Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova’s design has evolved over the decade maturing from a plain jane boxy people carrier to a contemporary looking MPV. Succeeding to a new generation, Innova will don an even better design language. Coming to the current model, front fascia features a three-slat hexagonal chrome grille enclosed by a thick chrome surround. Angular head lamps are fitted on the flanks, lower side of the bumper features vertical air vents and fog lamps are placed carefully on the chrome finished fog lamp housings. Side portfolio is marked by outside rear view mirrors, character lines are not prominent and there is an evident space between wheels and arches, moreover the wheels appear undersized as compared to the rest of the body resting on it. Rear styling isn’t very appealing; the vertically mounted tail lamps appear a tad dated. There is an integrated spoiler atop and reflectors are equipped on lower bumper.

Innova Interiors

Innova is available in seven and eight seating layout which means there is no dearth of space inside the cabin for occupants. Interiors are wrapped in two-tone colour theme; dashboard is large and gets a silver finished centre console featuring a LCD display (in top spec variants only). Wooden finish is seen around centre console and door pads and chrome finish is visible on parking brake button. Bottle holder is provided in first and second rows giving a miss to the third row. Front row gets separate seats with sliding function. Second row comes equipped with captain seats which can be slid and third row features bench seat.  All the seats in the cabin get reclining function.

Innova Engine Specifications and Transmission

Under the engine hood is a 2.5 litre, common rail, in-line diesel powerplant good for pinnacle power of 102 PS at 3600 RPM and 200 Nm of top torque between 1200 to 3600 RPM. A five-speed manual transmission is mated to the diesel mill directing power to wheels.

Innova Features

On the outside, Innova features alloy wheels, wiper in front as well as rear, rear defogger, electrically adjustable ORVMs with side turn indicators, rocker and door lower moulding, side moulding and rear garnish. Interiors come stuffed with a clock, a multi information display, optitron combimeter with illumination control, tachometer, tripmeter, door ajar warning, seat belt warning, a 12 V power outlet, a glovebox for storage, height adjuster for driver’s seat, fabric upholstery and steering wheel etc.

Innova Performance and Mileage

Performance on the whole is powerful, Innova has consistently delivered influential performance and the current version is following the same tradition. Running cost is not viable as the company claims to return 13.31 kms on a litre which is on a lower side juxtaposed to contemporary rivals.

Innova Accessories and Infotainment

Toyota offers a glut of accessories to personalize Innova as per customers’ preference. Owners can avail four kits namely- Prestige, Style, Luxury and Comfort. The prestige kit offers headlamp chrome garnish, tail lamp chrome garnish, cover for outside rear view mirrors along with turn indicators, side turn lamp cover and chrome, muffler cutter, wheel arc moulding, rear license plate garnish, bumper corner protector with chrome, chrome door housing and chrome lid/rear door garnish. Style package comprises of rear spoiler, pedal set M/T, side skirts, side visor, front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler,six spoke 15 inch alloy wheels and body graphics.Luxury pack is primarily for interiors except for a fitting kit for front fog lamps. On the inside, luxury pack gives an option to get leather/artificial leather/fabric seat covers. To spruce up styling customers can opt for wooden panel, there is an option to get wooden finish or leather finish on the gear shift knob. Head-up display, security system, Audio 2 DIN Classic AVX/SCD are some of the other features available under Luxury kit. Comfort kit on the other hand offers car cushion, fender pole, bumper corner protector, rear builguard, back camera, back sensors, car cover silver/tyvek, mud flaps 2D etc. Standard options for playing music is available only on the top spec variants which get a 2DIN audio system with LCD display, DVD player, Bluetooth, USB, AUX-In, touchscreen and remote. Six speakers are inset in trims equipped with audio system, besides steering gets mounted controls for audio, MID & Bluetooth phone controls.

Innova Braking and Handling

Ventilating disc brakes in front and leading-trailing drum brakes at rear are incorporated for attenuating power. Anti-lock-braking system further bolsters the braking action.

Innova Safety and Security

SRS dual front airbags are employed across line-up, other than this the vehicle gets immobiliser.

Innova Comfort and Convenience

Innova does not offer too many comfort features, there are just a handful of features embedded inside such as air conditioner with heater, rear air conditioner ceiling vents for second and third rows, tilt steering column, power steering, power windows with driver side auto down, power door lock, keyless entry, parking sensors and back monitor camera with display.

Innova Wheels and Tyres

Dark grey dual tone alloy wheels are fitted on the top spec variants, rest of the trims feature steel wheels. Tyre size is standard across range measuring 205/65 R15.

Innova Competition

Claiming its dominance in MPV segment for more than a decade, Innova got a serious jolt when Maruti inducted Ertiga as this is the only MPV that has given stiff competition to Innova. Besides, Ertiga, Innova competes with Honda Mobilio and Renault Lodgy.

Pros:

Cabin space
Boastful dimensions
Comfortable third row

Cons:

 Lacks comfort features
 Under-sized tyres
 Limited power output