Toyota Etios Liva 2014-2016 VD

Toyota Etios Liva is one of the successful hatchbacks available in the country's automobile market. It is offered in both petrol and diesel versions among which, Toyota Etios Liva VD is a mid range diesel variant. The car maker has introduced the facelifted version of this hatch with minor updates made to its interiors and exteriors as well. It now gets a redesigned radiator grille with titanium grey finish, which gives a stylish look to its front facade. On the other hand, its interiors receives some updates like a new fabric upholstery, one additional remote key and seat belt reminder with buzzer. Other aspects in the cabin include three assist grips, bottle holders, sun visors and a few others. There is also an advanced audio unit that provides best in-car entertainment. On the safety front, this trim includes central locking system, dual front airbags and immobilizer that provides security to its passengers. It is incorporated with a 1.4-litre diesel engine that can produce a maximum power of 67.1bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 170 Nm. This mill is based on SOHC valve configuration and generates a maximum mileage of 23.59 Kmpl. It has a centrally mounted fuel tank that is capable of holding around 45 litres of fuel in it. This vehicle comes with a standard warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. It faces tough competition from Maruti Swift, Honda Brio, Nissan Micra, Ford Figo and a few others in this segment.

Exteriors:

This variant has striking exterior features, which will certainly lure a number of buyers. Starting with the front fascia, there is a bold radiator grille that has titanium grey finishing and engraved with a prominent company's logo in the middle. It is flanked by a trendy headlight cluster that is integrated with high intensity headlamps and turn indicators as well. The windscreen is wide and equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. The bonnet is sleek and includes a few visible character lines on it. Below this grille is a bumper that is fitted with an air dam, which cools the engine quickly. This bumper is painted in body color and includes a pair of bright fog lamps as well. The side profile looks quite attractive with aspects like B-pillars, body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors that also have side turn indicators. Its wheel arches are equipped with a conventional set of 15 inch alloy wheels, which gives a stylish look to its side profile. These rims are further covered with radial tubeless tyres of size 185/60 R15. Its rear profile has a decent appearance that includes features like a radiant tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid that is embossed with company's badge. It also has a body colored bumper, windshield and a roof mounted antenna that completes the look of its rear profile.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Toyota Etios Liva VD trim are elegantly decorated with Greige color scheme that is complimented by bright silver inserts. The spacious cabin has well cushioned seats for five people and these are covered with new fabric upholstery. It has a three spoke steering wheel that is wrapped with fine leather and also embossed with company's logo. The gear shift knob is garnished with chrome, while the stylish center console is fitted with an infotainment system. The dashboard is neatly designed and integrated with air vents and a large glove box compartment that is useful for storing small things . The fabric inserts on door trims and steering wheel with silver accentuation further adds to its classiness. There are front sun visors available along with vanity mirror on co-passenger side. Besides these, it has a few utility based aspects like front and rear door pockets, three assist grip with coat hook, rear parcel tray, seven bottle holders and a 12V power outlet that is useful for charging phones and other electronic devices. This vehicle is offered with a boot space of 251 litres, which is good enough for placing a lot of luggage.

Engine and Performance:

This mid range variant is powered by a 1.4-litre, D-4D diesel engine that comes with a total displacement capacity of 1364cc. It is integrated with a common rail direct injection fuel supply system. This mill has four cylinders, eight valves and is based on a single overhead camshaft valve configuration. It has the ability to deliver a healthy mileage of 23.59 Kmpl, which comes down to around 20.32 Kmpl when driven under city traffic conditions. This motor is skillfully paired with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that transmits torque to its front wheels. It can churn out a peak power of 67.1bhp at 3800rpm and at the same time, yields 170Nm of torque output in the range of 1800 to 2400rpm.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has incorporated it with an efficient suspension system that helps in maintaining the stability of vehicle on any road conditions. The front axle is affixed with a McPherson strut and the rear one is assembled with a torsion beam type of system. As far as its braking is concerned, its front wheels are fitted with a robust set of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones are equipped with sturdy drum brakes. It is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution for further improving this mechanism. On the other hand, it is blessed with an electric power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters. It has tilt adjustment function and makes handling quite convenient.

Comfort Features:

There are several comfort features available in this Toyota Etios Liva VD trim that helps in giving an enjoyable driving experience. For in-car entertainment, it has an advanced music system that features a CD, MP3 player, AM/FM radio tuner along with four speakers. This unit also supports USB port, auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity as well. It has all four power windows with driver's side auto down function. The air conditioning unit cools the cabin in no time and creates a pleasant ambiance. It comes along with a heater and clean air filter as well. Apart from these, it also includes front cabin lights, tilt steering wheel, day and night inside rear view mirror, rear defogger, height adjustable driver's seat, passenger side vanity mirror and a tachometer.

Safety Features:

This mid range variant is bestowed with a number of safety aspects that ensures protection of not only its passengers but the vehicle as well. It has anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that prevents skidding of vehicle at the time of emergency braking. The central locking system assists to lock all doors with the push of a button. It has reverse parking sensors, which allows the driver to park it safely. It includes dual front SRS airbags along with driver side airbag that offers protection in case of a collision. The engine immobilizer restricts unauthorized entry into this hatch and protects it from theft. Other aspects like driver seat belt warning, door ajar notification and keyless entry adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is quite good.

2. Innovative comfort aspects are available.

Cons:

1. A few more safety features can be added.

2. Interior design can be made better.