Toyota Kirloskar Motor has introduced two new variants of its premium hatchback Etios Liva in the Indian auto market. The car already includes 4 variants in its diesel trim, namely JD, GD, GD Safety Package (SP) and TRD Sportivo, and the new additions are named VD and VD SP. The newly launched variants will be comprising top-end diesel models of Etios Liva and consequently their prices will also be steeper. Few changes will also be witnessed in the recently added cars, which will be worth noticing.
Toyota Etios Liva was introduced in 2011 and since then it has been refurbished a couple of times to make it look more dynamical and advanced. The new variants of VD and VD SP have kept up with this trend of the company, and have inherited some attributes to look refreshing. Primarily, both the versions will be equipped with a new front grille flaunting dual chrome strip and holding the company's logo. Along with, features of fog lamps, rear washer and wiper, chrome plates on the boot door, 12-spoke alloy wheels and upgraded lamps equipped on the Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVM) will be provided as standard features.
Interiors have also been tweaked and will now flaunt dual tone upholstery, armrest garnished with wood grain, Bluetooth audio system, rear defogger and chrome furnished gear knob. Safety measures have been prioritised by the auto maker and these variants are provisioned with dual front airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrated with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) technology and upgraded suspension for a rigid drive. Some unique attributes can be availed in the high-end VD SP version, which will have luxurious features such as leather covered steering wheel with mounted consoles.
Coming to the engine specifications, both the variants retain the same capacity engine of 1.4-litre. This mill develops a decent power output of 67 bhp with peak torque of 170 Nm. Also the 5-speed manual transmission will be standard in the duo. Toyota Etios Liva VD will come at a price tag of Rs. 6.72 lakh whereas, the VD SP variant is tagged at Rs. 7.12 lakh. Experts believe that Toyota has hugely encashed on the success of its hatchback and the introduction of new variants is an attempt by the car maker to lure the prospective buyers. Notably, the company has seen a decline in its annual sale but Toyota Etios Liva has been quite in demand continually. Also, Auto Expo 2014 is expected to showcase the company's legendary sedan Corolla Altis in a whole new avatar. It will be interesting to see what further changes are brought by Toyota in a bid to enhance its portfolio and stabilise presence in domestic auto market.
