10th Indian Auto Expo: Toyota Etios and Honda New Small is unveiled

The show has begun and people have started to come to the 10^th Indian Auto Expo. On January 5, 2009, two major auto makers unveiled their products. Toyota Kirloskar group unveiled its concept car, Toyota Etios. Etios is Toyota's compact car for the Indian market. There will be two versions of this car- hatchback and sedan. The sedan version of the car will be launched first in India followed by the hatchback version in 2011. The sedan version of the Toyota Etios will enter production first and it will come with a 1.5 liter gas engine. While the hatchback will sport a smaller 1.2 liter engine. Toyota told reporters that the cars will be best in their classes and come in competitive price. Business Standard Motoring reports:

The concept behind the design is 'bold simplicity.' The sedan looks quite futuristic when viewed from the front three-quarters, but the profile is typically conservative Toyota. The triangular tail-lamps frame the rear three-quarters quite well. The hatchback, on the other hand, barely conceals its sporty intent - bright red brake callipers, anyone?

Honda on the other hand, unveiled its concept small car for India known as the Honda New Small. Slated to release in 2011, the car will be released in India and Thailand. Business Standard Motoring:

The design language of the car looks all-new, with extensive use of LED lights. While the grille does resemble that of the Honda Jazz, the overall shape of the car is from a new school of design altogether. The concept sports a raked C-pillar, and clam-shell bonnet, with a nice waistline that merges midpoint with the hatch glass.

The car will come with a 1.0 litre VTEC engine but there is a possibility for a 1.2 litre engine version that is now available in Honda Jazz. In India, the car will compete with Hyundai i10 Kappa, Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 base version.