“Even a Chinese replica will look better,” is what someone said on seeing the new Toyota Innova. To say the truth, the facelift on the new Innova feels as though Toyota is planning not to make any serious modifications on this variant anymore and is living past its life cycle. Or maybe they’re taking the consumers for granted. The same generation has been around since 2005.
Not many would know this, but the oversized front grill is similar to the one on the Toyota Alphard model in China, and that does look better too! Apart from the grill, the fog lamps are chrome-plated, so are the door strips which are now placed lower, questioning whether these strips are necessary at all. Reverse park cameras also come as standard. The sheet metal is thin and gets dented easily. The paint work gets scratches easily.
The interiors have new dual tone leather seats. The light colours give the cabin a bright and airy feeling. The double-din DVD audio system in the new Innova is the same as in the Fortuner. It comes with touch and bluetooth pairing features. Audio control has been mounted on the steering wheel as well. Automatic climate control A/C as well as the features mentioned above are available in the V and Z variants only. The silver finish on the central console feels out of place though.
Even after many facelifts, there has been no improvement or refinement on the engine noise or vibration levels. The gear shakes and dances unpleasantly while starting the engine, although smooth in operation.
The Innova has two engine options. The 2.5L BSIV and BSIII Diesel and 2.0L Petrol. The BSIV version has an intercooler. The petrol version is not so popular and is made on order, with delivery time ranging between 2-3 months. The petrol engine is fast and refined, but fuel economy and resale value are lower than its diesel counterpart. T h e mileage on the diesel hovers around 9 kmpl, which is lower that its competitors in its segment.
The driveability on offer by the DOHC common rail diesel is fantastic. There is hardly any turbo lag and the acceleration is sharp and responsive in the city. You can ride around in third gear in the city without having to shift much. That said, Innova is meant for an easy or relaxed drive.
The engine becomes noisy, which creeps into the cabin, when it is pushed beyond 110 kmph. At 100 kmph itself, the engine is running at ~2,750 rpms. The facelift should have included a taller fifth gear or even better a sixth.
Another improvement could have been an automatic transmission in the diesel variant, which looks unlikely.
Remember, the captain seats (second row) in the Innova offer superior comfort levels, ride quality and are significantly priced lower. Coming down to the price, it is 50 per cent costlier than in 2005, considering the fact that there has been no substantial improvement over the years and the generation still remains the same. The 2.5L BSIV diesel starts at `9.9 lakh and the top end costs `15.3 lakh.
The 2.5L BSIII costs between `9.66 and `15 lakh. (All prices are ex-showroom (Kozhikode).
Setting aside all the shortcomings of the new Innova, the build quality and durability of Toyota along with its after sales service has always been magnetic charm that has been drawing customers to this brand, year after year.