Toyota India launches 2016 Platinum Etios, Etios Liva

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the updated Etios sedan and Etios Liva hatchback in India. While prices for the Etios Liva start at Rs 5.24 lakh, its sedan sibling has been priced from Rs 6.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

This makes the updated Etios about Rs 20,000 cheaper as compared to the earlier car while the Liva is priced near-identical to the outgoing model. Toyota has renamed the 2016 Etios as the Platinum Etios.

As part of the most recent facelift – the fourth in the models' lifecycle – Toyota has revised the cosmetic detailing and updated the interiors. Styling changes now give the refreshed Etios siblings a sharper and sportier look with a redesigned grille, new bumper and minor tweaks to bumper and tail-lamps at the back. The Etios Liva additionally comes with a factory dual-tone paint job.

Updates to the cabin include revised seats and a new part-digital instrument cluster that continues to be located above the centre console. The equipment list has also been expanded to include features such as electric folding wing mirrors, rear parking sensors rear centre armrest and standard ABS. Dual front airbags carry forward as standard from the older model. Also added to the list of safety equipment is ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear seat. 

Under the skin, the automaker has added more welds to the chassis to stiffen it, tweaked the suspension, added new engine mountings and improved cabin insulation to make the car more comfortable. The existing line-up of engines, which include a 90hp 1.5-litre petrol motor and a 68hp 1.4-litre diesel unit, carry forward unchanged.

The 2016 Etios will go head to head against the Fiat Linea Classic, Chevrolet Sail and the Nissan Sunny. The Liva, on the other hand, rivals the likes of the new Ford Figo and Maruti Swift.

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