As a product designed for BRICS countries, which is the association of the five major emerging national economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the Etios represents Toyota's take on budget-friendly motoring.
The Etios range was most recently updated in 2017, but now an Etios Sport has been added to the line-up and I had a chance to drive the newcomer very briefly recently.
Styling tweaks
As is rather evident, the biggest change made to the Sport variant is the two-tone paint effect which sees all Sport models gain a gloss black roof, pillars, mirrors, front grille and rear spoiler in addition to a black Sport badge. The other major change is the fitment of the same 15-inch alloy wheels as the Etios Cross. As a limited run model, the Sport is only available in two colours, Glacier White and Retro Red.
Interior
There has been very little in the way of changes inside the Sport, but a range-wide change has made its debut with this model in the form of, what the brands calls the Optitron instrument cluster.
While still located in the centre of the dashboard, the new instruments look decidedly more modern and indeed, more legible than before. Don't expect the last word in material quality, but there is a durable solidity to the Etios, while the simplistic layout and interior space are good for a car in this segment.
Specification
With the same specification as the Sprint, which includes air-conditioning, an audio system with Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity and electric windows all-round, the Sport commands a minor premium of R2 500, which is respectable considering the cosmetic updates.
Unchanged powertrain
Despite the Sport moniker, the sportier looking Etios is mechanically identical to its siblings, with the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor and five-speed manual gearbox. The eager little unit provides 66kW/132Nm, which in combination with the sweet shifting gearbox will get the car to 100km/h in a claimed 11.2 seconds and achieve a claimed consumption figure of 6.0-litres/100km.
Driving Etios Sport
Our exceptionally short drive through the streets of Johannesburg provided a good refresher for the media, especially with the new budget contenders that have entered the market still fresh in our minds. The Etios still provides the budget car goods when it comes to inner-city driving, with a willing engine, light clutch action and just about enough creature comforts to tackle the daily grind.
It is also rather reassuring to know that the Etios is a safe product for something in the sub-R200 000 segment. With dual front airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat anchors and three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners for all occupants, it achieved a four-star Global NCAP rating.
Verdict
While the Sport may be a limited edition model, it served as a reminder that the Etios, like many other budget contenders locally, provides basic, honest motoring for the masses and there's something rather endearing about that.
Service and warranty
All Etios models come with a two-year/30 000 km service plan as well as a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Pricing
Hatch
1.5 Xi - R171 000
1.5 Sprint - R176 300
1.5 Cross - R198 400
1.5 Sport - R178 800
Sedan
1.5 Xi - R179 500
1.5 Sprint - R184 400
