By: Dave Abrahams
Prospecton, Durban - Toyota's corporate culture of Kaizen - continuous improvement - means that it doesn't always wait for a new model year before introducing updates.
And that's what has just happened with its entry-level Etios sedan and hatch.
The only exterior change is a new colour choice, a shimmery grey metallic, but the cabin has had a real make-over, with new, textured, dark grey fabric upholstery, and a new, factory-fitted double-DIN audio system for the Xs models, complete with Bluetooth connectivity.
DETAIL TOUCHES
It's neatly integrated into the centre stack, its piano-black finish with chrome matching the metallic bezels of the ventilation controls and main instruments.
The hatchbacks also get a small but important convenience touch - a lift function for the luggage compartment cover.
Under the new trim you'll find the same 1.5-litre, petrol four - rated for 66kW at 5600 revs and 132Nm at 3000 rpm - and five-speed manual 'box. Quoted performance is unchanged at less than 11 seconds to 100km/h, as is combined-cycle fuel-consumption at 5.9 litres per 100km for the sedan and 6.0 for the hatch.
Toyota has also kept the inevitable price increase down to a largely symbolic R100 across the range - which also now includes a two-year or 30 000km service plan.
PRICES
1.5 Xi Hatch - R134 500
1.5 Xs Hatch - R143 600
1.5 Xi Sedan - R141 100
1.5 Xs Sedan - R150 000
Cross - R164 700