Toyota Etios Liva 2014-2016 TRD Sportivo

Toyota India has launched the facelifted version of its popular hatchback, Liva in the car market with a few modifications to its exteriors and interiors. The major changes include a redesigned radiator grille with titanium grey finish and electrically adjustable ORVMs. Then there is improved upholstery for seats along with door trims, reverse parking sensors and dual front airbags. It will compete against the likes of Chevrolet Sail Hatchback, Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Swift, Renault Pulse, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Punto EVO and others in this segment. It is available with both petrol and diesel engine options in several trim levels. Among them, Toyota Etios Liva VX is the top end variant. It comes with anti lock braking system along with EBD and driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. It also has a leather wrapped steering wheel, which is mounted with audio and call control switches. This variant is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1197cc. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 78.9bhp in combination with 104Nm of torque. This engine is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The braking and suspension mechanism of this vehicle are quite efficient and keeps it well balanced.

Exteriors:

This hatchback has an aerodynamic body structure with a lot of striking aspects. To begin with the frontage, it has a body colored bumper, which houses a large air dam for cooling the engine. It is flanked by a pair of round shaped fog lamps. The bold radiator grille has titanium grey inserts and it is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center . This grille is surrounded by a radiant headlight cluster that is incorporated with powerful halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Its large windscreen is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These electrically adjustable wing mirrors are integrated with side turn blinker. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 15-inch alloy wheels, which enhances the look of its side profile. These rims are further covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. When it comes to the rear profile, it has a body colored bumper, which houses a license plate. The expressive boot is embossed with a chrome plated strip and variant badging. The large windscreen has a defogger along with wash and wipe function. It also has a sporty rear spoiler, which is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp.

Interior:

The internal cabin of this Toyota Etios Liva VX trim is quite spacious and can easily accommodate five passengers. It comes with a dual tone color scheme. The dashboard is equipped with a few aspects like a 3-spoke steering wheel, an illuminated instrument cluster , AC vents and a large glove box with cooling effect . It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with new fabric upholstery. These are integrated with head restraints and provide ample leg space for all passengers. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging electronic devices. The advanced instrument panel houses a few functions like an electronic tripmeter, a digital tachometer, a digital clock, low fuel warning light, door ajar warning, driver seat belt reminder notification and so on. It is bestowed with a number of utility based aspects, which include remote fuel lid opener, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, assist grips with coat hook, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, seven bottle holders and several other aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this particular variant is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which can displace 1197cc . It is integrated with four cylinders and 16-valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This motor is incorporated with an electronic fuel injection (EFI) supply system that enables this motor to produce 17.71 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 15.1 Kmpl within the city. It can churn out a maximum power of 78.9bhp at 5600rpm, while generating a peak torque output of about 104Nm at 3100rpm. This petrol mill has been skillfully coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the hatchback to attain a maximum speed of approximately 145 Kmph and it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 14 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels are assembled with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while its rear wheels are fitted with conventional drum brakes . This braking mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. On the other hand, its front axle is equipped with a McPherson strut, while rear one gets torsion beam type of mechanism. The company has given it a responsive power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Toyota Etios Liva VX is blessed with a set of exciting convenience features. The list includes electrically adjustable ORVMs, height adjustable driver seat, adjustable front head rests, front cabin lights , electric power steering with tilt adjustable function, rear parking sensors, a proficient air conditioning system with heater and clean air filter. For in-car entertainment, it has an advanced 2-DIN audio system, which supports CD/MP3 player, USB interface, Aux-in port and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a multifunctional steering wheel, which is integrated with audio and call control buttons.

Safety Features:

Being the top end variant, it is incorporated with a number of protective aspects for a stress free driving experience. However, as part of the safety package, it is bestowed with ABS along with EBD, dual front SRS airbags and seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. It has an advanced engine immobilizer that prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized access . Other safety aspects include a central locking system, keyless entry, rear defogger, front fog lamps and so on.

Pros:

1. Reasonable price tag is an advantage.

2. Roomy internal cabin with good comfort features.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy can be improved.

2. A few more safety features can be added.