Crossovers are cars built on the platform of a passenger car; but with features of an SUV, in varying proportions. A crossover generally has the uni-body type construction seen in the passenger vehicles and it is blended with the distinctive features of SUVs including tall interiors, high seats, better ground clearance and all wheel drive, to list some. The crossovers offer the best of the world features of both passenger cars and SUVs.
For instance, it borrows greater fuel economy, ease of handling and the like from the small cars and the power and performance of the SUVs. In effect, crossovers offer the ideal combination of both types of cars in one car. Also check Hyundai Creta 2015 at autoportal.com
The Indian car buyers have shown interest in crossovers only recently. However, this has resulted in carmakers like Toyota introducing crossovers like Etios Cross for the Indian buyers. Etios Cross is a crossover built on the underpinnings of the hatchback Etios Liva. At first glance, the crossover looks like a muscular and rough version of the hatch.
However, a detailed examination reveals that both cars are not similar. Toyota has successfully integrated the desirable features of an SUV and hatchback into this crossover, so that the buyer can have a better vehicle in terms of features and ride quality. Hence, it would not be wrong to label Etios Cross as a revamped version of Liva, but with more SUV like features and styling.
Etios Cross is offered in four variants – G, V, GD and VD, wherein G and V are petrol variants and GD and VD are diesel trims. The petrol variant runs on a 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder, 16 valve 1197 cc 78 bhp DOHC engine, or a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-Valve 1496 cc 88 bhp DOHC engine. The torque produced is 104Nm and 132Nm respectively. The diesel engine is a 4-cylinder, 8-valve 1346 cc 67 bhp 170 Nm SOHC common rail engine. All the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This crossover offer good mileages in the range of 16 to 23 kmpl, according to the engine type.
The Etios Cross can house up to five people in great comfort. It comes with a reasonably big boot space of 251 liters. Other attractive features of this car include a 2-DIN Audio CD System integrated with USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, three-spoke power steering wheel, front and back door pockets, chrome accented A/C vents and digital clock, and much more. Safety of passengers is ensured by providing various features like ABS with EBD, child lock, seat belts, SRS airbags and the like.
Sold for a price tag ranging between INR 5,76,000 and 7,40,640, the Etios Cross is an affordable crossover in every sense.
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