The Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is more than just a pair of captain’s chairs

Of course, the captain’s chairs are probably the highlight but this range-topping Innova offers so much more than by way of equipment, tech, and various other features that make driving it, or better yet, simply riding it such a pleasure.

Made in Indonesia and assembled at the Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the Innova is the third best-selling Toyota in the Philippines in 2019 with 20,794 units sold. That’s a 14.4% increase in sales from the previous year.

Its continuous rise in popularity as an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) is no surprise, especially after the arrival of the bigger and better second-generation model in 2016, which is why it is the best-selling model in its segment to date.

There are four other trims of the Innova but we’ll take a look at the best of the best and see what it offers aside from comfortable second-row seats. This is the Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT.

While dimensions-wise it is no different with the rest of the lineup – 4,735mm in length, 1,830mm in width, 1,795mm tall, and a wheelbase of 2,750mm – it is the only trim that seats seven people only as the second row has two captain’s chairs and can only accommodate two passengers.

Exclusive exterior features of this trim include LED (light-emitting diode) projector-type headlamps with clearance lamp, LED front fog lamps with chrome bezels, retractable chrome outside view mirrors with side turn indicators and a puddle lamp, and 215/55 R 17 tires with 17-inch alloy wheels with center cap.

The body also comes with chrome grip-type outside door handles, chrome front grille, intermittent front wipers with time adjuster and mist, a rear window wiper, a rear defogger, and a fin-type antenna.

On the chassis is a four-link coil spring in the rear and independent coil spring, double wishbone with stabilizer in front suspension in front, while it uses ventilated front disc brakes and leading-trailing drum brakes at the rear.

Immediately noticeable in the cabin are the bright brown fabric seats with light colored strips and the brown fabric door trim with silver accents. The driver’s seat is six-way adjustable while the two front seats come with a back pocket and a back table for the second-row passengers.

The second row has two captain’s seats with a one-touch tumble system, comes with an armrest and reclines. The third-row seat has a one-touch easy space up system.

It comes with a console box with wood accents (exclusive to the V grade only), leather shift lever and knob with chrome accent, a glove box with key and damper, six assist grips (two in front and four at the rear), a tilt and telescopic steering column, a four-spoke leather with wood and silver accent steering wheels with audio + telephone + and MID (multi-information display) switches, front personal lamp, room lamp luggage lamp, ambient lighting, and sun visors with mirror + lid + lamp on both the driver and passenger side.

The key fob uses Toyota’s Smart Entry System so you don’t have to whip out the key before unlocking. Simply reach for the door handle to open the doors. It comes with a push-start system, power windows with one-touch up/down feature, power door locks, power outside view mirror, a TFT (thin film transistor) MID, an Eco Meter with an eco lamp and zone display, automatic climate control, key light reminder, door ajar warning, seatbelt warning, illuminated entry, auxiliary power outlet, and an infotainment system with CD + DVD + tuner + MP3 + Bluetooth + GPS (global positioning system) navigation + USB + Aux-in. Audio is sent to the cabin’s six speakers.

Safety features include driver, passenger, side , curtain shield, and driver knee airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Brake Assist, Emergency Brake Signal, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, two three-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with Pretensioners and adjustable seatbelt anchor in front, two three-point ELR seatbelts in the second row with Isofix and tether anchors, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the third row, LED high-mount stop lamp, a reverse sensor, and an alarm with immobilizer.

Powering it is Toyota’s 1GD-FTV direct injection, four-stroke common rail diesel engine that’s rated Euro 4. It has a 2.8-liter displacement, a variable nozzle turbo, a chain drive, and an intercooler. It puts out a 171hp and 360Nm of torque straight to a six-speed automatic transmission (AT) with sequential control. It comes with two drive modes, Eco and Power.

Body colors of this top-of-the-line trim are White Pearl, Blackish Red Mica, and Alumina Jade Metallic.

The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT (Blackish Red Mica) is priced at P1.679 million while the Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) goes for P1.694 million.      

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines