According to Toyota, the design changes have been made to deliver a more quality feel, with the 2013 model sporting a new grille design that is black for the Xi models and features a chrome finish on the Xs models.

Other visual enhancements include door mirrors and handles that are the same colour as the body of the car across the range (currently Xi models have black colour coding), as well as a new exterior mirror. At the back, the car’s rear end has also been refreshed courtesy of a new tail lamp design that can be found on the hatch as well as the sedan.

On the inside

Buyers opting for the top-end Xs model in either hatch or sedan form will now find that the front seats have height adjustment for the driver’s side. Additional alterations include added cushioning, improved under-thigh support, as well as adjustable headrests. The ventilation controls on the Xs grade have been replaced by solid knobs that have chrome finishing and a more plush tactile feel.

Another interior improvement incorporated in the Xs variants as standard is the Auto Up electric window function on the driver’s door. Rear seat passengers have access to larger fixed headrests, whilst both the Xi and Xs variants include icy blue backlighting for the central instrument cluster.

Besides having access to more comfortable seating, buyers also get a new icy blue backlighting colour scheme for the instrument cluster.

Under the Japanese bonnet

Beneath the Etios’ bonnet resides the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder mill that is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and delivers 66 kW at 5600 RPM along with 132 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM.

According to Toyota, this provides the Etios with a class-leading sub-11-second sprint time to 100 km/h. More frugally minded drivers should see a fuel economy figure of 5.9 litres per 100 km for the sedan and 6 litres per 100 km for the hatch during a combined cycle (town and highway driving).

Glenn Crompton, VP of marketing for Toyota stated: “With a class-leading 1.5-litre engine, generous spec and safety kit, affordable price tag and now some extra gloss thanks to its 2013 rework, you can’t beat it as the consummate all-rounder.”

Pricing (includes a 2-year service plan):

Etios 1.5 Xi Hatch     -    R118 800

Etios 1.5 Xs Hatch    -    R126 800

Etios 1.5 Xi Sedan    -    R125 100

Etios 1.5 Xs Sedan    -    R132 600

In other car related news, Naamsa recently released its latest vehicle sales figures, revealing the best selling vehicles in South Africa during May 2013. The VW Polo Vivo took top honours in the new passenger vehicle category, whilst Toyota’s Hilux came up tops in the new light commercial vehicle section.