2013 Toyota Etios, Liva facelift review, test drive

Subtle changes to the dampers have made the Etios nicer too. There’s less suspension noise and the ride has improved considerably. Sharp edges are rounded off well and the suspension is much quieter than before. Still, the damping isn’t as progressive as we would have liked – small but sharp vertical movements can be felt over uneven surfaces and it’s rather evident that the Etios’s suspension doesn’t have the long travel of the Mahindra Verito. Neither of these cars is particularly exciting to drive either, thanks to low-geared steering racks that have plenty of turns lock-to-lock (about four, to be precise). However, it’s the weirdly inconsistent steering feel that detracts from the driving experience. But, given the Etios and Liva’s brief of being practical, easy to live with cars, they are clearly not meant for enthusiasts.

What remains unchanged are the powertrains. This means the Liva’s 79bhp 1.2-litre engine and its light kerb weight make for one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the 1.2-litre segment. Still, it’s clear that this engine has been tuned for economy rather than outright power. Real progress starts after 2000rpm, it quickens and power builds decently till 4000rpm, and then it tapers off once again into a meek top end.