Toyota Etios Liva Motor Racing

The Toyota Etios Liva is a compact hatchback designed with Indian market conditions in mind. It boasts spacious interiors that can comfortably accommodate five adults, along with a well-tuned suspension that provides a smooth ride even on rough roads. The engine, particularly the 1.2L petrol, offers good driveability in city traffic with strong low-end responses and linear power delivery. The cars ergonomics are excellent, with a comfortable driving position and well-placed controls. While the steering feel is somewhat lifeless, the overall handling and stability are commendable. The Etios Liva also stands out for its reliability and low maintenance costs, making it a solid choice for those seeking a practical and dependable vehicle. However, the Motor Racing series variant is a specialized version that is more suited to track driving due to its stripped-down and performance-tuned nature.

The Toyota Etios Liva, particularly in its motor racing variant, is a unique blend of performance and practicality, though it may not fully align with the typical expectations of a production car. From my experience, the Etios Liva Motor Racing series car is stripped down to enhance its peppy and agile nature, making it extremely fun to drive on the track. The suspension is brilliant, handling is superb, and the car delivers decent power from 3000rpm to the redline. However, this variant is not for everyday driving it lacks the comfort and features of the standard model. For those looking for a track-focused vehicle, the Etios Liva Motor Racing series is an excellent choice, but for regular use, the standard Etios Liva would be more suitable.

Toyotas decision to end the Etios Motor Racing series was part of a broader strategy to align with changing market trends and emission standards. The Etios range, including the Liva, was not updated to meet BS6 emission norms, leading to its discontinuation. This marked the end of an era for the Etios in Indian motorsports.

After three successful seasons, Toyota pulled the curtains on the Etios Motor Racing one-make series. Despite its popularity, the series came to an end as Toyota shifted its focus towards other market segments, including SUVs. The Etios platform played a significant role in Indian motorsports during its run.

The Etios Motor Racing cars were prepared by Red Rooster Performance and designed by TRD, ensuring high performance and reliability. The series received an overwhelming response in its initial rounds, with 3300 applicants vying for a spot. This was a testament to the growing interest in motorsports in India.

The Etios Motor Racing cars were known for their endurance and fun to drive aspect, which were key factors in their popularity among participants. The series not only showcased the technological prowess of Toyota but also the reliability of the Etios platform. This made the series a memorable part of Indian motorsport history.

The Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Trophy entered its second season in 2014, with the first round held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. This season saw new drivers joining the competition and continued the partnership with Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to support young racers. The event was a significant step in promoting motorsports at a grassroots level.

The Toyota Etios Liva, in its standard form, was priced competitively in the Indian market. However, the Motor Racing series variant was not a mass-production model and was primarily used for racing events. If we consider the standard Etios Liva, the ex-showroom price ranged from approximately 5.5 lakh to 7.5 lakh, depending on the trim and engine option. On-road prices would have been around 6.5 lakh to 9 lakh, including taxes, registration, and other costs. For the Motor Racing series, pricing would be highly variable and likely much higher due to its specialized nature and limited availability.

In terms of mileage, the Toyota Etios Liva is known for its reasonable fuel efficiency. For the standard model, city driving typically yields around 11 kmpl, which is respectable given its performance and comfort. However, the Motor Racing series variant, being stripped down and tuned for performance, would likely have lower mileage figures. If fuel efficiency is a key concern, the standard Etios Liva would be a better choice, but for track enthusiasts, the trade-off in mileage for enhanced performance might be acceptable.