Toyota Brings Its First Hatchback Etios Liva To India
Hatchbacks are the most popular vehicles running on the Indian roads. There are several advantages of owning a hatchback. Firstly, the large middle class population could easily afford hatchbacks carrying an affordable price tag. Secondly, the small vehicles could easily travel through the congested Indian roads. And thirdly, the fuel efficient cars could considerably save the fuel bill.
Hence, to grab a part of the hatchback market in the country, which is dominated by Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors, Japanese automobile major Toyota has launched Etios Liva. Toyota as we all know is noted for large cars. Etios Liva is the first hatchback from the company. The Etios Liva concept vehicle was first introduced last year at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.
Toyota Etios Liva Features
Toyota Etios Liva Exterior
The Toyota Etios hatchback will come in vermillion red, symphony silver, celestial black, harmony beige, ultramarine blue, white and serene bluish silver colors. Etios Liva greets you with a smiling face featured by an elongated U-shaped front grille. The J variant features matte black front grille and the G variant comes with body colored front grille. Toyota has incorporated chrome garnish on the top end variants of Etios Liva.
Chrome inserts are also present on the boot of the top end models. Body colored handles accentuate the stylish appearance of the hatchback. The top end model flaunts a classy look with chrome door handles. The tubeless tyres further enhance the appearance of the small car. For a smarter look, Toyota has given the high-end versions of Etios Liva 12-spoke alloy wheels. The 3775mm long, 1695mm wide and 1510mm tall hatchback offers 2460mm wheelbase and 170mm ground clearance.
Toyota Etios Liva Interior
While designing its first hatchback, Toyota relied on extensive market research for decorating the interior. As a result, Toyota produced a hatchback that boasts of the finest interior features. Its comfortable cabin differentiates Toyota Etios Liva from other models in the hatchback segment. The J and the G variants feature black upholstery. The top end variants are decked with dual tone fabric upholstery. Customers have the option of purchasing a car with either black and red or black and grey seats. The 3-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather in the top end variants. Toyota has made good use of the interior space, which has increased the storage capacity of the vehicle. The hatchback offers 251-liter boot space. Seven bottle holders, front and rear door pockets are present in the vehicle.
A comfortable environment is maintained in the cabin by the built-in air conditioner with heater. The integrated clean air filter purifies the air inside the cabin. Audio system is installed only in the high-end models. It houses CD/DVD player, MP3 player, FM radio, aux-in and USB ports. The audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel in the top end VX variant. The functions of the audio system could be controlled with remote. To increase the musical experience of the occupants further, four speakers are installed in the hatchback. Digital trip meter, present in all the Etios Liva variants, measures the distance traversed by the vehicle, which helps you to calculate the mileage delivered by the car. Speedsters who are willing to track the rotation of the engine (RPM) might prefer a tachometer, which is present only in the top end models. The tilt steering will help the driver to adjust the steering wheel.
Toyota Etios Liva Engine
A 1.2-liter engine is present under the bonnet of the Toyota hatchback. Combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the engine could generate 80PS at 5600-rpm maximum output and 104NM peak torque at 3100rpm. Etios Liva is a fuel-efficient vehicle. It can deliver more than 18kmpl mileage.
Toyota Etios Liva Safety
To ensure a safe ride, MacPherson strut is integrated in the front suspension and the rear suspension system comprises of torsion beam. The braking system is managed by ventilated disc at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which ensures the safety of a vehicle when brakes are suddenly applied, is present in the top end variants.
This advanced safety feature is optional in the G variant. The top end models flaunt additional safety features such as driver seatbelt warning and dual SRS airbags. These features are optional in the G variant, and are absent in the base models. Engine immobilizer and door ajar warning are present in all the Toyota Etios Liva variants.
Toyota Etios Liva Price In India
The price of the J variant of Etios Liva starts from Rs 3.99 lakhs. The price of the G variant of the Toyota hatchback begins from R 4.59 lakhs. The top end model is priced at Rs 5.99 lakhs.
Comparison with similar hatchbacks
Toyota Etios Liva vs. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Toyota Etios Liva is pitted against Wagon R from the stable of Maruti Suzuki. The Toyota hatchback is more powerful than the Maruti product. The 1.2-liter petrol engine of Etios Liva delivers 80PS maximum power, whereas its Maruti Suzuki rival with its 1-liter petrol powertrain could produce around 68PS of peak output. The maximum torque generated by the engine of Etios Liva is 14NM higher than that of its rival. The exterior design of Toyota Etios Liva is slightly better than that of Maruti Wagon R.
The interior of both the hatchbacks feature dual tone upholstery and similar comfort features. However, the larger Etios Liva is more spacious and it offers more storage space. Built-in audio system is absent in Wagon R. The top end variants of both the hatchbacks support similar safety features including ABS and dual SRS airbag. The built-intelligent computerized anti theft system in Wagon R protects the vehicle from unwelcome guests. In Toyota Etios Liva, the integrated immobilizer reduces the risk of theft.
Toyota Etios Liva vs. Skoda Fabia
A 1.2-liter engine fueled by petrol is present in Skoda Fabia. The powertrain of Skoda Fabia generates slightly less output and torque than the Toyota hatchback. Skoda Fabia is slightly larger than Etios Liva, however, it is not as wide as its rival. Both the hatchbacks are equipped with similar comfort and audio features.
However, the top end model of Skoda Fabia boasts of additional safety features such as Engine Braking Control and Motor Speed Regulation, which are missing in Etios Liva.
