If the Toyota Etios has a waiting list today there will soon be an even longer waiting list for it’s hatchback incarnation the Liva that is almost exactly the same car without a boot and at a more affordable price. It has the same interior space and almost the same specifications. Features remain the same too and certainly much better looking. The boot of the Etios was very boxy but the rear of the Liva is definitely more curvy and attractive. Hatchbacks account for over 74 per cent of Indian car sales and to show the importance that Toyota attaches to their first foray into India’s huge mass market segment, Mr Hiroji Onishi, president of Toyota Motors Asia Pacific, came to preside over the launch.
Like its saloon sibling Etios, the Liva is a spacious and comfortable car with a few unique features. The first thing that catches the eye is the positioning of the rather jazzy instrument panel on the middle of the dashboard. This allows the driver to see the speed and other data with his peripheral vision without taking his eyes off the road. Just below it are two AC ducts one above the other so that one can be directed to the back to quickly cool the rear. The cooling even gets to a very large glove compartment that is big enough for seven one-litre water bottles. The buyer will also be surprised to see the sporty looking steering wheel that is a bit flattened at the lower end. The power steering is electric and very responsive. The rear seat is comfortable for three people with a low centre bump and a rather flat bench. The 1197 cc engine generates an adequate 80 HP but appears to have been set more for fuel efficiency than for peppy acceleration. The top models also sport a chin spoiler, in addition to the standard roof spoiler, along with airbags and ABS brakes. The ARAI tests show that the Liva achieves the best fuel consumption in its sub segment of 18.3 kmpl that would deliver roughly 15 kmpl in normal driving conditions.
As a large hatchback it will compete with the Fiat Punto, Ford Figo, GM Beat and UVA, Hyundai i20, Maruti Swift and Ritz, Nissan Micra, Skoda Fabia and VW Polo and is quite competitively priced with four models between Rs. 3.99 and 5.99 Lakhs. Many competitors have the advantage of a diesel engine but there remains a big market among the petrol cars. Toyota hinted that they may introduce a small diesel engine at some later date.
The writer is an automotive expert and the former editor of a national magazine.