Toyota Etios Liva : In a surprising move that has set the automotive world abuzz, Toyota is gearing up to relaunch its popular hatchback, the Etios Liva, in the Indian market.
This unexpected revival comes at a time when the industry is witnessing a shift towards SUVs and crossovers. However, Toyota’s decision to bring back the Etios Liva with a “shandar” (Hindi for stunning) new look demonstrates the company’s confidence in the enduring appeal of well-designed, practical hatchbacks in the Indian automotive landscape.
Toyota Etios Liva A Brief History: The Etios Liva Legacy
Before we delve into the exciting details of the relaunch, it’s worth revisiting the Etios Liva’s journey in India. First introduced in 2011, the Etios Liva was Toyota’s answer to the burgeoning small car market in India.
It quickly gained a reputation for its spacious interiors, fuel efficiency, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. However, facing stiff competition and changing consumer preferences, Toyota discontinued the model in 2020 with the implementation of BS6 emission norms.
Toyota Etios Liva The Comeback Kid: Why Now?
The decision to relaunch the Etios Liva comes at an interesting juncture in the Indian automotive scene.
While SUVs have been dominating new launches, there’s been a noticeable undercurrent of demand for practical, fuel-efficient hatchbacks, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Toyota seems to have recognized this latent demand and is positioning the new Etios Liva to capitalize on it.
Rajesh Sharma, an automotive analyst with GlobalAutoInsights, comments, “Toyota’s move is strategically sound. While SUVs are trendy, there’s still a significant market for well-priced, reliable hatchbacks. The new Etios Liva could very well fill a gap in Toyota’s Indian portfolio.”
Toyota Etios Liva Shandar Look: A Design Revolution
The most striking aspect of the Etios Liva relaunch is undoubtedly its new design. Toyota has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the new Liva turns heads on Indian roads.
Exterior Brilliance
The front fascia of the new Etios Liva is a complete departure from its predecessor. A large, trapezoidal grille dominates the front, flanked by sleek, LED headlamps that sweep back towards the fenders.
The bumper features sharp creases and houses LED daytime running lights, giving the car a premium, almost European look.
The side profile retains the basic silhouette of a hatchback but with more pronounced character lines that run from the front fender to the taillights, creating a sense of motion even when the car is stationary.
The wheel arches are more pronounced, housing stylish alloy wheels (in higher variants) that add to the car’s dynamic appearance.
At the rear, the new Etios Liva sports wrap-around LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, a design element that’s become increasingly popular in premium vehicles.
The rear bumper is sculpted to reduce visual bulk, with a subtle diffuser-like element adding a sporty touch.
Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, proudly stated during a press conference, “The new Etios Liva represents Toyota’s commitment to the Indian market.
We’ve listened to our customers and created a vehicle that not only meets their practical needs but also satisfies their desire for style and modernity.”
Toyota Etios Liva Color Palette
Toyota has introduced a vibrant color palette for the new Etios Liva, moving away from the conservative choices of the past. The options include:
Spicy Red – A bold, attention-grabbing hue
Coastal Blue – A calming, sophisticated color
Sunburst Orange – An energetic, youthful option
Pearl White – A classic, premium choice
Graphite Gray – A modern, urban-inspired shade
These colors have been carefully chosen to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from young professionals to small families.
Toyota Etios Liva Interior: A Leap into Modernity
Step inside the new Etios Liva, and you’re greeted by an interior that’s a class apart from its predecessor. Toyota has clearly invested significant resources in upgrading the cabin to meet the expectations of today’s discerning consumers.
The dashboard features a clean, horizontal design with a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage.
This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing one of the major criticisms of the previous model. The instrument cluster is now a semi-digital unit, with a large TFT screen flanked by analog dials for speed and engine RPM.
Soft-touch materials adorn key touchpoints, elevating the perceived quality of the interior. The seats have been redesigned for better comfort and support, with premium fabric upholstery in lower variants and the option of leatherette in higher trims.
Clever storage solutions abound, with multiple cubby holes, a cooled glovebox, and even a dedicated slot for smartphones with wireless charging capability in top-end variants.
Rear seat space, always a strong point of the Etios Liva, has been further improved. The rear bench can now comfortably accommodate three adults, a rarity in this segment. The boot space has also seen a marginal increase, now standing at a respectable 320 liters.
Toyota Etios Liva Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Performance
Under the hood, the new Etios Liva offers a choice of two engines:
1.2-liter Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine
Power: 85 PS
Torque: 113 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT
Fuel Efficiency: 21.1 kmpl (claimed)
1.5-liter Hybrid System (A first in this segment)
Combined Power: 116 PS
Electric Motor Torque: 141 Nm
Transmission: e-CVT
Fuel Efficiency: 27.8 kmpl (claimed)
The inclusion of a hybrid powertrain is a bold move by Toyota, potentially setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in the segment. This also aligns with the growing focus on reducing carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
Toyota Etios Liva Technology and Features: Punching Above Its Weight
Toyota has loaded the new Etios Liva with features that were once the preserve of more expensive vehicles:
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
360-degree camera (in top variant)
Automatic climate control
Push-button start
Cruise control
Rear AC vents
60:40 split rear seats
Steering-mounted controls
Voice command system
Toyota Etios Liva Safety: No Compromises
Safety has been given paramount importance in the new Etios Liva. Standard safety features across all variants include:
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Rear parking sensors
Speed-sensing auto door lock
Higher variants add:
Side and curtain airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Hill-start Assist
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Variants and Expected Pricing
The new Etios Liva is expected to be offered in four variants:
J (Base): ₹6.5 lakh – ₹7.5 lakh
G: ₹7.5 lakh – ₹8.5 lakh
V: ₹8.5 lakh – ₹9.5 lakh
VX (Top): ₹9.5 lakh – ₹11 lakh
The hybrid variant is expected to command a premium of about ₹1.5 lakh over the equivalent petrol variant.
(All prices are ex-showroom, estimated)
Toyota Etios Liva Market Positioning and Competition
The new Etios Liva enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, and Tata Altroz.
However, Toyota is banking on the Liva’s combination of striking design, fuel efficiency (especially with the hybrid option), and the brand’s reputation for reliability to carve out a significant market share.
Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, says, “We believe the new Etios Liva offers a unique value proposition in the premium hatchback segment.
It’s not just about good looks; it’s about delivering a complete package that meets the diverse needs of Indian consumers.”
Toyota Etios Liva Environmental Considerations
With the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain, Toyota is clearly positioning the new Etios Liva as an environmentally conscious choice. The company claims that the hybrid variant can run on electric power alone for short distances in city traffic, significantly reducing emissions.
Moreover, Toyota has stated that over 90% of the materials used in the new Etios Liva are recyclable, underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Toyota Etios Liva The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The relaunch of the Etios Liva is not without its challenges. The hatchback segment in India has seen declining sales in recent years as consumers gravitate towards SUVs and crossovers.
However, Toyota seems confident that there’s still a substantial market for well-designed, feature-rich hatchbacks, especially if they can offer the fuel efficiency and low running costs that Indian consumers prize.
The inclusion of a hybrid powertrain could be a game-changer, potentially attracting environmentally conscious buyers who find full electric vehicles impractical due to charging infrastructure limitations.
Toyota Etios Liva Conclusion: A Bold Move in Changing Times
The relaunch of the Toyota Etios Liva with its “shandar” new look is more than just the revival of a model; it’s a statement of intent from one of the world’s largest automakers.
It demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to the Indian market and its belief in the enduring appeal of the hatchback segment.
With its striking design, modern features, advanced powertrains, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the new Etios Liva has the potential to shake up the premium hatchback segment. It offers a compelling alternative for consumers who want the practicality of a hatchback but don’t want to compromise on style or features.
As the automotive industry navigates the challenges of changing consumer preferences, stricter emission norms, and the push towards electrification, the new Etios Liva represents a bridge between the present and the future.
It’s a car that respects the traditional virtues of the hatchback – practicality, efficiency, and value for money – while embracing modern design and technology.
The success of the new Etios Liva could potentially influence Toyota’s future strategies in India and other emerging markets. If it manages to capture the imagination of Indian consumers, we might see more manufacturers revisiting and reimagining their hatchback offerings.
As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Toyota. The new Etios Liva isn’t just a car; it’s a litmus test for the enduring appeal of the premium hatchback in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.
Whether it will live up to its “shandar” promise and carve out a successful niche for itself remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Toyota Etios Liva is back, and it’s determined to make a lasting impression.
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