The biggest rivals of the all-new Etios Liva petrol

 

NEW MARUTI SWIFT

 

The new Swift is just around the corner. Expected some time in August-September, the new Swift will be powered by a 1.2-litre, variable-valvetrain equipped K-Series motor with approximately 90 bhp.

 

Larger on the inside and outside, equipped with more features and better built, the largest-selling B-segment hatch in the country is bound to stir up the car market.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 90 bhp, Rs 4.6-5.9 lakh (estimated)

 

Where the Liva scores: Space, ride comfort, efficiency

 

Where the Liva loses: Performance, handling proficiency, motor refinement, could do with more features

 

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

 

Volkswagen's first small car in the country, the Polo, has redefined build quality and overall driving dynamics for the segment.

 

Well put-together and with some solid engineering behind it, the Polo is powered by either a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre 'hot hatch' petrol motor. At its price, it is a very competent little car.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 74 bhp, Rs 4.6-6.1 lakh

 

Petrol: 1.6-litre, 102 bhp, Rs 6.5 lakh

 

Where the Liva scores: Reliability reputation, better after-sales service, better space

 

Where the Liva loses: Ride quality isn't as good, not as well-built, no diesel yet

 

FIAT PUNTO

 

Fiat's small car is probably the best-looking hatch, but apart from that it has very good ride and handling and has a good set of features, too.

 

The 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol motors have adequate power. For its size it could have offered more space, but it's a seriously underrated hatch that deserves to do better.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 67 bhp, Rs 4.4-5.1 lakh

 

Petrol: 1.4-litre, 89 bhp, Rs 5.6-6.22 lakh

 

Where the Liva scores: Toyota's reliability reputation, after-sales service, efficient petrol motor, better space efficiency

 

Where the Liva loses: Ride quality at higher speeds, not as sporty handling

 

HYUNDAI i20

 

Hyundai's largest hatch is also among the bestselling cars in its class. With its international looks, features and space, the i20's premium price and positioning haven't deterred buyers. The only hatch in its class to come with an automatic option, the i20 is powered by a choice of two petrols.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 79 bhp, Rs 4.8-6.7 lakh

 

Petrol: 1.4-litre, 99 bhp, Rs 7.95-8.55 lakh

 

Where the Liva scores: Petrol motor's efficiency, driveability, driver involvement

 

Where the Liva loses: Not as well-built or well loaded, doesn't enjoy Hyundai's after-sales width.

 

FORD FIGO

 

Ford's first small car in the country has changed its fortunes. Based on the last-gen Fiesta, the Figo is a spacious, decently built hatch with an efficient 1.2-litre motor and a keen price tag. A nice ride and handling package make it a car worth considering.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 70 bhp, Rs 3.63-4.67 lakh

 

Where the Liva scores: Reliability reputation, better after-sales service, efficient petrol motor, better space efficiency

 

Where the Liva loses: Not as sporty handling

 

NISSAN MICRA

 

The Micra may not have set the sales charts on fire, but despite its limited sales network, Nissan has managed to do a commendable job. Motive power for the Micra is via a 1.2-litre petrol. Spacious interiors, good ride quality and kit list with good overall driveability are the hallmarks of the Micra.

 

Petrol: 1.2-litre, 75 bhp, Rs 4.15-5.5 lakh

 

Where the Liva scores: Petrol motor's efficiency, space

 

Where the Liva loses: No diesel option for the moment, could do with more features.