Toyota Etios Liva: Vehicle Dynamics

The only question that could arise would be about the reduction of weight at the back and how the set-up will handle the lighter car

The Etios sedan is quite a delight when it comes to the handling and ride quality. Considering that the Liva carries over most of the bigger car’s components, the hatch shouldn’t disappoint either. The only question that could arise would be about the reduction of weight at the back and how the set-up  will handle the lighter car. Read about how we think the new Etios Liva will fare against the existing competition.

The Etios Liva is pretty long with its 2460mm wheelbase. Apart from liberating more room on the inside, this also makes the car more stable. The car features a MacPherson strut set-up on the front and a torsion beam at the back. The set-up does soak in almost everything that Indian roads can throw at a car and the Liva is surely capable of handling more power from the engine  when it comes to handling as well. Uphill drives prove this point, but the Liva does delight on tight downhill runs, though not as much as some of its other more focused handling competitors.

But the best part is that Toyota has not  compromised on safety. So all four Liva variants feature ventilated discs up front and drums at the back to ensure crisp and sure braking. The 170mm ground clearance means that the underbody is spared any hits and scrapes on the tallest of ill-constructed speed-breakers. While the lower two variants, the J and the G, sport 14” tyres, the top spec V and VX feature 15” ones which not only make them look good, but also greatly enhance the handling as well as ride comfort.