Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKMPL), the Indo – Japanese joint venture between the Kirloskar Group and Toyota Motor Corp., is working towards introducing a new powerful model of its Etios Liva in the domestic passenger car market. The upcoming Etios Liva premium hatch variant is anticipated to be more sporty, trendier and dynamic than its present trim. Industry sources suggest that the Japanese car maker could introduce the new Etios Liva model somewhere by the end of ongoing 2012-13 fiscal.
The yet-to-be launched Toyota Etios Liva premium hatch is anticipated to come fitted with bigger 1.5 litre petrol motor under its hood. The new powerful model will also feature tweaked overall suspension mechanism, superior brakes and wider wheels than the present trim. Accordingly, the car will come equipped with a retuned system so as to make its design compliant with the 1.5 litre engine, besides enabling it to cope up with the additional power and torque build up. However, the upcoming Etios Liva premium hatch is expected to incorporate basic modifications and just a few cosmetic changes on the exterior frame. Speaking of interiors, the new model will use improved plastics so as to render a premium feel to the gear knob, dashboard and door panels.
At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor offers its Etios Liva premium hatch with a 1.2 litre petrol engine option in the Indian passenger car market. The Etios Liva competes against some big and well established segment contenders, such as Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Ford Figo, Nissan Micra, Renault Pulse and Honda Brio in the country. The company has decided to remain mum regarding the new Etios Liva model as on being questioned about the same, Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Marketing and Commercial departments of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, declined to deliver any comment. However, he was quoted as saying, “There are several product plans going on in the company and I would not like to share them at this moment.”
