The court was prepared, the game set, and the opponents set. The two motor company rivals from Japan were planning to popularise their product, especially with the Indian Middle Class. Both the hatchbacks are somewhat small in size and provide a comfortable smooth journey.

The Nissan Micra has a 1.2-Litre, 3 Cylinder engine providing a maximum power of 76PS at 6000rpm. The engine displacement capacity is around 1198cc, and follows a MPFI fuel injection system. The Etios Liva on the other hand, is a 1.2L, 4 Cylinder engine providing a maximum power of 80PS at 6000rpm. The engine displacement of the Etios Liva is 1197cc, and it follows Electronic Fuel Injection System.

The Micra provides a mileage of around 18.06 kmpl whereas the Etios can provide a little better at around 18.31 kmpl. Another similarity amongst these two hatchbacks is the dimensions. The Micra is sized at 3780 x 1666 x 1530(mm) whereas the Liva is around 3775 x 1695 x 1510(mm). The fuel capacity of the Micra is around 41-Liters, the Etios can contain upto 45-Liters.

The turning radius of the Micra is around 4.65-Meters, and the Liva has a turning radius of around 4.8-Meters. Even though this may seem to be somewhat the same in value, the difference of the 1.5-Meters could make parking on a really crowded road much easier.

On the exterior, the Micra have a rear window defogger that the Liva lacks. But Liva comes with wheel covers and tinted windows. Coming to the interiors, both the cars seem to have plush interiors. Typical of Toyota cars, it seems that the small conveniences of the drive have not been forgotten. The car comes with Power Windows in the front and rear. The trunk and the fuel lid of the Liva may be opened with a Remote Control. There are accessory power points inside the Liva, and the seat belts are adjustable in height. The Micra seems to lack all these features. The only thing it seems to have is the Electronic Multi-Tripmeter, which in turn the Liva does not have.

When the safety is of concern, the manufactures might like you to know that the Liva comes with a central locking system and keyless entry system. Also, the Liva has day and night rear view mirrors, and a door ajar warning system. The Liva however does not have driver airbags instead boasted by the Micra.
The entertainment system in the Liva is packed, with speakers in the front and rear of the car. Other than this, the Liva comes with navigational features, again lacked by the Micra.

In conclusion, I will like to draw a line by saying that in terms of engine both cars seem to be at par. The Micra has a smaller turning radius, which will play to its advantage, especially in the cities. Other than this case, it’s mostly the Liva that leads. Priced at around Rs 469000 to Rs 491000; it provides various benefits in terms of comforts and luxuries. The Micra may be cheaper at around Rs 421000 but the difference in the price is justified by the lack of features.