Toyota launches refreshed Etios and Liva, adds features and variants

Toyota has launched refreshed models of its popular Toyota Etios sedan and Toyota Etios Liva hatchback, adding some new functional features and introducing some cosmetic tweaks. Prices are largely unchanged, except for a slight increase in the top-end variants.

Three new models

There are now three diesel models of the Toyota Etios Liva, with the addition of a base JD variant. This is a stripped-out bare-bones variant that only has an AC and is targeted at those looking for a basic spacious diesel hatchback – a model that would delight cab operators. It is priced at Rs. 5.72 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. Also read: Pros and cons of Toyota Etios Liva

The Toyota Etios diesel sedan also gets an entry-level JD variant, which is bare bones and functional priced at Rs. 6.70 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

In addition the Toyota Etios Liva TRD Sportivo edition (only on the petrol model) is now a standard model, priced at Rs. 6.13 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. This is the Toyota Etios Liva with a 1.5 litre petrol engine churning out 89 bhp of power and 132 Nm of torque, making it one of the sportier hatchbacks available in India. Also read: Toyota Etios diesel road test and review

What’s new with the refreshed Toyota Etios and Toyota Etios Liva?

Besides the 1.5 litre hot-hatch Toyota Etios Liva TRD Sportivo edition, the top-end variants of the Toyota Etios and the Toyota Etios Liva get new features, making them more contemporary.

Exterior changes to the Etios and Liva include a new grille design (very subtle changes that are not really noticeable), body moulding strips on the sides in the G variant and above, new tail-lamp design, more noticeable in the Liva actually, and a new body colour – Grey. The outside rear view mirrors get integrated turn indicators as well.

On the interiors, the G option pack variant and above in the Liva and Etios get dual-tone brown and beige interiors, replacing the grey in the base variants. The G variant and above now get a new audio system that features Bluetooth phone controls as well. Bluetooth is now a hot feature with most carmakers.

The big functional changes include a driver’s seat with height adjustment on the top-end variants of the Etios and Liva, as well as non-integrated adjustable headrests for the front seats, with thicker seat cushioning – something that most customers had complained about earlier. The Liva also features removable rear-seat headrests as well.

The instrument console continues to remain in the centre with the needles behind the lettering. However, they get a new back-lit colour – blue. The driver’s side power window in the G variant and above now has a one-touch down function, while the Liva also gets a parcel tray in the top-end variants. Also read: Toyota Etios Liva diesel road test and review

What we think

The addition of a hot-hatch 1.5 litre Toyota Etios Liva at a price point about Rs. 35,000 more than the Maruti Swift and Rs. 25,000 cheaper than the Hyundai i20 top-end variant, will satisfy the need for speed among enthusiasts. The cheaper bare-bones J variant will help commercial cab operators pick a functional car with low running costs. However, as far as overall quality and image goes, the Etios and Liva are not the best in class – these cosmetic additions do make them slightly better, but the competition still offers more value for money. The Toyota badge still commands a bit of a premium. Also see: Toyota Etios Liva video review

Share your thoughts on these new variants.