Toyota on Friday, September 9, 2011, launched the diesel versions of the Etios sedan and the Etios Liva hatchback in India. Both models are powered by an imported 1.4-litre diesel engine and would give an average of 23.59 km a litre.
The diesel powered Etios sedan which costs Rs. 90,000 more than its petrol counterpart is priced between Rs. 6,44,000 and Rs. 7,87,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the diesel variant of Etios Liva is priced between Rs. 5,54,000 and Rs. 5,89,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) which is Rs. 95,000 higher than its petrol counterpart.
Talking about the company’s decision to roll out the diesel version of its Etios models, Toyota Kirloksar Deputy Managing Director (Marketing,) Mr. Sandeep Singh stated that the company has seen a rapid change in consumers’ preference for diesel cars despite their higher price tag.
Toyota Kirloskar Motors which is Toyota’s Indian subsidiary hopes to boost the sales of its Etios brand to over 63,000 vehicles by the end of 2011 with the launch of the diesel variants of Etios sedan and Etios Liva. The company has sold over 33,000 Etios cars (including 5,500 Liva hatchbacks) till August 2011. The company also has on cards to raise the production at its second plant in Bangalore to 210,000 units a year by 2013, which at present churns out 120,000 units a year.