[Aditya]

In 2014, Volkswagen announced that it will be offering airbags as a part of standard equipment on all its models in India. Later in the year, Toyota joined the German manufacturer in equipping all its cars with the safety feature. Now the Japanese company is considering offering anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on all its models as well.

All Toyota cars to roll out of the Bidadi facility starting from 2016-17 are expected to come with ABS as standard. The move will help Toyota comply with new safety regulations that will be enforced from 2017.

Toyota claims that with Indian cars failing crash Global NCAP crash tests, customers have started preferring to have safety features such as ABS and airbags in their cars instead of audio systems.

The company will also build cars keeping safety of pedestrians in mind. This is because pedestrian safety norms are likely to be implemented in India by the end of this decade.

Source: ET Auto

[saket77]

Good move by Toyota. Really appreciate the guys. I was in for a pleasant surprise when a few months ago I noticed that all Toyota cars, including the base variants are coming with airbags. Either that was a silent move or I missed the news, but again adding ABS to all cars will be another good step forward. Sad to see the market leader, Maruti, still to join the bandwagon - A move that they should have pioneered as the added responsibility. But full marks to Toyota.

[arnabchak]

That is a good move by Toyota.
In fact, they have been taking the lead for making safety features standard across its variants.
I remember that they were applauded for introducing Airbags as standard across its variants and models.

This certainly is a good move and the leaders Maruti and Hyundai need to take a leaf out of Toyota and start introducing the same across its models.

[anoop_lamba]

I think it will take a lot of thinking before Maruti, Hyundai can do something similar in entry level hatchback segment. But I think they should start now with premium hatchback segment onwards.
Well done Toyota, VW.

[carmayogi]

Instead of applauding this basic act of decency, we should really be screaming out against the mass market kings who refuse to budge on their expensive-model-only safety policy. We don't need to thank Toyota and VW for doing something that everyone should be doing.

[miharbe]

Excellent move by Toyota if and when implemented!

Now if only they begin increasing the number of Airbags on car models. I believe this is a novel way of differentiating various models. They can get progressively safer with the base model having ABS and 2 Airbags. Maybe wishful thinking but nevertheless.

Hoping their future models like the New Innova and New Fortuner will have more than 2 Airbags!

[hrman]

Love the Japanese for doing this. Some time ago, Honda had equipped all variants of the City with ABS and 2 airbags. Not sure how the situation is now.
But good move from Toyota.
Waiting for the market leader- Maruti to follow suit. Their move will benefit lakhs of people, since Maruti sells the most cars in India. Considering the ABS costs not more than 5-6k per car, it is well worth it.

[shyampsunder]

The Toyota Fortuner 4X2 AT which sells at around 30 lakhs on-road has only 2 airbags. Everyone knows this BUT the more alarming fact is this: The vehicle doesn't come with ESP or VSC which is very important for a vehicle of this size. It also doesn't come with EBD or BA. According to the brochure, it doesn't even have ABS.

When I posed this to the salesman, all they had to say was this: "The fortuner is an extremely safe vehicle and the features you mention are only useful in hills and not on city roads".

This is their attitude towards safety. They have conveniently hidden such things deep within their brochure.

[vinayrathore]

Great move! One of the two reasons I went for a Liva for my dad recently.

1. Its a Toyota and 2. Airbags and ABS(in diesels till now) are standard.

Everyone is not looking for that auto wiper et al, some can even make do without that MID.

Good that some manufacturers are leading by example. MSIL and HMIL has a lot of catch up to do.

[AWD]

Innova base models still dont come with ABS. This should have been done long time back because Innova wheels tend to lock up & send her into a tizzy at the slightest push of the brake pedal. Ive written numerous mails to Innova regarding this but sadly it felt on deaf ears.

So Im not going to applaud the company for this now, its a late coming.

[MetalBuff]

Originally Posted by shyampsunder

The Toyota Fortuner 4X2 AT which sells at around 30 lakhs on-road has only 2 airbags. Everyone knows this BUT the more alarming fact is this: The vehicle doesn't come with ESP or VSC which is very important for a vehicle of this size. It also doesn't come with EBD or BA. According to the brochure, it doesn't even have ABS.

When I posed this to the salesman, all they had to say was this: "The fortuner is an extremely safe vehicle and the features you mention are only useful in hills and not on city roads".

This is their attitude towards safety. They have conveniently hidden such things deep within their brochure.

This is quite hilarious. What's the maximum speed one does on an average "city road" (discounting highways)? 30-35kmph, tops! Do we need BA/ EBD/ ABS/ Airbags at those speeds? Hell, no! Oh wait, why do I even need a Fortuner (or say, any 30L vehicle) if, I just have to potter around town? Not sure how these blokes cook these absurd reasons up.

As for this move by Toyota, they could have very well deferred this to when the rule would have been strictly implemented but, instead opted for adopting this a tad earlier. Me thinks that the Japanese manufacturer needs to be applauded. Better late than never!

Cheerio,
-Shivang Gandotra

[lamborghini]

While I agree that this is something that manufacturers should offer as standard, it is good of Toyota to be one of few who will (hopefully) start a trend!
IMO, ABS is far more important a safety feature than Airbags, and I am glad Toyota woke up to the need. The Liva and Etios have fantastic brakes on their ABS equipped variants, and it'll be reassuring to know the taxi tailgaiting me can brake well in time!