the Etios. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
