Team-BHP - After dual-airbags, Toyota makes ABS and EBD standard across its range

Thank you to BHPian Pferdestarke for first pointing out this information. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

With the launch of the facelifted versions of the Etios and Etios Liva, Toyota has made anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) standard on all models in its portfolio. The automaker had earlier standardized dual airbags throughout its lineup. The company's current portfolio includes the Etios Liva, Platinum Etios, Etios Cross, Innova Crysta, Corolla Altis, Fortuner, Camry, Land Cruiser Prado, and Land Cruiser.

Moreover, ISOFIX child seat mounts will now be available on all cars from the Toyota stable, along with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seatbelts. Going a step forward, the company has even standardized 3-point seatbelts for everyone onboard the Etios and Liva.

This is undoubtedly a commendable step by Toyota, something that must be followed by every automaker in the country. Indian cars are infamous for being unsafe, primarily because of absence of safety features like airbags and ABS. With the government trying to enforce stricter safety assessment programs for Indian vehicles, such standard safety features are expected to find their way to other manufacturers' models as well.

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Absolutely good decision. I think sooner or later ALL manufacturers will have to comply with this and if one does it on their volition it will be better!

One thing I was always curious about - Why is that ABS cannot be retrofitted afterwards ? is it so complex ? We hear of lot more mods in cars. Why this is not attempted ? Any reasons ? What happens if an ABS car is involved in crash and requires to be repaired ? I guess, these should be repairable. So why the reluctance of allowing after-market fitting of ABS ? I believe none of the cars support this (retrofitting of ABS). Just curious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by haria (Post 4061949)

Why is that ABS cannot be retrofitted afterwards ? is it so complex ? We hear of lot more mods in cars. Why this is not attempted ? Any reasons ? ). Just curious.

Its not impossible, but not economically feasible. It will require replacement of so many parts that the costs will spiral up to high extent. Right from brake lines to harness to instrument cluster must be replaced. Now the old parts though usable wont fetch any returns. Hence, its better ABS is installed at the assembly line. That time the cost differential will be very less - in my case just 14k including an additional airbag. It wouldnt have been possible if I had sourced all the parts and hypothetically got it installed outside.

Absolutely sensible move.

Dual airbags, ABS & EBD, pretensioners, driverseat height adjustment are basic Safety features that must be available for all variants.

Still surprised why most car manufacturers do not give driver seat height adjustment for all variants. Using pillow to raise driving position is most unsafe while braking hard

Good beakoning move by Toyota hope all other Indian car makers follow this move.

Hats off to TOYOTA for such a move especially in our market.

This has made LIVA a more apt option for people looking for proper work horse, with all safety features covered in base variant. I for sure will consider LIVA, if looking for purely daily use of commuting along comfortable seating for 5 people.

HONDA please learn something, you don't even provide Seatbelts with Load limiter and Pre-tensioners on JAZZ even on top variants, middle seat headrest and 3 point seatbelt is far fetched.:Frustrati

If you are riding alone in New Etios Cab with these updates then, front passenger seat is the best option for safety purposes.

@ Haria: The Etios and Liva are surprisingly safe given the metal feels tinny, and this is reflected in their NCAP rating as well.

What you mentioned above seems to be the crumple zones doing their bit to absorb the impact of the accident, but then again cannot comment with full confidence without seeing any pictures / evidence.

Back in 2011, the Diesel Etios/Liva came with ABS as standard - good to see them being standardised across the range. One of the biggest grouses with Toyota was their lack of safety features - they were more often than not, behind the segment norms in this regard. With their new launches / facelifts - they seem to be catching up and even setting new standards in some cases.

In my opinion, this is a very good move as ABS + good brakes can help prevent accidents, while airbags are more in reaction to an accident.

A commendable step by Toyota; leading by example.

If only the Liva and Etios were better designed (in my opinion), they would have sky-rocketed the brands popularity in the lower segments, considering functionally and mechanically they are brilliant cars. Even the new platinum editions don't seem to have much of a change in that aspect.

People all around the world swear by Toyota for generations, as is seen in India amongst Innova and higher segments owners.

Well Done Toyota!! For giving safety features that (other than a handful) people do not understand or even know exists.
What is commendable is that the company is giving it across the variants. It just shows "It Cares".And also the fact that the price of life remains priceless no matter which variant you buy!!
Only grouse, if they had also changed the interiors a bit from the central to the regular mount, would have been wonderful!!

This is a great move by Toyota. They are slowly but very steadily dusting off the public perception of "boring, lacks character" factors of the Etios twins and making consumers list it in their consideration list. Also, their strategy to really focus on the Etios twins over the time than rolling out more (half baked)models in all possible categories is starkly different to other OEMs. I think other manufacturers in same segment (Hatchback and above) will follow suit.:thumbs up

Well done Toyota.

How about sharing this news with Maruti? Couple of months back Maruti produced a bogus report saying that Indians were not interested in safety. When you visited the showroom the sales advisor would quote long waiting period (3 to 6 months)for optional safety pack and would dissuade the customers from going for the 'safety' pack.

Toyota is truly 'leading' and showing the way to other "leading" manufacturers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivee90 (Post 4063356)

They are slowly but very steadily dusting off the public perception of "boring, lacks character" factors of the Etios twins and making consumers list it in their consideration list. Also, their strategy to really focus on the Etios twins over the time

Very interesting observations, thanks!

Come to think of it, the Etios twins have a better market perception today than they did at the time of launch. Reasons:

- They fared surprisingly well in the crash tests, scoring 4 stars! Considering their old design & light weight, none of us expected this.

- They've proven to be robust & reliable.

- The service costs are known to be among the lowest in the segment (cheaper than equivalent Marutis & Hyundais).

- Toyota has maintained its exemplary after-sales service quality with these cheap cars too.

- Liva & Etios owners are generally a happy lot. You don't hear too many complaining.

I reiterate, mechanically, the cars are sorted. What they really need is a set of new clothes, new interiors and a better 1.2L engine. The Liva's petrol motor is unimpressive.