Toyota Etios Liva TRD Sportivo review, test drive

Still, a proper driver’s car is not just about performance, but also how entertaining it is from behind the wheel, and this is where the Sportivo’s distinctly non-sporty nature starts to show. Toyota hasn’t tweaked the bits that could have turned a capable hatch into a great driver’s car – namely the chassis, suspension, steering and brakes. The steering rack, for example, is low geared and has about four turns lock-to-lock, and the steering itself is lifeless and has a strange, inconsistent feel to the way it weighs up.

The suspension is a straight carryover from the regular Liva and doesn’t have the damping characteristics of a hot hatch. The larger 185/60 R15 tyres have improved grip but the Sportivo has a fair amount of body roll and a certain numbness in the handling that doesn’t encourage you to drive it quickly. The ride is pretty decent on uneven surfaces, though it doesn’t feel as settled as a Polo. But there is less road and tyre noise now, thanks to the improved insulation, and the suspension feels quieter too.