Toyota Innova

The new Toyota Innova was unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo. When it comes to looks, the new one simply improves on this fact. Up front, it doesn’t take too long to notice the changes. The almost almond type headlamps are replaced with more rectangular ones , which are of the wrap-around variety. These do remind us of the Altis/Camry sedan and this is a good thing. The grille is bigger, has more chrome and the bonnet too gets a slight face-lift – look at the front end from a distance and you the prominent and raised bonnet lines. Similarly, the front bumper is new with a wider air-dam and neatly placed fog lamps. Side profile remains unchanged (apart from the new side skirts) though at the rear, the tail lamps now get the clear lens treatment.

Step in and you immediately notice the first change. The steering wheel is all-new and similar to the one seen on the Altis sedan – it gets all the features too in the sense of steering wheel mounted controls for the audio system, Bluetooth connected mobile phone and driver information display. Look behind the wheel and the slightly different styled speedometer console catches your eyes too. The comfort and practicality factors remain as high as ever though i still feel that the last row is not really suited for full sized adults. The new Innova is being in both 7 as well as 8 seat configurations. Boot space, with the three rows in place is best suited for mid-sized soft luggage bags. Engine wise, the D-4D engine 2.5-litre intercooler unit is a gem of a unit and simply goes on and on for lakhs of kilometres before needing any major maintenance. No doubt, this does help in city driving but take the vehicle to the highway at speeds over 110km/h and it cries for a longer 5th gear or a new 6th one.

The new 2012 Toyota Innova is mechanically unchanged which means the overall power and torque figures too remain the same. This 102Bhp engine is refined, punchy and efficient. The Innova also continues to sell with the 2.0-litre petrol engine and though this one sells in less numbers, the engine is very strong on performance. Slow speed ride with a single person on board is a little bouncy though the moment you build up speeds , the Innova simply glides over bad roads, undulations and pot-holes. Add to this the light steering and good visibility and this vehicle turns out to be a very good city companion. Out on open roads, the Innova holds its own against the rivals. Be it high speed stability or handling manners on hilly roads, the Innova is car like to drive and simply doesn’t make the driver or the passengers nervous at any time. The Toyota Innova starts at Rs 9 lakhs to Rs 14 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi which is good value for money For a detailed analysis read below.

The Toyota Innova has been known for its roomy , practical and high quality interiors. This is supposed to be a family vehicle , a people mover and it does justify the MUV tag perfectly. As expected , the new version improves on this account , though not very significantly as the number of changes are pretty less and more on the lines of new features. Step in and you immediately notice the first change. The steering wheel is all-new and similar to the one seen on the Altis sedan – it gets all the features too in the sense of steering wheel mounted controls for the audio system , Bluetooth connected mobile phone and driver information display. Look behind the wheel and the slightly different styled speedometer console catches your eyes too.

Things don’t stop here – the top end 2012 Innova we drove gets a new touch screen system with multiple capabilities. It a double-DIN head unit with a DVD player , USB+Bluetooth connectivity as well as six speakers in all. Audio quality is pretty good and the system also doubles up a display for the reverse camera. The silver effect around the system looks good and along with the faux-wood gives a more up-market feel to the vehicle. It should be noted that is the same system seen on the new 2012 Fortuner as well.The color treatment for the cabin has changed too. Plastics are now finished in a lighter hue of beige and the seats finished in dual tone colors. The comfort and practicality factors remain as high as ever though i still feel that the last row is not really suited for full sized adults. The new Innova is being in both 7 as well as 8 seat configurations. Boot space , with the three rows in place is best suited for mid-sized soft luggage bags.