Contrary to all, my experience with Liana has been outstanding. I have had very little trouble in 1st or 2nd gears. The A/c is chilling even at low speed (of course due to outside humid temperature now a days). The inside cabin is soundless. Brakes are better than corolla.
Two things i have added/replaced: Front tweeters and Dunlop 702 tyres.
I feel that Corolla's drive was hard while Liana is soft and smooth.
That there is pickup problem during initial gears is negligible and manageable. I don't feel the difference. I have a Baleno on CNG. its pickup is somewhat better.
i would suggest all new users of Liana to drive it for at least 5000 kms and then check out the performance. It shall improve as the internal friction of parts drops down.
The only thing irritating is the ply between the gears. Too much.