Toyota’s hatchback Mantra: Etios Liva

The race starts at money and ends at ‘value for money’, what the Indian middle class buyers always keep in mind. It is best judged by Toyota and the outcome is Etios Liva which records the entry in hatchback segment.

Market experts said that Liva could change the market dynamics by its price & features as it seems to be a deadly combination. In premium hatchback segment it can surely start a price war. Although, only the Ford Figo with a price tag of Rs. 3.59 Lakh (Petrol) is priced lower than the Liva, Toyota has been extremely successful in MUVs, and has big hopes from Etios models.

Model                     base price                       Top End
Etios Liva                 3.99                                  5.49
Maruti Swift             4.09                                 5.38
Fiat Punto                 4.31                                 6.84
Skoda Fabia             4.43                                  5.79
Polo                            4.59                                 6.07
Hyundai i20            4.58                                 5.83

“We aim to sell more than 100,000 Etios sedans and hatchbacks in 2012,” said Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director (marketing) at Toyota Kirloskar. Toyota had launched the Etios as a mass market affordable sedan last December and has sold a little over 20,000 units since. “There is a strong demand for small cars and we will expand depending upon the demand from the domestic market,” added Singh

So far as features & style are concerned, the main competitors seem to be Maruti’s premium hatchback Swift & Hyundai’s compact car i20. the engine specifications are as follows:

Engine     Toyota Liva                         Maruti Swift                         Hyundai

Size 1.2 L                                    1.2 L                                        1.2 L
Power 79@5600                           84@6000                             79@5200
Torque 104@3100                          113@4500                          102@4000
ARAI (kpl) 18.31                                      17.94                                         18.15

What you’ll like:
• Toyota’s fuss-free ownership experience & excellent after-sales
• A neutral family hatchback with the Turbo badge
• Spacious interiors with a sitting capacity of 5 adults
• Super light controls, especially steering & short-throw clutch. Effortless to drive within the city
• Well-tuned suspension. Safe handling and flat ride
• Safety package (Airbags, ABS & EBD) optional on middle variant too

What you won’t:
• 1.2L engine lacks bottom end
• Cost-cutting glaringly obvious in many areas
• Economy-grade interior quality & unconventional dashboard
• Missing equipment (climate control, height adjustable driver’s seat etc.)
• Poor insulation. Engine, suspension & road noise are prominent