Chevrolet MPV will be called ‘Enjoy’

‘MPV’ name plate shown at Expo was only a temporary name. Will go on sale mid-2012, petrol powered version will be offered initially.

Chevrolet unveiled its much-awaited MPV based on the Chinese Wuling CN-100 at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. But while that car carried name plates that simply read ‘MPV’, it was only a working title, and Autocar India has learned that the seven-seater will be called ‘Enjoy’ by the time it goes on sale in mid 2012.

The Enjoy will first be launched with a 94.6bhp 1.4-litre petrol, but will get a 1.3-litre SDE diesel – GM’s version of Fiat’s Multijet – at the beginning of next year. GM is hoping to undercut rivals like the Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo by a huge margin – targeting a starting price of under Rs 6 lakh.

Toyota confirms Etios one-make series for 2013

Toyota has formally launched its Indian motorsport effort under the moniker ‘Toyota Motor Racing’ by unveiling the race-prepared Etios and Liva at the Auto Expo. Although the series was widely expected to kick off this season, Toyota plans to launch the full-fledged series only in 2013. However, a few exhibition races will be held in 2012, with the opening event just three weeks away on January 28 to be held, surprisingly, in Chandigarh. Since the city doesn’t have a purpose-built racing circuit, it is safe to assume that the race would be held on a temporary street circuit. The main series, however, will focus on the three race tracks in India - the Buddh International Circuit, the Madras circuit and the Kari Speedway in Coimbatore.

A tentative grid of 25 cars will be made up of drivers aged between 15-24 years with a multi-tiered selection process. Step one for racing aspirants would be to apply online, with entries opening January 15 and closing on February 15. Basic training camps will follow in March and June with the applicants being shortlisted based on their performance. The shortlisted lot will then go through simulator and karting evaluations before getting behind the wheel of the Toyota race cars. The final 25 will be selected and trained by specialised coaches using Toyota’s global racing curriculum.

To make the Etios and Liva cars race-worthy, both cars will undergo modifications with the process being well underway at the Red Rooster Racing facility in Bangalore. The proximity to Toyota’s Bidadi plant is no coincidence, and the process is being supervised by Toyota. Apart from the usual myriad of safety-related and aesthetic modifications, the 1.2- and 1.5-litre engines will be massaged to release more horsepower with performance suspension and wheels headlining the dynamics department. Toyota is expected to partner with MRF Tyres as the official tyre supplier for the series, drawing parallel with the only other manufacturer-backed one-make series, the JK Tyre-Volkswagen Polo Cup.

New Toyota Camry, prius, innova, fortuner launch at the Expo

Toyota will reveal a completely new face at the Expo, quite literally. A facelifted Innova, Fortuner, Land Cruiser, Prius and an all-new Camry will be displayed in the Toyota hall.

The bold new Camry will be launched at the Auto Expo. The Japanese carmaker plans to assemble it from CKD kits so prices should drop considerably. A more refined 2.5-litre 174bhp VVT-i petrol engine mated to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be the other changes to the Camry.

See images of the new Toyota Camry

The largest selling green car in the world too gets a facelift. Toyota will display the facelifted Prius that looks much sharper than the current model.  The front bumper gets a larger air dam and an extra set of fog lamps. The lamp cluster in the headlights has been redesigned as has the detailing of the tail lamps. The dashboard gets a touchscreen and a new layout that looks a lot livelier than on the current Prius.

See images of the face-lifted Toyota Prius

The facelifted Innova has been substantially redesigned and now sports new headlights, front grille, bumpers and alloy wheels. The interior too has been spruced up with new upholstery, dashboard tones and a DVD player. These changes are carried out to target private car buyers looking for an attractive MPV.

See detailed images of the updated Toyota Innova

 

The Fortuner too comes under the surgeon’s knife. The macho SUV has been a runaway success in India but Toyota isn’t resting on its laurels. In order to maintain its lead in its segment, Toyota has updated the Fortuner’s styling to include a wider chrome front grille, sharper looking new headlights, and a restyled front bumper among other things. A two-wheel-drive automatic variant has been added to its range too. There will also be a modified Corolla for the physically challenged at the Expo.

 

See images of the face-lifted Toyota Fortuner

Further up the ladder, the Land Cruiser too receives a facelift. The fresh new face of Toyota makes the stand a must-visit at the Expo.

FIRST DRIVE New Fortuner Auto review, test drive

Come January, Toyota will widen the Fortuner line-up with the introduction of a pair of new two-wheel drive variants. We have just driven the automatic-transmission variant and can tell you there is much to get excited about. 

But before we get into how the SUV drives, lets take a look at what else is new. For starters, frontal styling gets a major revamp. The larger grille, angular headlights and restyled front bumper do their bit to make the Fortuner look even more Land Cruiser-like than before.  There is also a wider intake for the intercooler on the bonnet and new design for the alloy wheels. At the rear, you can identify the new Fortuner by its clear-lens tail lamps.

Inside the cabin, the redesigned centre console now features a six-inch touch-screen (shared with the Corolla and new Innova) which controls and displays the audio system, new DVD player and reverse camera. The steering wheel is also new and now comes with controls for the new Bluetooth telephony function.

See detailed images of the new Fortuner Automatic

The Fortuner’s already comfy front seats now get a six-way power adjust that makes it really easy to find the perfect driving position.  Drivers will also notice the revised ‘Optitron’ dials that remain easy to read as before.

Detailed inspection over, time to get moving. Slot the gear lever in D, depress the accelerator and it doesn’t take much time to realise the four-speed torque-converter gearbox complements its torquey 3.0-litre D4-D engine quite well.

Gearshifts are smooth and the ratios are well suited to typical city driving. The ’box is also quite responsive for the most part; yes, there is a mild hesitation to downshift but that is only apparent when you need instant power.

Driving on tarmac there is little to differentiate the two-wheel-drive Fortuner from its four-wheel-driven counterpart. If anything, the steering feels marginally lighter now. The smooth 168bhp engine is as tractable as before and the seamless build of power makes the Fortuner effortless to drive.

As a product, it makes immense sense for city-based buyers to whom SUVs are more a status symbol than a tool for going off-road. While prices are yet to be announced, the Fortuner 2WD automatic will be priced lower than the 4WD model on sale today. Be prepared to see a lot more Fortuners on the road. 

Also read: Face-lifted Toyota Innova review

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 20 lakh (est. ex-showroom, Delhi)

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, longitudinal
Type	4 cyls in-line, 2982cc, common-rail, direct injection, turbo-diesel
Bore/stroke	96.0/ 103.0
Power	168bhp at 3600rpm
Torque	35kgm at 1400-3400rpm

Transmission

Type	Automatic
Gearbox	4-speed

Dimensions

Length	4705mm
Width	1840mm
Height	1850mm
Wheel base	2750mm
Ground clearance	220mm

Chassis & Body

Construction	Body on ladder frame, five-door SUV
Weight	1885kg
Wheels	Alloy
Tyres	265/65 R17
Spare	Full size

Suspension

Front	Independent, double-wishbone, coil-springs
Rear	Non-independent

Brakes

Front	Ventilated discs
Rear	Drums
Anti-lock	Yes

New Toyota Innova, Fortuner spied

Here are the spy pictures of the soon-to-be-launched Toyota Innova and its hot selling Fortuner SUV. Both the Toyotas were spotted by our alert reader C.B Subbaiah in Bangalore.

Unveiled at the Indonesian Motor Show, the Innova gets a substantial facelift, with new lights and grille, and the profile has been altered slightly as well. The upright grille sits more vertically than the current car, making the bonnet look less van-like. The new headlights have been stretched over the fenders, and the fogs and chin are new as well. The MPV also gets new alloy wheel designs. The styling updates at the rear include a new bumper, re-styled number-plate housing and re-profiled tail lamps.

There are minor tweaks to the interiors; the manual AC controls get bigger knobs, new audio system, wooden inserts for the centre console, new upholstery and a new steering wheel which may be borrowed from the Corolla Altis. We don’t expect any major changes to the current 2.5-litre common-rail diesel motor, however, it could be updated to deliver more power and torque.

The Fortuner too receives a facelift and now sports an all-new nose design which gives the SUV a wider and more aggressive stance. It gets new headlamps that are slightly stretched, a restyled and sculpted bonnet with a larger scoop for the air-intake, a re-profiled bumper and a wider redesigned chrome grille that makes it resemble the Land Cruiser. On the inside, it gets new seats and darker wooden trim.

Toyota hasn’t changed the SUV’s side profile but the rear now gets new clear-lens tail lamps that have a different profile from the current ones.

The current Fortuner is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail diesel motor that churns out a respectable 169bhp. This is the same motor that does duty in the Land Cruiser Prado as well, although the Prado gets more torque. The Fortuner may be given this step up as well for India. An automatic version is on the cards as well.

Now what remains to be seen with these updated models is whether Toyota maintains the current price line. Both the Innova and the Fortuner have easily seen off many recent threats from competitors and with no creditable rivals in sight, Toyota may just take the opportunity to stretch the margin on these models when they are launched in the first half of 2012.

BMW, Toyota confirm engine link

BMW and Toyota have confirmed their engine technology collaboration plans. The two automotive giants will supply engines to each other, with BMW offering its 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe in exchange for the Japanese co
mpany’s hybrid technology and expertise.
BMW’s engine supply will begin in 2014 and will be installed in certain Toyota-produced vehicles planned for sale in the European market as part of Toyota’s planned expansion of its diesel-powered range.
The deal is described as a ‘mid-to-long-term collaboration’ and the two companies will carry out joint-research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies. The scope of the deal could be broadened to include other projects.
In a joint-press conference in Tokyo, BMW’s sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson said, “As we see it, both companies set the benchmark in complementary fields. Toyota has a wealth of experience to offer when it comes to battery technology, and the BMW Group has long been at the forefront developing some of the most technologically advanced clean diesel engines available.”
Representing TMC, President Akio Toyoda said, "It is a great joy and a thrill to enter into this mid-to-long-term collaborative relationship with BMW. In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge, starting with that concerning environmental technologies, to the table and make even better cars."
The deal was announced as BMW celebrates 30 years in Japan. The Munich marquee launched its new BMW ActiveHybrid 5 at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Toyota Etios, Liva diesel launched

 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched diesel versions of the Etios saloon and Liva hatchback.

Both cars get the same four-cylinder, 1.4-litre D4D powerplant that’s in the Toyota Corolla Altis. Unlike the Altis, though, this motor uses a fixed geometry turbo and different gear ratios in order to cut costs. Power output, at 67bhp and 17.34kgm of torque, is also less than the Altis. According to Toyota, the Etios siblings deliver an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 23.59kpl.

The Etios saloon diesel comes in three variants, the base D, mid-level VD and top-of-the-line VXD, whereas the Liva diesel will be available as GD and GD (SP). All models feature airbags, EBD and ABS as standard features.

The Etios diesel is priced in the range of Rs 6.44-7.87 lakh while the Liva diesel is at Rs 5.54 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

New Toyota Camry Unveiled

These are the first pictures of the all-new Toyota Camry that is scheduled to go on sale across the globe in 2012. We expect the car to hit Indian shores by early next year.

In the styling department, Toyota has gone in for a far bolder look than the ‘please-all’ styling of the current car. The front comprises of larger, more angular headlights with an elegant kink at the base. Two chrome slats with the Toyota logo in between make the grille look more pronounced than earlier. Larger fog lamps further enhances the new Camry’s front end.

The side profile however, does not carry the drama visible in the front styling on the car – the dull window line playing spoilsport here. The shoulder line that broadens as it approaches the boot is an interesting touch though. Move towards the rear of the new Camry and you could find minute Lexus details on the boot. The new smart two part tail lights looks quite attractive.

While the new car’s dimensions are nearly equal to its predecessor’s, Toyota claims there is slightly more space in the new car, which is great considering the current car itself is quite spacious. The dashboard design is all new and wears a more mature look. A large 6.1-inch multimedia screen dominates the fascia, though it remains to be seen if the Indian-spec Camry will feature it.

However, you can expect the car to come with dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX ports and also steering mounted audio controls. Toyota claims that it has further managed to reduce road and wind noise, giving the cabin a relaxing ambience.

While other markets have moved to the new 2.5-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine, the Indian Camry continues to be powered by the older 2.4-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i engine. We expect Toyota to offer the new motor when it launches the car in India next year. The 2.5-litre 16-valve engine produces 169bhp at 6000rpm, a marginal 2bhp more than the current car. But with no diesel engine on offer, the Camry could still find itself at a disadvantage to its diesel-powered rivals like the Skoda Superb and VW Passat.

The Camry destined for USA will be offered with an option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is yet to be known however, if the Indian-spec saloon will be upgraded to the new ‘boxes or will stick to the current 5-speed transmission.

The use of higher tensile steel promises added rigidity which should no doubt aid handling. Under the skin, there are no major changes except a slightly tweaked suspension to improve overall comfort. But what’s interesting is that Toyota is now planning to ship the Camry in India via the CKD route and assemble at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka. The current car is imported as a CBU.

Local assembly should bring with it huge savings in costs which will make the Camry a whole lot more affordable and lucrative to D-segment car buyers. If the new Camry can undercut Honda Accord prices, Toyota has a winner on its hands.

Toyota Innova Crysta Launched

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (TKM) has added a new limited edition variant to its Innova lineup called Innova Crysta. According to Toyota, the name ‘Crysta’ is derived from the word ‘Crystal’ which symbolises the car’s premium image. 

 

In addition to the features available on Innova’s top-end VX variant, the Innova Crysta adds  smoked alloy wheels, body graphics, dual-tone leather seat covers, rear spoiler and dark-wood panel inserts to the interior among others.

 

Like all Innova’s the Innova Crysta is powered by a 2.5-litre 102bhp diesel engine. It is available in Euro III and Euro IV.  Since it is limited edition, Toyota will only manufacture 1000 units of the Innova Crysta. It is priced at Rs 13,12,570 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Etios Diesel Coming This September

These spy pictures of the Etios diesel sent by our reader Sreeraj TS and Ashwin M undergoing pre-production trials is a clear indication that Toyota is planning an early launch of the diesel-powered saloon. According to company sources, Toyota has eased bottlenecks in manufacturing to bring forward the launch of the diesel variant. Also, with the sharp tilt towards diesel cars in the Indian market, the huge pent-up demand and long waiting list for the Etios petrol have reduced dramatically.

Toyota plans to launch the Etios diesel in September to capitalise on the festive season when car sales usually spike. The Etios diesel will come with the same 1.4 turbo-diesel that powers the Corolla diesel but will not get the bigger saloon’s more expensive Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) hardware. The Etios diesel will be boosted with a simpler Fixed Geometry Turbo (FGT) and hence the power output is expected to be in the region of 75bhp (the Corolla diesel develops 87bhp). However, for the lightweight Etios, the lower output seems adequate, especially since the focus for this entry midsize saloon is fuel efficiency. In fact, the Etios diesel is expected to set a new standard for fuel efficiency among midsize saloons which, along with its spacious cabin, could make it unbeatable in terms of practicality.

The Etios diesel is likely to cost around Rs 100,000 more than its petrol equivalent, which pegs the range between Rs 6-8 lakh. That’s still pretty good value and the waiting list for the diesel version of Toyota’s new saloon is sure to extend into the New Year. 

Toyota Fortuner facelift unveiled

 

Toyota has launched a refreshed version of its Fortuner SUV at a ceremony in Bangkok. The refreshed SUV has been launched for the Thailand market and the same could make it to India in early 2012.
The refreshed Fortuner has an all-new nose designed to appear wider and more aggressive. It has new headlamps that are slightly stretched, a restyled and sculpted bonnet with a larger scoop for the air-intake, a re-profiled bumper and a wider redesigned chrome grille that makes it resemble the Land Cruiser. The Fortuner gets new seats and darker wooden trim.
Toyota hasn’t changed the SUV’s side profile but the rear now gets new clear-lens tail-lamps that have a different profile from the current ones. The roof-rack and scuff plate, as seen in the picture, however, are likely to be optional, which may or may not come with this updated version.
The current Fortuner is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail diesel motor that churns out a respectable 169bhp. This is the same motor that does duty in the Land Cruiser Prado as well, although the Prado gets more torque. The Fortuner may be given this step up as well for India. An automatic version is also likely.
Toyota has developed a latest “Diamond Tech” system that allows the 32-bit ECU to more precisely detect operating conditions within the injection system, improving fuel efficiency. New injectors feature a new “diamond-like” carbon coating that makes the process more efficient, as well as lengthening the life of the injectors and related combustion process components. The variable-geometry turbo also sees its relationship with the ECU improved, for a faster flow of more detailed information.
Toyota plans to increase the local content on the Fortuner and this facelift may provide the perfect opportunity.

2012 Toyota Camry Leaked Image

Here is the first leaked image of the upcoming new Toyota Camry, to be officially unveiled later this year.

As is evident from the picture, the 2012 Camry seems to possess heavily redesigned front styling with a more Japanese flavour. The headlights are stretched back to the wheel arches which add a sense of width, and there is a strong kink on the headlight. The grille comprises a single dual chrome horizontal slats with a larger Toyota logo, and some Lexus-like cues are apparent in the styling too. The bumpers get a more aggressive stance with a taller but narrower air dam and a more pronounced chin.

Overall, the profile looks sportier than the outgoing model, and the car will be slightly larger dimensionally.  However, there is no news on the engines, and we expect the current ones tuned for better fuel efficiency.

Updated Corolla Altis launched

 
Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) has launched an updated version of its Corolla Altis saloon.

The refreshed model now comes with new set of headlamps, refreshed grille and bumper, updated rear lamps. The interiors now feature darker mock wood trim.

The petrol engine has been tweaked and will now deliver 138bhp, 7bhp more than the earlier model.The updated Altis now is equipped with new gearbox options; the 5-speed manual is now replaced by a new 6-speed unit while the top-end automatic version gets a new 7-speed CVT unit. Diesel models will feature the same 6-speed manual gearbox.

The prices of the petrol version have gone up by Rs 15,000-24,000 while the diesel prices have been hiked by Rs 15,000-30,000 depending on model. The Altis petrol is now priced from Rs 10.53 lakh to Rs 14.77 lakh while the diesel variant starts at Rs 11.46 lakh to Rs 14.55 lakh; all prices ex-showroom Delhi.

Fortuner Facelift Spy Pics

Toyota’s very successful SUV the Fortuner, has been comfortably leading the Indian SUV market since its launch two years ago. The Japanese manufacturer however is planning to give it a facelift, as is evident from these leaked brochure pictures.

The nose is now all-new and is designed to appear wider and more aggressive. It features new headlamps that are slightly stretched, a restyled and sculpted bonnet with a larger scoop for the air-intake, a re-profiled bumper and a wider redesigned chrome grille that makes it resemble the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Toyota hasn’t changed the side profile of the Fortuner, but the rear now gets new clear-lens tail-lamps that have a different profile from the current ones. The roof-rack and scuff plate, as seen in the picture, however are likely to be optional extras, which may or may not come with this updated version of the car.

The current Fortuner is powered by a 3.0-litre common rail diesel motor that churns out a respectable 169bhp. This is the same motor that does duty in the larger Land Cruiser Prado as well, although the Prado gets more torque, and the Fortuner may be given this step up as well as an automatic version could be on the cards too, along with imporved interiors.

Toyota has been planning to increase the local content on the Fortuner for some time now and this facelift may provide the perfect opportunity.  And this could be accompanied by a correction in price that would make it more affordable.  But its not clear when this is likely to happen.

Expect the updated Fortuner to reach our shores by early 2012.  

Toyota Liva Review, Test Drive

The made-for-India Etios Liva marks Toyota’s much-awaited foray into the hotly contested Indian small car segment where price and affordability are crucial. The cheapest Toyota yet will be up against some very capable rivals and hot sellers like the Ford Figo, Hyundai i20 and the reigning king of the segment — the Maruti Swift.

The Liva is already a familiar face before it hits the road sometime later this month. It looks identical to its Etios saloon sibling till just after the B-pillar and this means no radical lines and conservative styling. Though the Liva’s design lacks the dynamism of a m

odern Honda or Hyundai, there are lots of nice touches which add a bit of flair.  The top-of-the-line VX variant comes with a chin spoiler, side skirts and a roof spoiler. We liked the upswept crease on the lower portion of the doors and the way the waistline broadens as it approaches the stylish wraparound tail-lights. Other interesting details include the slight kink in the small headlights at the point they meet the large smiling grille and a ‘power’ bulge on the bonnet which is a sporty touch.

There’s no doubt that the Liva looks best when seen from the rear three-quarter angle where the wel- defined shoulders and chunky C-pillars add considerable muscle to the design.

Viewed from the side, the Liva looks a whole lot better than the Etios saloon. The massive boot of the saloon is replaced by a short rear overhang that gives the Liva a nice, well-proportioned silhouette. The large 15-inch wheels on the higher V and VX variants (lower J and G versions get 14-inchers) add to the car’s balanced stance. Roving eyes will also lock on to the ribbed roof which, like on the Etios, is one of the Liva’s many rigidity-enhancing and weight-saving measures.

As with all Toyotas, fit and finish is good and the paint quality is pretty good roo. However, you can’t escape the feeling of being in a car that is very light and built to strict cost targets, the hollow sound of the door-shut making this most apparent. However, with a kerb weight of only 920kg, the Liva is the lightest hatch in its class - a good thing.

Get into the Liva and you are greeted by midsize car-rivalling interior space. Getting in and out is easy, thanks to the large and wide-opening doors, and there is genuine space for five adults in the cabin. The front seats, which are identical to those in the saloon, have decent cushioning and superb lower back support. But again, they are only mildly contoured so lateral support isn’t all that great.  The rear seat itself is generous with decent under-thigh support and a near-perfect backrest angle but the flat design, the tiny, fixed headrests and lack of generous contours make you feel like you are sitting on a bench.

Open the hatch and you get a decent 251 litres of space. You do have the option to fold down the rear bench but there is no split.

Liva’s light kerb weight plays its part in the performance department. Its 920kg kerb weight and 79bhp of power equate to a power-to-weight ratio of 85.8bhp per tonne, which is actually the best among the 1.2-litre hatchback brigade. Performance is at par with the competition but the Liva doesn’t feel as quick as the acceleration figures suggest. That’s because Toyota has tuned the Liva’s twin-cam, 1197cc engine for fuel economy rather than pep. The hatch is slow off the line and it’s only after 2000rpm that progress quickens. The engine gets more vocal at this point but don’t expect fireworks thereafter either. Power builds decently till 4000rpm and then tapers off once again into a meek top end. The low-end grunt isn’t that impressive either.

Built from the same block as the Etios’ 1.5-litre motor, the Liva’s smaller 1.2 engine shares the same 72.5mm bore and hence the reduction in capacity is achieved by considerably shortening the stroke (which is also 72.5mm).  The Liva’s part-throttle response is pretty good and with small throttle inputs, the hatch feels lively. Adding to the Liva’s user-friendly appeal are the smooth-shifting gearbox, light clutch and effortless steering. There is some whine from the transmission and a fair amount of road noise that filters through the cabin as well.

The ride quality in general is good and it’s on the broken patch that the Liva feels impressive. It simply coasts over potholes though you can hear the suspension working hard, especially at the rear. The Liva is sprung on the firm side, so it does get a bit jiggly at low speeds on an uneven stretch. However, the stiff suspension and generous ground clearance (170mm) allow you to confidently tackle speedbreakers or drop two wheels off the road.

The Liva is a city car first which is why buyers will really take to its light electrically assisted steering. As on the Etios sibling, there are more turns lock-to-lock than usual but this doesn’t take much time getting used to. It is only when cornering hard that you really wish the steering was faster.

Overall, the road behaviour of the Liva, though not exciting, is safe and predictable. Save for the base J variant, ABS with EBD can be had on the G version and comes standard on the higher V and VX variants.

The Liva is a very competent city runabout which offers everything a typical small car buyer wants - superb space inside, light controls, good ride quality and decent equipment levels. But where the lightweight Liva will certainly shine is in fuel economy which, perhaps, will be among its biggest strengths. The ARAI-tested mileage of 18.3kpl is the best in class.

The car will be officially launched later this month and we expect the prices to be in the range of Rs 4-5 lakh, which places it in the heart of the small car segment. 

• Interior space
• Urban-friendly commuter

• Dull driving experience
• Cost-cutting evident

Price Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom Price	Rs 4-5 lakh (estimated)
ENGINE
Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Front, transverse, front-wheel drive
Type	4 cyls in-line, 1197cc
Bore/stroke	72.5mm /72.5mm
Power	79bhp at 5600rpm
Torque	10.6kgm at 3100rpm
Power to weight	85.8 bhp per tonne
Transmission
Type	Manual
Gearbox	5-speed
Chassis Body
Length	3775mm
Width	1695mm
Height	1510mm
Wheel Base	2460mm
Boot Volume	251-litres
Ground Clearance	170mm
Weight	890-920kg
Wheels	14inch (J and G) and 15inch (V and VX)
Tyres	175/65-R14 and 185/60-R15
Spare	Full size
Suspension
Front	MacPherson struts
Rear	Torsion beam
Steering
Type Power	Electric
Brakes
Front	Ventilated discs
Rear	drums
Acceleration
0-20	1.05sec
0-40	3.08sec
0-60	5.51sec
0-80	9.98sec
0-100	14.08
Acceleration in Gear
20-80kph in 3rd gear	15.81sec
40-100kph in 4th gear	22.69sec
Economy
Overall	18.3kpl (ARAI figure)
Tank size	45-litres