Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013) Review & Pictures: Likable Liva

[350Z]

“Likable Liva”

Toyota Etios Liva GD Review Synopsis: Toyota Etios Liva GD price tag is between Rs.5.17 – 6.36 Lakh. It officially launched in India on 10 March 2013.​

There’s hardly any volume playing automaker in India which can afford to stay away from the hot and happening hatchback segment. Toyota is no different. Prior to introduction of Etios models, the brand carried a high-end image in India but the company’s head honchos were clearly informed that it wouldn’t suffice in long term if they are willing to grab hold of a reasonable chunk of the sales pie chart. On 5th January 2010, Toyota officially made the world-premiere of Etios concept cars in hatchback and sedan avatars at the Auto Expo, Delhi. Being available for first time ever, Toyota fondly put a claim on Etios twins as “India’s first” which in itself was one of their important USPs apart from being the most affordable Toyota in country. By the year end, public witnessed the launch of Etios sedan followed by hatchback later in June 2011 at a lucrative price tag of Rs.3.99 Lakhs.

Not many of us might be aware but the name “Etios” is derived from the Greek word called “Ethos” that translates into spirit, character and ideas. There’s no denying that Toyota achieved what it aimed with the introduction of Etios twins. Both the cars proved to be a runaway success in India to such an extent that Toyota received twice the response they had anticipated. In fact, for the same reason, Liva’s launch was deferred from April to June 2011 because bookings were already overflowing at the dealerships. It’s been two years down the lane for Etios Liva now and the initial hoopla has settled down. The Indian car market has continued to evolve by a considerable margin with new entrants competing neck-to-neck, how could Toyota dare to miss a chance to make its presence felt? Japanese giant recently offered Liva a mild makeover, including some corrective measures that were reported by owners of the former lot. Furthermore, it has also signed the well-known cricketer Virat Kohli to endorse their brand.

Though is that’s all the Liva requires to do the trick?​

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Looks and Design.

The Liva, obviously, is not a case of ‘love at first sight’. Just use this car for some time and you will realize that its design, which looks more cheerful in light color shades, has gradually grown on you. It’s hard to distinguish between the hatchback and sedan versions when seen from a head-on view. Even the changes in 2013 model aren’t evident at a quick glance. However, the talking point of refreshed Liva is the wide smiling grille that now has a tinge of chrome to make it appear less plasticy.

Toyota has shown more generosity to petrol models opposed to the diesel, since the latter doesn't come in top-end variant. While petrol model receives a full top covered chrome grille, there’s only a thin line of chrome floating in middle of grille on diesel. Similarly, front fog lamps and indicators on outside rear view mirrors are a skip in GD version. The small headlamps apparently make Etios Liva appear cute rather than providing a commanding attitude. Yet, I should admit that these headlights do their job well with a perfect throw of beam. As a cost-cutting measure, the car has only a single windshield wiper but it is also quite capable to sweep the maximum region of windshield without a fuss.

You can't blame if someone mistakes a Liva for Nissan Micra from side view because somehow both the cars seem to share a close DNA with each other from this angle. There’s neither sharp styling nor curvy lines flowing across unlike the modern hatchbacks. This T is all about minimalism. It has own share of odds though. Etios still incorporates flap-type door handles which are hard to find in fresh cars of this century. On top of it, thickness of metal sheets used in manufacturing the car is awful. Heck, even twisting the key to unlock door was enough to bend the metal sheet. I’m not surprised with this kind of approach adopted by certain carmakers who manufacture their cars for Indian market, considering that our nation doesn’t have stringent laws for safety standards whatsoever. A few cars will end up as recycle-ready chunk of metal if they undergo a crash test ever.

The rear is one of the better looking angles of Liva and is clearly more appealing than that of its sedan counterpart. Upto a marginal extent, reworked taillights cluster have aided to enhance overall appearance. It doesn’t have the classic chrome garnish stripe gliding above Toyota logo and neither a rear wiper as seen on top-end petrol version, causing the design to look somewhat bland. But there are some who prefer it like that. Take our fellow forum member ‘amiti’ for example, who took a step forward and debadged the rear to make his white Liva look neat. Those who wish to make their car sporty; Toyota is also offering rear spoiler and body kits as a part of official accessories which certainly boosts the oomph factor of the otherwise simple design. Pop up the hatch and you will be presented with a useable 251 liters of boot space which is flexible to hold larger luggage if the rear seat is folded but a missing split function more or less keeps the actual practicality limited.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Interiors and Comfort.

On the outside, Liva looks small and bland but interiors are the place where its real USP lies. I’d any day love to be chauffeured around in an Etios. Thanks to the fresh beige color combination (opposed to boring grey); interiors of 2013 model seem to be more inviting and spacious. There is abundant of space for a hatchback, whether you are sitting in front or the rear seats. Surprisingly, overall fit, finish and quality of the dashboard plastic is respectable too. Getting in and out of the car is convenient as all the doors open up wide but a hollow thud sound upon shutting the doors could be a disappointing factor for those who aspire a strong built.

First thing on the dashboard that captures attention is the center-mounted instrument cluster which now has a pleasing ice-blue illumination. Unique but Liva is not the only car in India that carries this new fashion. This type of cluster has its own pros and cons. Good bit being that it provides more roominess and a clear view of the front to driver. Plus, you can easily keep a check on speed if you’re being driven around by a newly appointed chauffeur who considers himself no less than the Schumacher. Or your ‘enthusiastic’ teenager kid who has just acquired a driving license. Bad bit includes that it is no more possible to look into the instrument cluster while driving without distracting the vision.

There is not much to fiddle around in the center console apart from the usual buttons that consist of rotary knobs and a manual switch for air recirculation. Unfortunately, climate control is still not available even in the top-end variants of Etios. The center console is slightly tilted towards driver side to make it relatively comfortable to operate the controls. However, something that really appears unconventional is the circular air conditioner vents. It’s not their design but the positioning that stands out. Two air conditioner vents in the middle are located on left hand side in a column, far-off from the driver’s reach, but an effective compressor ensures that the cabin is cooled within a few minutes.

Toyota also claims to have equipped the New Liva with an efficient clean air filter for the air conditioner. Numerous cubbyholes translated that we never had to hunt for spaces to store regular items including our mobile phones, camera, notepad, documents and water bottles. There’s a storage compartment in every direction you look. Front, side, rear or bottom – You name it. All in all, there are seven cup holders and a deep 13 liter chilled glove box which can accommodate an A4 size paper straight without a crease. The cold air outlet in glovebox is linked through the main air conditioning unit and equipped with a flap to open or close it. Though exposed screws throughout the interiors are an eyesore.

The new dual-din MP3 head unit is another praising aspect. It supports Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in and most importantly, sounds well. Just for clarification, Bluetooth and Aux-in compatible head unit (with steering mounted controls) is equipped in petrol variant only. The buttons feel quite rubbery and there are only front speakers on offer, many owners would want to install the other two as well. Giving a thought to the criticism that Toyota received for providing ultra-thin seat with in-built headrests, the company has totally swapped the older set of seats with new ones that does make a noticeable difference. They’re thicker, more comfortable and all seats come with adjustable headrests. Their width and a fantastic under thigh support makes travelling on long distances in Liva a pleasureable experience. Also, adjustable seat height on driver’s side simply serves as a cherry on the top.

Overall upholstery has a sober design, including door pads but their plastic is ridiculously cheap. It was awkward to find the door pad vibrating with my elbow on it whenever I used to roll the power windows up and down. The Etios lacks some of the most essential features that are often found even in the cars a segment below: speed sensing auto lock, tachometer (missing in diesel) and engine temperature gauge to name a few. They could alone be enough to let down a potential customer. Toyota although has made an effort to disguise most of the exposed parts on the inside (save for visible screws) but fabric wrapped around the driver's seat near center console is not firmly secured.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Performance and Fuel Efficiency.

By September 2011, Toyota introduced the much demanded diesel engine in Etios twins. However, the top-end ‘V’ variant is kept off from the hatchback and only distinguishing factor on the outside is the suffix ‘D’ on the variant that identifies the diesel model. Under the hood, Liva 2013 Diesel remains untouched. It’s powered by a 1364cc, well-known D-4D motor that does duty on a much bigger Toyota Corolla Altis as well. Nevertheless, this engine in Liva is detuned and puts to use a FGT (fixed geometry turbo) rather than the VGT (variable geometry turbo) unit. Gear ratios have also been altered in order to keep the costs in check.

The Liva D-4D brings out the power of 68 PS @ 3800 RPM and torque of 170 NM between 1800 – 2400 RPM. Contrary to Altis Diesel (from which the engine is borrowed), the turbo lag is negligible in the Etios Diesel that makes it one of the most graceful diesel hatchbacks to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic within the segment. Having a curb weight of merely 975 kilograms, Liva boasts of an impressive power to weight ratio too. At lower speeds, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels are well-controlled inside the car, thanks to sound dampeners and hydraulic engine mounts in 2013 model, but accelerate further and the diesel clatter becomes more audible. Though make no mistake, this hatch doesn’t prefers to be revved hard. The car is just ideal to be driven in city limits and a fine-tuned gearbox makes things better, even though it feels like holding a golf ball in hand.

Steering, on the other hand, is not outright responsive and leaves something to be desired but one will be undoubtedly left amazed with a superb braking ability that comes with every Liva as standard. As far as ride characteristics are concerned, front (MacPherson) and rear (Torsion Beam) suspension, although is on a firmer side, it proficiently soaks up the average bad patches on road. Using the Liva for a weekend reminded me good ol’ days of how economical driving a hatchback can be. More so if it is a diesel one. I was stunned to see the mileage bar on the instrument cluster not dropping despite driving over a hundred kilometers on the first day itself. To be honest, for a moment, I thought it has gone kaput. But nope. The car indeed returned an excellent mileage of nearly 20 Kmpl with A/C switched on. After all, that’s what primarily Toyota aimed to deliver in Etios.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Verdict, Likes, Dislikes and Star Ratings.

Speaking in general sense, Etios Liva has emerged as a no-nonsense hatchback. It has a debatable design, which may or may not appeal to the masses. Ridiculous cost cutting is evident and the car also lacks a few essential features that have become a must, considering since the competition has a lot more to offer. Yet, this car has ability to shine out in the segment with its own set of advantages. An efficient diesel motor, incredible space and comfort, all this with an image and proven reliability of a well-established brand like Toyota. While Liva certainly can’t be called an enthusiast’s delight but pros overall make it a likable hatchback for city commute. So what would you want to trade off between?

You’ll Love:

> Excellent real-world fuel efficiency figures.

> Good diesel motor with restricted turbo-lag.

> Premium brand value and expected long-term reliability.

> Spacious interiors and nice under thigh support on seats.

> Anti-lock braking system (ABS) standard on diesel versions.

You’ll Loathe:

> Simple and unexciting overall design.

> Excessive visible cost-cutting attempts.

> Downgrade material used throughout the car.

> Not a hatchback that would appease the real ‘enthusiasts’.

> Lacks essential features. Diesel unavailable in top-end variant.

The Ratings:

> Design + Quality................:

> Comfort + Features...........:

> Engine + Performance.......:

> Handling + Ride Quality.....:

> Safety + Security Levels....:

> Overall Fuel Consumption..:

> Sales + Service Network:...:

> Value For Money Factor......:

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Price and Less Known Facts.

Toyota Etios Liva Price (Ex. Showroom, Delhi):

Petrol:

> J PS: Rs.4,46,276

> G: Rs.4,89,849

> G SP: Rs.5,38,559

> V: Rs.5,60,356

> V SP: Rs.5,99,456

> TRD Sportivo: Rs.6,13,560

Diesel:

> JD: Rs.5,72,119

> GD: Rs.5,99,900

> GD SP: Rs.6,38,390

> TRD Sportivo: Rs.6,59,264

Did You Know?

> Toyota Etios comes with 3 Year / 1,00,000 Kms warranty by default.

> The Etios sedan and Liva hatchback share a common ownership manual.

> The audio system information is included in the main manual. It also has a separate manual too.

> All the doors automatically lock after 30 seconds if no door is opened after pressing the remote key.

> Official ARAI claimed mileage for Liva is 23.59 Kmpl and 17.71 Kmpl for diesel and petrol versions respectively.

> The car is equipped with an exclusive event data recorder that records airbag deployment and diagnostics data. It’s installed in the airbag sensor mechanism.

> The built-in computer also records engine speed, accelerator status, brake status, vehicle speed. This data varies based on variants and doesn’t record voice / images.

> Thankfully, Toyota has not compromised on safety features. Front airbags are optional from mid variant onward. However, both diesel variants come with ABS as standard.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Specifications and Video Review.

Toyota Etios Liva 2013 Specifications Comparison

Toyota Etios Liva 2013 External NVH

Toyota Etios Liva 2013 High Speed NVH

Toyota Etios Liva 2013 TV Commercial

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Pictorial Review.

Toyota Etios Liva Scenic Shots

My all-time favorite driving destination.

Only a single windshield wiper but it does the job flawlessly. Yet to test it in heavy downpour though.

Single windshield washer jet has three nozzles to evenly spread the water across windshield.

ORVMs neatly slip inside. A boon when parking in tight spots.

Mirrors offer a wide view and are manually internally adjustable.

Liva runs on 175/65 R14 Bridgestone tyres. Note the limited rear overhang.

That's maximum limit the rear windows roll down.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Pictorial Review.

These ribs support strength of the roof whilst keeping it light weight.

The roof antenna is foldable.

Use of sound deadening material on diesel to keep the excessive diesel clatter in check.

Exhaust tip is curved and less visible when seen from rear.

There’s a clear ‘Diesel’ marking on the fuel cap.

Usage of chrome is on a diet in diesel. There’s no chrome garnish strip this side.

This handle proves helpful while shutting the hatch.

The rear parcel tray is equipped as a standard feature. You can completely remove it if not required.

Full sized steel spare wheel along with a toolkit in the boot.

All four doors open wide enough for a comfortable ingress and egress.

​

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Pictorial Review.

Front seats are thicker and relatively more comfortable.

Height adjustable driver seat is a welcome addition.

The rear bench is incredibly spacious and offers a decent under thigh support.

The rear seat is foldable to accommodate larger luggage. No split function though.

Rear seats receive twin adjustable headrests as well.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look.

The center console is slightly tilted towards the driver’s side.

Old fashioned rotary knobs to control air conditioner. There are limited modes for air circulation.

Newly introduced audio set ups sounds well.

Thankfully no cost cutting here. It has a separate remote control too.

The advantage of using a ‘Made for India’ product. Headlamp and wiper stalks are located where they’re supposed to.

An odd looking (and unmarked) pull-type lever to unlock the hood.

Overall dashboard plastics are respectable. The glovebox cover also serves as the frame of left side A/C vent.

The deep 13 liter glovebox can accommodate an A4 size paper without a crease.

The cool air outlet for glovebox is linked through the air conditioner vent. You can open or close it with that flap.

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013): Pictorial Review.

Most of the Liva owners wouldn’t want to upgrade their headlamps. Here’s the proof.

Low Beam

High Beam

New ice blue illuminated instrument cluster appears pleasing in night.

There’s plenty of free space above dashboard on driver’s side since main cluster is situated in middle.

A/C vents may look unusual at first but efficiently do their work.

12V socket is isolated in a corner in middle of the dashboard.

The raised position of keyhole makes inserting the key a convenient affair.

Although I found the pedals a bit raised but clutch is light and perfect when struggling in traffic

Fuel and bootlid latch are coupled together. On a close observation, you’ll find they’ve a stickered marking (not printed).

Passenger side foot well isn’t deep but wirings are neatly hidden.

To slot reverse gear, pull up the latch on gearstick and put the gear in position similar to first.

Fabric on driver’s seat (to disguise seat rails) easily came off.

Driver’s side power window comes with one-touch roll down feature.

Front door pocket can carry a one liter bottle. However, surface of the pocket is slanted for some reason.

Rear door pocket is designed to strictly carry only one water bottle.

Thermocole stuffed in between front fender to bring down the NVH levels.

Toyota Etios Liva recommended tyre pressure chart.

Just a single interior lamp.

Quality of sunvisors is outright cheap (more than that of my Maruti 800). Vanity mirror is present only on passenger side.

Inside rear view mirror provides an adequate view.

Although reversing the Liva isn’t a task but two huge rear headrests block vision of the corners.

The key and central locking remote are provided separately that makes it appear more like an aftermarket fitment.

© TheAutomotiveIndia.com. Any attempt to republish the text or pictures anyway without prior consent of our authorities is strictly forbidden.​

 

[350Z]

Re: Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013) Test Drive Review

Note: Toyota Etios Liva 2013 Road Test Review Now Online.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[K!NkY]

Re: Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013) Test Drive Review

Wow that was a very deep review. Still Toyota did not learn what maruti learned in providing better quality.

 

[Akash]

Re: Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013) Test Drive Review

Indeed a comprehensive review packed with some really nice pictures.

I remember when I was testing the Etios sedan, the SA who accompanied me was constantly trying to get a feedback on how this Toyota felt to which I replied on a positive note. But I was surprised when he said that even the dealers are not happy with the quality of interiors and certainly it doesnt feel like a Toyota, so he was certain that even I was faking the impressiveness!

Why I brought this entire episode into picture is to emphasize on the fact that, though gradual, the mild changes done to the interiors are surely impressive, however, Toyota must try and improve the quality of material too. I completely understand that Etios as well as Liva are super VFM products, but then Toyota should do it for their namesake.

The second big change which i would like to see on the Etios as well as Liva is the position of the speedo cluster. I am one of those drivers who loves to check his speedo every once in a while and this placement gives a Taxi'ish feeling to the car (Entirely my personal opinion).

And last but not the least, If i was in the market for a diesel hatch, Etios Liva would have surely been given consideration.

 

[K!NkY]

Re: Toyota Etios Liva GD (2013) Test Drive Review

Indeed a comprehensive review packed with some really nice pictures.

I remember when I was testing the Etios sedan, the SA who accompanied me was constantly trying to get a feedback on how this Toyota felt to which I replied on a positive note. But I was surprised when he said that even the dealers are not happy with the quality of interiors and certainly it doesnt feel like a Toyota, so he was certain that even I was faking the impressiveness!

Why I brought this entire episode into picture is to emphasize on the fact that, though gradual, the mild changes done to the interiors are surely impressive, however, Toyota must try and improve the quality of material too. I completely understand that Etios as well as Liva are super VFM products, but then Toyota should do it for their namesake.

The second big change which i would like to see on the Etios as well as Liva is the position of the speedo cluster. I am one of those drivers who loves to check his speedo every once in a while and this placement gives a Taxi'ish feeling to the car (Entirely my personal opinion).

And last but not the least, If i was in the market for a diesel hatch, Etios Liva would have surely been given consideration.

Yes Akash I was waiting for this car when it initially launched and the ar rahman ad drove to showroom next day. Oh man my family members straight away waked out of showroom seeing the interiors I had to excuse the sales guy to walk out of the showroom.