Toyota Etios Liva (2015)

Synopsis

Toyota India is heading into a new market with the new small hatchback Etios Liva. Aside from India, the Etios will be available also in South America, Russia and other international markets. With much anticipation of the launching of the Etios Liva, Toyota was quite apprehensive for its first unveiling of a low ranged car model that can grab the market in India when it comes to affordability. The Etios will be competing largely with the Honda Brio for the first time in the small car category. Its top end variants will be facing competition against the Fiat Grande Punto, the Volkswagen Polo, and the Hyundai i20. The launching of the Toyota Etios Liva was perfect for the manufacturer since it fits into the Indian market in a couple of different ways.

They managed to make the vehicle affordable without compromising on the reputation that they have built over the years. To trim its cost, Toyota has made some clever trades with its design and features but has still managed to ensure that their customers will be satisfied with this car. The launch of this small car is a first from Toyota; selling to buyers at the lower end of the economic curve which makes it a big challenge for the company. Its new addition of diesel variants of the Toyota Etios Liva has given more options to their customers. With the high prices for the petrol variants in India, the diesel variant of the Toyota Etios Liva will certainly cause an increase in sales of their diesel variant cars. With its first launching for the small car market, Toyota will have tough competition with the likes of the Maruti, which is the number 1 car maker in India. Not to mention Tata and Hyundai who also have good market shares in the hatchback segment. This is certainly not an easy competition but knowing Toyota, its greater advantage is its lower cost.

Toyota India has launched upgraded 2013 models of Etios and Etios Liva which comes with host of new exterior and interior changes. The exterior changes include all-new front grille, new tail lamps, turn indicators mounted on the outside rear-view mirrors and a new shade has been introduced – Classic Grey. The changes to the interior includes all-new fabric for seats, new beige theme for the dashboard, adjustable headrests, blue illumination for the instrument cluster, new AC control panel with clean filters and all-new 2DIN music system with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and remote.

Fast Facts

• Tag line is LIV TMRRW 2DAY
• Available in 5 variants - J, G, G (SP), V and V (SP) 
• Interiors are more or less same like the sedan variant of Etios
• Powered by a 1197cc petrol engine
• Maximum power is around 79 Bhp
• Maximum torque is around 104 Nm
• ARAI certified mileage is 18.31 kmpl
• Available seven attractive shades
• The wheelbase is 90mm shorter than the sedan version
• Lots of genuine accessories on offer
• 3 years 100,000 kilometers conditional warranty
• Best in class head, knee and leg room
• Audio system with Aux-in and USB jacks
• Rust protection, anti-chip paint and protection under the belly
• 2 SRS airbags and ABS+EBD available in the G (SP) and V (SP)
• Cooled 13 litre glove box, can hold up to nine 500 ml water bottle

Fast Facts (Diesel)

• Liva Diesel is available in three variants: JD, GD and GD (SP)
• Powered by same diesel engine which powers the Corolla Altis but maximum power is only 67 bhp
• Interiors are more or less same like the petrol variant of Etios
• Toyota India is trying to keep the waiting period less than 30 days
• Available in seven attractive shades
• ARAI certified mileage/average of Liva Diesel is 23.59 kmpl

Exterior

The Toyota Etios Liva’s exterior is not just alluring but also proportionate with a lengthy 2460 mm wheelbase. Compared to the Etios sedan, it is more attractive and well-balanced and its top end variants feature a sporty appearance. Also, the top-end variants have a rear spoiler, fog lights and alloy wheels. The Etios Liva has dynamic styling with a big high mounted grille that is designed specifically for the Indian market. However, when it comes to basic looks, the Etios Liva has not added fresh styling as the smiling front grille of the car with its black lower grille, headlamps and chrome plated upper grille are added identifiable features is the same with standard Toyota vehicles. Also, the headlamps are like dimples on the Liva with rear view mirrors in the same color of the body. It is anticipated that car buyers who want a Toyota car and who have a budget of around five lakh rupees will buy the Etios Liva instead of the sedan variant. The side of the vehicle has a compact shoulder line with a mounted cut along the lower half of the doors. The bonnet features distinguishable creases which makes it a more undeniable product from Toyota. Its tiny lights and bland bumper with two small fogs adds beauty to the Toyota Etios Liva. The identifiable creases are an exceptional feature of the vehicle though they are present on other Toyota vehicles as well. The vehicle comes with an excellent ground clearance of 170.00 mm with a bumper that has the same color as the body and that is responsible for the well balanced character of the car. When observed closely, the Etios Liva does have certain characteristics which allow you to see how the company cut costs but you can still see the Toyota expertise in the design and styling of the vehicle.

Dimensions

Toyota Etios Liva has an overall length of 3775mm, 1695mm of width, 1510mm of height and 173mm of ground clearance. Etios Liva carries the USP of typical Toyota cars - space, comfort and reliability. The boot space of Toyota Etios Liva is 251 litres and wheelbase is 2460mm which is 90mm shorter than the saloon variant of Etios .

Interior

Toyota has taken on astonishing creative thinking when it comes to the interior of this car. Since this is their first for the hatchback segment, they did through market research and as such were able to provide the best offering and a very customer oriented hatchback for Indian buyers. Its interior adds to the stunning looks of this hatchback not to mention the comfort and space it provides. You might not be blown away by its exterior but the interior will certainly give you all the things you want from a hatchback. There is no question that the Etios Liva is considered to be one of the most comfortable cars in its segment which makes it suitable for long drives. With the space it offers, the other hatchbacks in its segment look and feel like cubby holes.

It provides excellent rear seats with big squabs, up-market cushioning and an excellent backrest angle. It has a well-tuned H-point that provides comfortable sitting posture. Added to that, the front rear seats have excellent padding just as the sedan hatchback. The Toyota Etios Liva features a 13 litre cooled glove box that gives great long driving experiences. The interiors are contemporarily designed with a centrally mounted instrument panel with offset AC vents. The AC vents are round in shape and as such adds to the contemporary looks of the interior. The best-selling feature of the Liva is its 251 litre boot storage space. The remote gas lid opener with slender rear wipers is also an added advantage of this hatchback. The AC does not have climate control which is missing on this hatchback but other excellent features replace this missing feature like the manual driver seat adjustment, sporty front headrest, power windows, front cabin lights, steering adjustment, central locking, and a 12 V power outlet in the front, and pillow type headrests for back seat passengers, tilt steering and rear defogger.

Comfort and Convenience

The Toyota Etios Liva is a car that provides great comfort to all passengers with outstanding legroom, headroom and a 251 litre storage space. The spacious headroom and legroom for the driver is adjustable and also there is a footrest to give maximum comfort while driving. The roomy interiors guarantees comfort to everyone. It is designed with four doors and has a seating capacity of five passengers. The hatchback’s back seat is spacious enough so that it can accommodate 3 people at a time keeping the comfort of all passengers. This stunning car comes with remote central locking and power windows which makes it more convenient for controlling the car’s windows and doors. The rear seats are fold-able while the tinted glasses allow the comfort of keeping some sun and heat out of the car for a comfortable and cool driving experience. All in all, the Toyota Etios Liva assures maximum comfort not only for the passengers but also for the driver as well to give a great driving experience.

Dashboard and Storage

The dual tone dashboard of the Etios Liva features a stunning 3-spoke steering wheel in a similar two toned color. The car is competing directly with the Maruti and compared with the latter, the Etios Liva is more spacious and offers more features for comfort which gives it an advantage over the Maruti hatchbacks. The center of the dashboard includes a Tachometer, the instrument panel and a digital trip-meter. The Liva has a 251 litre boot space with AC vents incorporating a mobile holder, seven bottle holders for one litre bottles, and other storage spaces that prove to be very useful.

Music System

The Toyota Etios Liva is designed not only for comfort and space but also for entertainment purposes. The user is provided with audio controllers on the steering wheel that gives additional entertainment for the passengers and ease of accessibility to the driver so he can keep his eyes on the road. The powerful remote control audio system provides high entertainment with its 2 DIN 1CD MP3 AM/FM with AUX, USB and Bluetooth with 4 speakers.

Engine and Gearbox

This hatchback from Toyota includes diesel and petrol engine variants. The 1197 cc, 3NR-FE, Gasoline, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC Petrol Engine is capable of delivering the best power of 78.9 bhp at 5600 rpm. This engine is engineered on advanced technology to give high performance and it is distinct significance that Toyota was able to provide such an engine in such an affordable car thanks to their top-notch engineer team. The diesel version of the Toyota has a 1364cc engine that is capable of delivering a 67 bhp peak power and 170 Nm at 1800 to 2400 rpm peak torque. The diesel version has low rpms making it fit for Indian city traffic. Similar to its petrol version, it is equipped with a five speed gearbox for maximum performance not only in the city but on the highways as well.

Acceleration and Performance

Toyota cars are best known for their power, performance and reliability. The company maintained its reputation by making this car to provide outstanding acceleration and performance. The acceleration of the Etios Liva petrol version is quite excellent. On the other hand, the diesel version of the Liva is a bit slow.

Mileage

The diesel version of the Liva is powered by the same engine of the diesel version of the Corolla Altis but is fine tuned to increase its fuel efficiency. Under ARAI standard conditions, Toyota Etios Liva returns a mileage of 18.3 kmpl.

Safety Features

The Toyota Etios Liva offers safety features that are similar to a number of other vehicles in the B segment. The safety features include ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) for perfect braking, dual SRS airbags, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) for the distribution of brakes to all tires, keyless entry easy driving and hassle-free car key, safety belts to guarantee the safety of all occupants, immobilizer for the prevention of car theft, driver seatbelt warning for collision safety and a door ajar warning. The dual SRS airbags for the front passenger and the driver is great for the safety of those individuals during collisions especially for serious frontal collision. The standard design of the car was made so that the car itself could absorb a good amount of shock and distribute it around the car in the event of a collision. As such, the car also has the ability to protect the cabin from serious damage thus also protecting the occupants.

Suspension and Brakes

When it comes to suspension, the Etios Liva is equipped with McPherson Struts at the front and Torsion Beams at the rear. The braking system includes ABS for excellent braking application and EBD for distributing the breaks applied to all the tires.

Variants

Toyota Etios Liva is available in 5 variants: J, G, G (SP) - With additional safety package, V and V (SP) - With additional safety package.

Variants - Diesel

Toyota Etios Liva Diesel is available in three variants: Diesel JD, Diesel GD and Diesel GD (SP) - With additional safety package.

Shades Available

Toyota Etios Liva is available in following seven attractive shades: Vermilion Red, Ultra Marine Blue, Celestial Black, Symphony Silver, White, Harmony Beige and Classic Grey (NEW SHADE).

Accessories Available

Toyota India is providing lots of genuine accessories for Etios Liva. Here is the list: Body graphics (dark), Body graphics (light), Side protective mounding, Fabric seat cover, Floor mat (rubber), Mudguard, Car cover (silver or Tyvek), Bumper corner protector, Trunk mat, Steering wheel cover, Luggage tray, Music system (CD player or DVD), Gear shift knob (grey or red), Roof ornament, Radiator chrome grille, Rear door garnish, Shift boot chrome bezel, Artificial leather seat covers, Leg room lamp, Fog lamp with fitting kit, Reverse parking sensor, Door side visor and Security system.

Verdict

The quality of the Toyota Etios Liva is not that of an up-market car. The upside to owning this car is that it has a spacious interior for its size and is quite affordable and not to mention comfortable as well. It is also very ideal for everyday use with its good mileage and high performance. There may be some missing features like automatic climate control and adjustable footrest but nevertheless, the selling price is a good trade-off for the missing features.