Toyota Innova

Overview

The Toyota Innova is one vehicle which has literally written new rules and benchmarks for the affordable MUV segment all across the world. It single handedly changed the perceptions of MUVs from the vehicles low on desirability and high on practicality, to adding some more premium and luxury touch to it. Everything on the new Toyota Innova has been changed, except the flavors of reliability and supple ride quality. The Toyota Innova, with its revamped exterior, interior and mechanicals, is currently being offered in two engine options – while the petrol engine option is available in four variants - J (manual), E (manual), E (automatic) and G (automatic) variant, the diesel engine can be yours in six variants - J (manual), E (manual), E (automatic), G (manual), G (automatic) and V (automatic). The paint schemes offered for Toyota Innova are Freedom White, White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Blackish Red Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Alumina Jade Metallic and Blue Mica Metallic.

Interior & Features

Just like on the outside, the Toyota Innova has seen a massive transformation on the inside as well. The overall cabin and dashboard layouts have taken a whole leap forward with its uber-cool design elements, which were unseen in a budget MUV erstwhile.

The T-shaped steering wheel shared with the Fortuner gets with silver as well as wood inserts, making it look and feel good. The dashboard has a cascading layout with a characteristic wavy design at the top. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the center seems to be sandwiched between two wavy layers which looks quite unique and upmarket for an MUV. This infotainment system gets surrounded by silver and fake wood panels on both the sides of it. The center console becomes sort of minimalist towards the lower portion with small buttons for the climate control.

The other prominent features which have uplifted the ambience and rich feel of the cabin include the like of an 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wi-fi support, internet browser, voice commands and reverse camera, push button start, automatic climate control, 8-way powered driver’s seat, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and foldable rear view mirrors, and AC vents for all the three rows. The overall seating posture is now quite upright and feels like that of an SUV. However, like before, the Innova offers class leading space for all the three rows, and gets an option of captain seats to make it feel more upmarket in appeal. In a typically Toyota fashion, the build quality and fit and finish is unquestionable.

Exterior

From the perspective of MUV buyers, the Innova always had a safe approach towards design, and while it was still following the basic rulebook of designing an MUV, it was a cut above the competition in terms of premium appeal in and out. The new Innova, however, has changed the game altogether, by becoming larger and aesthetically sharper to look at.

At the front of the Toyota Innova sits a huge inverted grille with chrome slats, which make it look larger and more premium while viewing head-on. At the upper corners of the grille, two sleek headlamps have been positioned, which look nice and premium too, thanks to the presence of LED projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs in the inner corners of the headlamps. The rest of the design, including that of the front bumper, has been safely designed with simple layouts for fog lamps.

The side profile of the Toyota Innova has become sharper and more aerodynamic due to its long stance, which is complemented by a long character line flowing all the way from the headlamp to the rear tail light. The alloy wheels look simple yet classy, and the presence of chrome finish for door handles and window waistline further raise the elegance quotient of the side profile of the Innova.

The bold appeal of the front and side profiles of the Innova gets slightly diluted while moving towards the rear, as it looks slightly boxy and traditionally MPV-like. The saber-tooth shaped tail lamp look nice, however, the absence of LED inserts in them make them feel plain in visual appeal. However, the roof spoiler at the rear adds some sportiness to the otherwise plainly styled rear profile.

Ride & Handling

The Toyota Innova recreated new benchmarks in the affordable MUV segment with its road manners and comfort within the cabin. The new Innova takes the game ahead with the conventional suspension setup, which now feels even softer and more composed. A major credits to this better feel goes to the longer wheelbase and large 17-inch alloy wheels shod with meatier tyres.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

For the Philippines market, one does get two engine options, with more focus toward the diesl powertrain. The petrol engine is a 2.0 liter VVT-I petrol motor capable enough to belt out a maximum power output of 136 bhp and a maximum torque output of 183 Nm. On the other hand, the oil burner is a 2.8 liter four cylinder diesel engine, which pumps out a maximum power output of 171 bhp of maximum power and 360 Nm of maximum torque. One also gets two transmission options on offer – a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, depending on the different variant configurations.

Braking & Safety

The new Toyota Innova is one of the very few affordable MUVs which have a key focus on safety aspects as well. The Innova now comes equipped with a range of safety features, including a total of seven airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, side, curtain and knee airbags and ISOFIX mounts.

Verdict

With the host of changes in every department, it is pretty natural that the Toyota Innova has now become much pricier. However, the rise in price is very justifiable, for the changes are very prominent. Whether it’s the exterior design, interior cabin layout, list of comfort and convenience features, safety features, performance from new set of engines or ride quality, the new Toyota Innova has seen massive improvements in every department.