Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige) Ownership Review


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
14
Likes
2
Location
NEW DELHI
When is the time to pen down your ownership review? According to me 5000 kms. of driving is sufficient for all vital parameters of the vehicle show their real colour. Then, here we go with my review:-

Flash back
The first car of our family was Maruti 800 which was brought in 2003. An entry level car without any A/c., Power Steering, Power Windows, etc. Over a period of time I became a die-hard Maruti fan on account of its excellent service network / low running cost. The next upgrade in 2007 was naturally for another Maruti Model, ie. Esteem with CNG kit installed, which helped me in keeping the running cost very low. Both the above models were a great asset and provided reliable and economic mode of personal transport for me and my family. But things changed over a period of time. With fuel prices increasing sky-high, including the cost of CNG, the difference in running cost of a CNG fitted car and a diesel car had become negligible. Further my Esteem had also started showing signs of wear & tear after having run around 65000 kms. in 4 years. Most importantly, new flashy models were out in the market, clouding my senses. Finally in Aug 2011, I decided to upgrade my car.

My budget was around 7 Lacs (with 80% financing) and my requirement was only a sedan, considering that I alongwith my family go out of Delhi on family vacation typically twice a year & boot space was compulsory. Fuel economy was also a big factor. Being a Maruti fan, my initial choice was Maruti Dzire Petrol with CNG kit installed. Another choice was to go for a Dzire Diesel. Both would have been within my budget. After lots of discussion / calculation, finally it was decided to go for a Diesel variant, as it made sense as my average running made it economical in diesel. Moreover, the running cost between CNG & Diesel would have been same around Rs. 2/- per Km. Another advantage of going for a Diesel variant would save me from standing in CNG stations almost every alternate day for refill.

But then came the shocker. [frustration] Due to strike in Maruti plant the delivery schedule of Diesel models went upto 32-34 weeks. The resale value of my old Esteem was also going down. That was a big dampener to my spirits. I had no choice but to look for other options within my budget and other requirements including economy in fuel efficiency, low maintenance cost, good after sales service, etc. Then the option of Toyota came in.

Buying Experience:
I walked into Galaxy Toyota showroom at Moti Nagar during the 1st week of Sept. Requested for test drive and the sales person was happy to offer one. What followed was an experience! I had weighed the ETIOS against Swift Dzire & I found what I needed exactly in the ETIOS. The car stood out as a no nonsense practical vehicle. What impressed me was its simplicity and great space. It had all the features I was looking for in a sedan within my budget. Simple in looks but excellent in other parameters. I went ahead and booked the vehicle (Harmony Beige, GD Model) on the 23rd Sept. without second thoughts. The sales person assured me that the delivery would be done before Diwali (25th Oct) & true to his word, I got the vehicle delivered on 23rd Oct. I also got good re-sale value for my good old Esteem. [:D] Toyota U Trust, which deals in buying & selling used cars, offered me Rs. 1.6 Lacs for my 4 year old Esteem & I jumped for the offer, since no one in the market was offering me more than 1.25 Lacs.

Initial impressions
These are my initial observations after the test drive:-

Positives:
• Space (sitting & boot)- Huge
• Very responsive engine
• Very smooth gear change.
• Good pickup.
• Very light steering. Easy to drive in traffic and turn radius is also less.
• Seat comfort.
• Unconventional central dashboard.
• Huge Air cooled glove box.
• Single wiper. Covers 90% of the windscreen in one swipe.
• Last but not the least, “Toyota Brand”

Not so positive :
• Simple looks (both interior & exterior) which is subjective.
• No company fitted music system. Does not make a difference. Good quality Music systems are available in the market compared to the music system provided by the company.
• Only one remote locking key.
• Remote is only for opening & closing the door without keys. No additional security features like warning in case of unauthorized intrusion or warning in case one of the doors / boot is left open when the remote is pressed for locking.
• Door doesn't lock automatically once the car is started. Has to be done manually.
• Only one tail light blinks when the car is reversing. Looks very odd.
• Poor fabric quality for the seats. Does not matter since owners go for additional seat cover.
• No freebies

Impact on Pocket
Vehicle cost 7.41 lacs.
Following Additional Accessories Cost :Rs. 27,000/- (approx)

1. Seat Covers
2. Floor Mats
3. Boot Mat
4. Mud Flaps
5. Steering cover
6. Car Stereo (Sony)
7. Rear Speakers (JBL)
8. Reverse Sensor (AutoCop)
9. Vehicle reverse alarm
10. Gear Lock (AutoCop)
11. Transparent Bumper Guards (Autographics)
12. Toyota Security System. (Got fitted from Toyota Dealer)

Except for the Toyota Security System, all other accessories were got fitted from outside accessory dealers since the rates quoted by Toyota dealer were exorbitant. For example, Sony Stereo was costing Rs. 9.500/- from a Sony dealer, while Toyota dealer was selling it at MRP price of Rs. 12,990/-. Reverse Sensor (AutoCop) cost my Rs. 2,100/- while it was Rs. 5,500/- with the Toyota Dealer. Gear Lock (AutoCop) cost me Rs. 850/- whereas at Toyota Dealership it was for Rs. 1,500/-. However, I ensured that no internal wirings are cut for installation of all accessories. As far as Toyota Security System is concerned, I had no other option, since if I had gone for AutoCop car security system costing around Rs. 4,000/-, the existing Toyota remote would have had to be changed. Only regret, that despite all security improvements in existing remote, the windows still can’t be automatically closed when the door is locked using the remote. This would have required cutting and joining existing wires, which I didn’t want to take chance.

Review after driving around 8500 kms. in a little over 4 months :

Exteriors
As far as the external design of the car is concerned, I liked the smiling front grille design and the overall shaping of the car. The car is definitely not as attractive, but definitely has a distinct styling and an excellent road presence. From the front it looks like Toyota Innova & from the back like Logan.

Interiors / Boot
As far as interiors go, it is simple and & unconventional with the placement of speedometer dial in the centre. I personally liked the central placement, since it was different from other cars. The space provision for storing 7 water bottles & a mini-cooler glove box was a bonus for my family since we take time out twice a year for long drives. Regarding space, Etios is having the best space among C-segment and even higher-end cars. My family and I enjoyed the comfort of large cabin and boot space during our long drive from Delhi to Agra & back during Oct. last week. Three adults sat comfortably at the rear without being cramped for space. The boot was full, dumped with two big suitcases and a massive professional Yamaha Electronic Keyboard. Yet there was lots of space still available.

Performance
Excellent performance both in City & highway conditions. My daily run is around 70 kms. (between Delhi – Noida) with 30% expressway & 70% city traffic conditions. Driving at top-gear on highways is an experience in itself. At constant speed between 90-95 kmpl and the vehicle is very stable. One does not realize the speed & only when you the window is opened, you realize speed at which the vehicle is moving. Suspensions are good. Road grip is excellent and does not feel unstable at high speeds. Regarding complaints of rattling sound, and High NVH levels, I have not heard anything abnormal till date. AC is very effective and I have to keep the ducts in closed position most of times. The central positioning of the speedo dial provides clear view of all the vital parameters of the vehicle while driving. Regarding water seepage, I find it amusing !!! Agreed, rubber beading is missing from the doors, but the same is there on the other side & it is virtually impossible for water to seep in. I have personally supervised during washing during first service & found no water seepage. Yes, over a period of time, dirt does got accumulated in the gaps on account of missing beads. If not cleaned regularly, the door becomes tight occasionally with the rubber beads on one side sticking on the metal sheet due to moisture/dust & more force is required to open the door in such cases. On second thoughts, I feel additional rubber beading could have been given on the doors to prevent occasional jamming. But, the company still can do the beeding fitting at extra cost for existing vehicles & I feel Etios owners would welcome it. If given an option, I would surely get it done at extra cost.

Fuel efficiency is best in class. Initially, before the 1st service, I got mileage of around 19 kmpl, which included a trip to Agra. However, after the first service (9th Nov.) & till date, I am getting an average of around 22 kmpl in Delhi-Noida section without Air Conditioner. GREAT FUEL ECONOMY !!!!

I would like to pen down an incident which occurred within one month from the date of purchase. It was around 7:00 pm and was quiet dark (being November end). I was coming back from my office at Noida Ph-II and was at the Service Lane adjacent to Greater Noida Expressway. I was driving at a speed of around 25-30 kmph. Suddenly, the front left wheel of my Eios went into a crater (around 6-8” deep and 3 feet wide) and came out. Due to the impact, the front left rim bent and the tubeless tyre became flat with all the air coming out instantly. Luckly, Toyota Road Service people came in within 45 minutes from my calling and replaced the wheel with the stepny. Luckly nothing else was damaged. The tubeless tyre was also not damaged. However, I had to get the rim replaced, costing around Rs. 900/-. I don’t know how much blame can be put on the quality of the rim, which was not able to resist the impact & got damaged. It could have happened with any other car also. However, I appreciate the promptness of the Toyota Road Service people in their assistance.

Conclusion
When the elders in the house look for a life partner for their grown-up son/daughter, they match 36 “Guns” of the probable couple. 100% matching is impossible. They compromise & the relationship is accepted, if the majority of the “Guns” match. It has ben rightly said that for relationships to work, you have to do compromises. Likewise, Toyota Etios Diesel is a practical car with very good drivability, handling, comfort, space, low maintenance & great mileage. The compromise is in the looks of the interior & other minor shortcomings. For people who are concerned about interior looks & would like to show off would be disappointed. This car is not for them. I would like to quote a song from an old Rajesh Khanna movie :-

Dil ko dekho, chehraa na dekho
Chehron ne laakhon ko loota
Haan, dil sacha aur chehra jhoota
Dil sacha aur chehra jhoota


Whatever I needed, I am happy that I got it in my Etios Diesel. I don’t know what the future holds as far as my relationship with Etios Diesel is concerned. That would be part of my “Long term ownership review” maybe after 2 years (or 25,000 kms.) of purchase. Till then wishing everyone “HAPPY & SAFE DRIVING” [cheers]
 
Joined
Dec 1, 2011
Messages
3,155
Likes
2,036
Location
Pune
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

nice review congratulations, where are the pics? :)
 
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
416
Likes
10
Location
Pune, MH
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Good one Raghuram.

When do you think we can look at the pictures of your ride?

This is a good write up and adding pictures will add more value to the ownership review.
 
Thread Starter #4
Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
14
Likes
2
Location
NEW DELHI
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Thanks Iron Rock.... Could not upload the pics, since they are around 5 mb each and this forum does not allow pics to be more than 1 mb. Be assured, I would be uploading the same after having it reduced to below 1 mb..
 
Joined
Dec 1, 2011
Messages
3,155
Likes
2,036
Location
Pune
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Thanks looking forward to it, safe driving !!
 

lxi.

Suspended
Joined
Jan 6, 2012
Messages
916
Likes
13
Location
New Delhi
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Nice writeup buddy!

Waiting for pics. Tik tok tik tok tik tok...

And, Why is only one Light blinking when reversing? Is it the indicator light or the reverse light (White)? It must be a problem.
And, Even in my Alto, the door automatically locks after starting the engine in sometime.
 
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Messages
128
Likes
109
Location
Bangalore
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Dear raghuraman, Many congratulations on your car and wish you well. Hope the car shall serve you to your utmost satisfaction. Fantastic write up, very professional.

Now, it's my turn to say tik,tok,tik,tok....
 
Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
2,650
Likes
461
Location
Gurgaon
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Nicely wriiten review raghuraman and congratulations for your new acquisition. Waiting for the pics buddy
 
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
815
Likes
91
Location
Pune
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Well said Raghu. Liked your review. My brother is also quite happy with his car.
 
Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
4,095
Likes
948
Location
Bangalore
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Raghu, a well written review this (Rating will be 5 star when pics flow in), its really good that owners like you giving their 100% +ves and -ves of their car.

How was the A.S.S experience from your dealer? Do they charge reasonably(Keeping in mind about the brand too)?

1.4L for Esteem CNG was pretty good deal from Toyota.

Use image compressor tool to re-size the images.
 
Thread Starter #11
Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
14
Likes
2
Location
NEW DELHI
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

And, Why is only one Light blinking when reversing? Is it the indicator light or the reverse light (White)? It must be a problem.
It is the reverse light (white). Only the right rear light blinks... Its is not a defect but delebrately done by Toyota and few other cars (I understand Logan also has the same feature). I don't know how much money they have saved by not installing two reverse blinkers.

And, Even in my Alto, the door automatically locks after starting the engine in sometime.
Again not sure why this feature was not given in the first place. It is a big security feature especially for people like me who go to work to Noida (UP).
 
Thread Starter #12
Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
14
Likes
2
Location
NEW DELHI
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Raghu, a well written review this (Rating will be 5 star when pics flow in), its really good that owners like you giving their 100% +ves and -ves of their car.

How was the A.S.S experience from your dealer? Do they charge reasonably(Keeping in mind about the brand too)?

1.4L for Esteem CNG was pretty good deal from Toyota.

Use image compressor tool to re-size the images.
ASS : Till now no problem... Yes, they are slow but surely helpful. Second service would be due in next one month (around 1500 left for reaching the magic figure of 10000 kms). Will then give my experience of a major service.

I got 1.6L for my Esteem with CNG fitment. It was a 2007 model with one insurance claim. It was a pretty good deal from Toyota considering the fact that Maruti offered me 1.25L. Sale-purchase shops across Karol Bagh in New Delhi were also offering me not more than 1.25L.

Can u please give me more details about the image compressor tool to re-size the images. My images are of 12 Mega Pixels & each image is around 5 MB.
 
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
48
Likes
0
Location
Mumbai
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

First of all Welcome to TAI Raghu.

That was a good write up. Etios is one of my favourite cars.

Drive safe.
 

lxi.

Suspended
Joined
Jan 6, 2012
Messages
916
Likes
13
Location
New Delhi
Re: Ownership Review by Raghuram - Toyota Etios GD (Harmony Beige)

Buddy, You can compress the images or instead crop the images (In a way that we can see only Etios!) so that the size comes down.

Tik tok tik tok.
 

Top Bottom