Toyota Etios Liva 2014-2016 JD

For increasing the sales in the car market, Toyota Kirloskar Motors has launched the facelifted version of its compact hatchback, Liva with a few updated features. These include a redesigned radiator grille, internally adjustable ORVMs, dual front airbags and driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. Among several variants, this Toyota Etios Liva JD is the entry level variant in its model line up. Its internal cabin is incorporated with a number of standard features, which gives the passengers a comfortable driving experience. In terms of safety, it is equipped with an advanced engine immobilizer, door ajar warning and so on. This variant is powered by a 1.4-litre, D-4D diesel power plant that delivers a reliable performance and returns a decent mileage. It has the ability to churn out power output of 67.1bhp along with 170Nm of peak torque output. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The company has blessed this trim with an advanced braking and suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable. At present, this hatchback is available in several exterior paint options, which are a Classic Grey, Symphony Silver, Celestial Black, White, Vermilion Red, Harmony Beige and an Ultra Marine Blue finish option.

Exteriors:

The company has designed its front fascia with matte black colored radiator grille, which is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a radiant headlight cluster that is integrated with bright halogen lamps and turn indicators. Just below this, the body colored bumper is fitted with a wide air dam for cooling the engine. The large windshield is integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with black colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are internally adjustable. The pronounced wheel arches are fitted with a set of 14-inch steel wheels, which are covered with 175/65 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. These rims are protected with full wheel caps. The rear end has a curvy boot lid that is embedded with prominent company badging. Its windshield is fitted with a high mounted stop lamp. The overall dimensions of this sedan are the same as previous version. Its length, width and height are 3775mm, 1695mm and 1510mm respectively. It has a large wheelbase of 2460mm along with a minimum ground clearance of 170mm, which is rather decent for this segment.

Interiors:

Its internal section is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which offers ample leg space for all passengers. These seats are covered with fabric upholstery. The manufacturer has given this variant a number of utility based aspects, which includes seven bottle holders, front seat back pockets, day and night internal rear view mirrors, assist grips with coat hook, remote fuel lid/tailgate opener and many other such aspects. It has a 251 litre boot compartment, which can be increased by folding its rear seat. The dual tone dashboard is equipped with a few aspects like a large glove box, a 3-spoke steering wheel, an illuminated instrument panel and AC vents. The tilt adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. In addition to these, it is equipped with a 12V power socket for charging gadgets, a digital tripmeter and sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror.

Engine and Performance:

This Toyota Etios Liva JD trim is powered by a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel power plant, which has the capacity to produce 1364cc . This single overhead cam shaft based diesel mill is integrated with four cylinders and eight valves. It is skilfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box that sends the engine power to its front wheels. It enables the motor to attain a top speed in the range of 155 Kmph to 165 Kmph. At the same time, it can take about 18 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill. This diesel motor can churn out a maximum power of 67.1bhp at 3800rpm along with a peak torque output of 170Nm between 1800 to 2400rpm, which is rather decent for Indian road conditions. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to generate 20.32 Kmpl within the city and 23.59 Kmpl on the highways.

Braking and Handling:

The company has used a McPherson strut for its front axle and torsion beam for the rear one. On the other hand, its front wheels are assembled with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while its rear wheels are fitted with conventional drum brakes . it is further assisted by ABS along with electronic brake force distribution. It has an electric power steering system, which is tilt adjustable. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters.

Comfort Features:

Being the base variant, this Toyota Etios Liva JD is incorporated with a number of standard features. The efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heater and a clean air filter. Other features include a responsive power steering with tilt adjustable function , a glove box with cooling effect, front cabin lights, digital tripmeter, internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, remote tailgate and so on.

Safety Features:

This variant is fitted with airbags for driver and front co-passenger, which enhances the safety in case of any collision. It has seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel . The advanced engine immobilizer safeguards the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. It is a standard variant across all variants. Its rigid body structure has side impact beams that enhances the protection of occupants sitting inside. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a high mounted stop lamp, central locking system, remote keyless entry and a centrally located fuel tank.

Pros:

1. Stylish exteriors with a brand new radiator grille.

2. Decent ground clearance is a big plus point.

Cons:

1. Lack of music system is a minus.

2. Engine noise and vibration needs to reduce.