Made-In-India Toyota Etios hits South Africa on May 21

There's much to look forward to for employees, customers and fans of the Japanese brand as Toyota South Africa Motors announced that the Made-In-India Etios range launches on the 21st of May 2012. Toyota unveiled the Etios range for South Africa at the Johannesburg International Motor Show last year.

The Etios has to battle with two generations of the VW Polo and Polo sedan in South Africa that are segment leaders. For over five years, Toyota has not had a car at such a low price. The Yaris and the Aygo are the two vehicles the Etios hatchback joins to complete a full range of small cars.

Toyota SA had expressed fears of being impacted due to debt crisis in Europe as it is one of its important trading partners. By entering A and B segments with inexpensive cars, the company expects to find new buyers and many first-time car buyers.

Toyota SA's marketing communications executive says the Etios is for the demanding customer who has a small budget. The car will not vary by much compared to the Indian variants. The same 1.5-liter petrol engine will be used on the South African Etios. The cars, manufactured at Toyota'a Bidadi facility in Karnataka and exported to South Africa, are the most spacious in their class and offer the most boot volume.

The Etios will come in two variants - Xi and XS - strapped with body color bumpers and 14 inch wheels. The bells-and-whistles XS variant also receives the bonus chrome pack.