Ready reckoner: Small car launches in the last four weeks

In the past four weeks, there have been two new launches in the small car segment. The Liva diesel was launched by Toyota to address the big demand for diesel cars, and an improved Vista was launched by Tata Motors with more features and better looks.

Here’s a ready reckoner about these two new launches that premium hatchback buyers will find useful as they finalize their purchase during this festive season.

Here are the details about price, specs, and our verdict on how the cars stack up against competition.

Liva Diesel

Launched: September 7

Starting Price: Rs. 5.54 lakh

Claimed Mileage: 23.6 Kmpl

Competition: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and Tata Vista

Toyota launched the Etios Liva diesel at a starting price of Rs. 5.54 lakh. It is available in only one variant (GD). The Liva diesel has a 1.4 litre D4D diesel engine that produces 67 bhp of peak power and 170 Nm of torque. Also read: Toyota Etios and Toyota Etios Liva diesel launched

Unique Proposition

What makes the Liva diesel unique is the space and fuel economy it offers at this price point. It is an ideal car for a family of four and can even seat three adults in the rear seats. It is reasonably comfortably as well, Toyota has made ABS and EBD standard on the Etios diesel while airbags are still optional.

Let’s take a look at the price of the Etios Liva diesel in different citites across India.

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Pros

Abundance of cabin space

Good after sales service and network

Best in terms of mileage in the segment

Cons

Poor interior quality

Lack of features

Amount of noise inside the cabin

Poor build quality

Features

Exterior features: The features you get on the Etios Liva diesel include a body colored front grille, bumpers and door handles. You also get a B pillar black out, intermittent wipers and full wheel caps.

Interior features: On the inside Toyota gives you an air conditioner with heater & clean air filter, power windows, electric power steering, central locking, cooled glove box, front cabin lights, a power outlet (12V), front headrests, pillow type rear headrests, tilt steering and a digital trip meter.

The Liva is also equipped with internally adjustable ORVMs, fabric upholstery, seven bottle holders, day/night inside rear view mirror, passenger side sun visor with mirror, remote fuel lid opener and a remote tailgate opener.

Tata Vista

Launched: August 24

Starting Price: Rs. 3.88 lakh (Petrol)/ Rs. 4.30 lakh (Diesel)

Claimed Mileage: 16.7 kmpl (petrol)/ 22.9 kmpl (diesel)

Competition: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and Toyota Liva

Tata Motors launched the refreshed Vista at a starting price of Rs. 3.88 lakh for the base petrol variant and Rs. 4.30 lakh for the base diesel variant. The Tata Indica Vista is offered in 12 variants and four engine options (two petrol and two diesel engines).

Unique Proposition

What makes the Vista special is also what makes understanding it so difficult, the variety of trims and engines. There is a vista to suit every budget and everyone’s demands. It is a spacious small car which will be as happy on a weekend family trip as it will be out on the open highway. Overall the Vista is a great all-rounder and does a bit of everything.

Let’s take a look at the price of the Tata Indica Vista in different citites across India.

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Pros

Spacious interiors

Features

Fuel efficiency

Cons

Inconsistent build quality

Evident body roll in the back seats

Features

Exterior features: Tata motors offers the top-end variant of the Vista with features like body colored bumpers, ORVM’s, door handles, chrome hood strip, alloy wheels and a roof-mounted antenna.

Interior features: On the inside you get features like electrically adjustable ORVMs, power steering, adjustable rear headrests, storage tray under co-drive seat, 60:40 split seats, illuminating ring around keyhole, antiglare inside rear view mirror and passenger side sun visor with mirror.

You also get features like all four power windows, lumbar support for driver seat, tilt and height adjustable steering, air conditioner with heater, power outlet, remote fuel lid opener and a remote tailgate opener.

The icing on the cake however is the music system which has Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity, along with steering mounted audio controls.

*Prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices across various cities