Toyota Innova

Overview

Toyota Innova is the most preferred MPV across the globe and is developed by world's leading auto manufacturer, Toyota. Introduced first in the year 2004 globally, it has done extremely well for the company and at times has created long waiting periods. Talking specifically about the Philippines market, the car was introduced in the year 2004 as a replacement to Toyota Revo and since then has showcased in the list of best sellers. As per the recent updates, it has undergone a major overhaul with regards to the styling both insides and outside. Also, the engine and safety front has received up-gradations. The updated version made its entry last year in the market with an updated design and advanced features, which has further improved the demand and appeal of this MPV. This time, around Innova, is introduced with three new trim named Type G (The Grande), Type V (The Victory) and Type Q (The Quantum). Technically, the car underwent many changes, best suiting the need and requirement of gen-next.

Interior & Features

There are some major updates given to the interior scheme, giving the car an upmarket appeal and making it superbly comfortable. Its dashboard is now decorated with wood accents, which is highlighted by minimal chrome application. The seats in the lower trim have been covered with fabric upholstery while the higher level trims getting leather upholstery. Talking specifically of the G type, the variant comes stuffed with tilt and telescopic steering, glove box with chiller function and a 7-inch entertainment unit. The Q-type comes equipped with all power window, cabin tray behind rear seats and has a sophisticated and elegant dashboard. The V-type comes with auto A/C and an 8-inch entertainment system, proving itself to be better amongst all three.
The newly added trim includes some great features that are aimed to make the ride comforting and less tiring. All the three trims are fitted with mobile charging points, which makes it quite easy for every passenger to charge their mobile phones. A rear view camera assists the driver to park it safely. It is only the V-type trim that is bestowed with fully automatic air-con unit. There is a glove box with chiller function that enables storing a number of things from perishable to non-perishable simpler. As for the steering wheel, it comes wrapped with leather and has multifunctional buttons, giving the diver a comfortable feel. The gear knob, as for that matter also comes with leather finish, adding to both its appeal and functionality.

Exterior

The new Innova gets a refreshed front, side and rear facets when compared to its predecessor. We can clearly see the design updates to the grille that now comes in a hexagonal case with more chrome and company's insignia in the center that adds to its elegance and style. The headlight cluster has been refurbished, as it is now adorned with LED projector lamps. The front bumper gets a new pattern with a slightly bigger air dam and modified fog lamp consoles. They are garnished with black cladding that flanks a rugged appeal to this facade. The bonnet on top gets some masculine tweaks that add to its aggressive stance. Its side face looks to be the same but now it is accompanied with prominent wheel arches, chrome door handles and side indicator integrated ORVM. The rear has a sturdy body structure with black colored pillars, masculine bumper, and a large tailgate. The rear door is now decorated with a rear spoiler and brand's logo that adds to its exclusivity.

Unlike its predecessor, this all-new edition comes with the better exterior dimensions. The car now has an appealing body and is good, both style and dimension wise. It is now longer and taller, making the interior more spacious and comforting. Toyota Innova measures 4735 mm in length, with a width of 1830 mm (excluding the ORVM caps). Its height stands at 1795 mm and the wheelbase measures at 2750 mm.

Mileage Running Cost

The new version of Toyota Innova received major modifications both on its powerhouse and technical front. Though there are a number of advancements in the new Innova, the fuel efficiency is still cannot be termed as good. The 2.0-litre Dual VVT-i Petrol engine produces a maximum mileage of about 13 Kmpl (standard condition). While the new 2.4-litres GD VN Turbo Diesel engine displays a better fuel economy of 14 Kmpl.

Ride & Handling

At the front is present the Double Wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer suspension long with 4-link with coil springs and lateral rod suspension at rear end.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Like mentioned above, the company has made many changes to this recent version with regards to the technical specifications. It now gets two new engines, one is the 2.4-litres GD VN Turbo Diesel engine and second is the new 2.0-litres Dual VVT-i Petrol engine. The 2.4-litres mill is capable of churning out 149 PS at 3400 rpm of maximum power with peak torque of 342 Nm at 1200 and 2800 rpm. The engines are mated with a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox that supports front wheel mechanism.

Braking & Safety

In terms of braking, the front as well as rear wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes and drum brakes respectively. It is accompanied by anti-lock braking as well as electronic brake force distribution that further improves the overall braking experience.

Verdict

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