Etios Liva versus Maruti, Hyundai, Ford!

Toyota has introduced the 'Q' class experience from Etios to the hatchback segment in India in the form of Etios Liva recently.

As it is available in the price band of Rs 399,000 to Rs 599,000 (in Mumbai the prices are Rs 412,000 to Rs 597,000), Liva encompasses almost all hatchbacks in India as its rivals.

Let's see if Liva can live up to the expectations of the hatchback buyers and what will woo them to buy it as compared to Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, and others.

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Liva is available in four variants and the base variant Toyota Etios Liva J is in direct one-to-one with Maruti Wagon R and Hyundai i10, whereas the more loaded versions are in competition with Maruti Suzuki Swift and others.

However, it is sure that absence of a diesel option in Liva puts it out of sight of a segment of cars buyers who prefer diesel cars over petrol ones.

Similarly, when the general trend in the market is towards diesel cars, Liva will be driving against the wind. However, Toyota Etios Liva Diesel is also said to be in the making and would hopefully debut next year.

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Toyota Etios Liva versus Maruti Suzuki hatchbacks, viz. WagonR/Ritz/A-Star/Zen Estilo

Apart from being longer and wider than all Maruti cars, Liva has more space inside and can comfortably seat five people.

The other two advantages that Liva over Maruti hatchback avatars are power and fuel efficiency. Maruti A-Star, however, upstages Liva in the fuel efficiency department and goes a couple of km per litre more.

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Besides, where Maruti has put in a 66-67 bhp under the hood in these cars, Toyota Liva has an 80 bhp engine.

The base model of the Liva lacks power steering and power windows and this ousts it from being in competition with WagonR/Ritz/A-Star/Zen Estilo.

Both Liva and these Maruti cars have no Anti-lock Braking System or Electronic Brake Distribution in them.

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Toyota Etios Liva vs Hyundai i10

Lack of power plays a spoilsport for the bestseller Hyundai i10 Era, which -- though priced at Rs 387,000 and equipped with power steering and power windows -- does not have the engine thrust that the 80 bhp engine even in the base model of Liva sports.

There are some more power-loaded versions of i10, but we have Liva G at Rs 459,000 that has power steering and power windows.

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After adding another Rs 50,000 one gets Liva V, which is loaded with safety features such as dual airbags, ABS and EBD.

Those planning to get the most out of a small car with a seating for five could go for Liva.

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Etios Liva vs Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Swift is no doubt the segment leader. Whether it is looks or handling, the Swift will score distinction in all.

Furthermore, its diesel option makes it more viable for those who travel a lot.

Compared to Swift Liva is more spacious, has more legroom and seats are wide enough to accommodate five people easily.

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However, keeping in view its technical specifications, the Liva is likely to fall short in the handling department.

Swift will be giving a tough time by Liva's V and VX variants. But Swift is still the best option for those commuting for 80-100 km everyday.

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Etios Liva vs Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 has emerged as the second best or perhaps as good an option as the Swift. Both the Liva and Hyundai 1.2 L i20 have the same 80bhp engine.

However, the petrol i20 does not deliver good mileage (around 11-12 kmpl) compared to Liva that is expected to give around 18 kmpl.

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The i20 Asta offers features like airbags and EBD and is priced at Rs 580,000. Dimilar features exist in Liva V and Liva VX too which costs Rs 549,000 and Rs 599,000, respectively.

Thus compared to i20, Liva has few substantial things to offer at this price.

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Etios Liva vs Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo has no doubt done well since its launch. At Rs 508,000, one gets a petrol Polo with power steering and power windows that churns out 74 bhp and delivers a mileage of 17 kmpl.

Liva G has similar features at a similar price, but it has more power and is more spacious than Polo. However, it lacks a diesel motor.

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Here the choice is wafer thin and the personal preference would determine whether one would go for Polo or Liva.

However, for those traveling a lot everyday Polo diesel would be the obvious choice.

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Etios Liva vs Ford Figo

Ford Figo has a diesel option which Liva lacks. But Liva is more powerful and has superior interior build quality than Figo petrol that starts at Rs 359,000.

Here also, Liva becomes a second choice for those who have more than 80-100 km running everyday.

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Besides, the diesel Figo delivers 20 kmpl although it has no airbags or EBD.

Thus comparing Liva with the segment players it is now quite clear that if one wants to go for a sub-Rs 500,000 hatchback, Liva might be the best option due to its power, space and mileage.