Toyota Etios Liva

Toyota Etios liva Diesel was a very important launch for Toyota, following the success of the sedan Etios. Toyota decided to enter the hatch-segment as it not only wanted to ride on the success of utility segment but also continue its legacy in the small car segment too.

EXTERIOR
There are no major changes in the front. The Liva has the same large headlights, front grille and fog lamps from its sibling, Etios. The side profile of the Liva looks a lot better than the Etios. Although the boot on the Etios is well blended into the overall look of the car, the Liva looks a lot better without it. The large triangular lights looks comparatively better than the Etios as they are well proportioned and vertically stacked. Even the rear profile has an overall better look than its sibling. The Liva, too, is equipped with single wiper blades, miniature fog lamps, and dual reverse lamps.
The Ribbed Roof adds stability and rigidity while helping to keep the weight down. The boot, though, is not very spacious and is capable of fitting-in a couple of small-sized, light-weight bags as the boot floor is just a thin piece of corrugated PVC sheet – which is not so strong.

INTERIOR
The interiors of the Etios and the Liva are somewhat identical, without the boot space. The stereo system looks good now, however, there is no improvement in the sound quality. Average quality plastic has been used.
The flat-bottom steering wheel looks sporty and feels great to hold. The Liva is super soft in the city, but does not weigh up enough as the speed increases. Though the driver’s seat is not height adjustable neither the head-rests are, yet the seat is positioned high enough so that even a shorter driver can have a good view of the road. The rear seats are quite comfortable and provide adequate thigh support. The quality of fabric used for upholstery is quite good.
The speedometer console is right in the middle of the dashboard and the numbers are small and it is tough to tell the speed at first glance. The tachometer is also too far to the right to be used effectively. You don’t get any MID display too, which is the norm these days. It has just 2 basic trip meters.
The AC vents are positioned quite uniquely – they are round in shape and placed vertically. Toyota says this setup helps more airflow towards the rear passengers.
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ENGINE, PERFORMANCE, RIDE & HANDLING and MILEAGE
The Etios Liva Diesel is powered by a 4 cylinder SOHC D-4D 1364cc diesel unit. It produces a power of 68PS at 3800 rpm and a torque of 170Nm at 1800 – 2400 rpm which comes mated with a 5 Speed manual transmission gearbox. The engine of the Liva Diesel is as smooth as any other diesel car, and noisier compared to its petrol version.
This hatchback has an impressive turn radius of 4.8m, which makes it an ideal in-city alternative.
The transmission is quite smooth, thus helping you change the gears with ease, the air-conditioning is very effective and each door is provided with cup-holders.
The suspension levels of the Liva Diesel are very appropriate and are very well balanced between stiff and soft settings. Since it borrows its engine from the sedan, the performance is similar, though the natural difference is the body type, the hatchback ideally should have scored more but the sedan feels tighter round the corners.
The ride quality is on the softer side and the car is able to absorb most bumps and imperfections without sending much back to the cabin. At higher speeds, the Liva, does tend to skit a bit but nothing that would make the journey uncomfortable. It handles flat at road legal speeds and steering despite being devoid of feedback does weigh up correctly - the faster you go. It gets discs in front and drums at the rear which offers progressive braking.
Toyota claims a mileage of 23 kmpl with the Liva.

SAFETY FEATURES
The top-end variant is equipped with several safety and security features. It is loaded with airbags for both the driver and co-driver.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD) to offer higher stability on panic situation by dodging wheel-lock and skidding.
The other security measures include - engine immobilizer, remote central locking, child safety lock, rear defogger, front fog lamps for improved visibility in foggy weather, seat belt warning and door ajar warning indicators.
The mid-level variant has all the features that are available in the top-end model. However, the lower spec model lacks all the important safety measures such as airbags for driver and its co-occupant, and ABS with EBD.
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CONCLUSION
In the hatchback segment, where there is a vast array of vehicles, the Etios Liva has built its identity as a safe and sound option for those who see a car as a mode of transport to travel from point A to point B.
The Liva is a promising car, with enough support from the Toyota brand.
Even the pricing of the Liva has also been kept apt, in-line with the competition.