Mar 19, 2012 11:01 PM
52131 Views
I had decided to buy a diesel hatchback. The requirements were good fuel efficiency, good space, ABS, comfortable ride in city and on long drives. Wanted the car delivered before December 2011.
Below was the selection process
1) I20 lost as it was highly priced and ABS was available only in the top end
2) Swift lost on leg space for the back row and the long waiting period
3) Liked the Indica Vista, but my wife didnt want to go with the Tata brand
4) Ford Figo was one of the choice in my mind
Was planning for a few more cars but couldnt take a test drive
Toyota had only recently launched the Liva Diesel and all I could find were auto reviews and no user comments. However as the toyota showroom was less than a KM from my home, went there to take a test drive. First thing about Toyota is that I was received well by the sales person. Exterior loos of the Liva caught my eye. With ABS available as standard and the amount of space in the back seat I decided to take a test drive and ended up booking the car on the same day. The waiting period was told as 30 days which I managed to get down to 20 days. Next day got a call saying that my car was available and on full payment can get the car within a week. Finally got my car just 8 days after booking.
Things I liked.
1) Car is very easy to handle in city and can pull over speed breakers in 2nd gear.
2) The engine response is to my liking. I am more of a sedate driver. Dont expect this car to give response like a Swift. Liva does well with patient driving.
3) Fuel efficiency is above 20KMPL in city with AC on for 50% of the time
4) Enough space in back seat to comfortably seat 3 people.
5) The response of the sales people at the dealership. - However they just didnt give any freebies:(
Things I didnt like.
1) The car hits bumps if you are not careful. This can be avoided with careful driving but still you miss a few in city driving especially with five people. This could be improved
2) Lack of variants in Diesel. Not sure why Toyota has restricted the Diesel to just 1 variant and the optional safety package. Tachometer is missed in Diesel as the available variant does not have one
3) Interior looks. The plastic quality is good and not bad as told in most reviews, However it is the colour and the finish that makes it look bad. Spent 20K to change the interiors to my liking. Picture is attached.
Things good to have but missed.
1) Driver seat height adjustment
2) Electric OVRM - This is not available even in the top end petrol variants
3) Rear wiper and defogger - available in higher petrol variants
4) The NVH levels could be reduced though this is tolerable
5) Interior looks could be enhanced so that the cost cutting is not so obvious. The Interiors looks are not on par with other competitors.
6) Stereo is not available as standard and you have to buy the antenna too
On the whole the Liva Diesel is an excellent hatchback and you will love this one as a family car. I am completely happy with my decision on buying this car and so is my family. However if interior functions and a race car like performance is required then Liva is not the car for you.
As a word of advice, take test drives of the various options available in the market and you will know the car that matches your style.
