Toyota Innova Crysta Preview

The Toyota Innova has been the Japanese automaker’s most successful product to date beating even the Qualis, its predecessor. Since it began sales in 2005, the Innova has remained pretty much the same, save for a host of cosmetic updates which came in three batches with the last one being exactly a year ago and this, by the look of it was the final update for the current car.

Now there will be a new one based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. It is expected to be launched this year in India with both petrol and diesel engine options. The car has been unveiled in Indonesia and will be displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo in February.

Exterior

The all-new Innova keeps the current overall box(ish) MP design, but gets a lower roof line making it look like a longer car. The fascia is dominated by a two-slat grille in line with their current design philosophy. The headlights are projector units, and there is an addition of DRLs in this new version. The side profile, thanks to the roofline, gives the car a much sleeker appearance. The forward sloping roof cuts into the visibility of the front windows, but the windows of the third row are much larger.

The rear profile overall remains the same as before but gets a spoiler and revised tail lamps. However, the boxiness has also lent the feel of a more premium vehicle thanks to the lower rear bumper. The chrome embellished grille and new tail light extensions extend along the registration plate line.

Interior

The interior of the new Innova replicates the Corolla in many ways. This includes a beige and black theme, with beige in the centre and on the doors as well. The cabin now comes packed with features including power windows, automatic climate control, a new touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in. A twin-pod instrument cluster, multi-function display and automatic climate control system complete the interior.

Also included in the list is expected to be tables for the second row, 12-volt sockets for the third row and a plethora of storage spaces both above and below. The top-of-the-line Z-variant will also boast of safety features like dual front, side and knee airbags, ABS, stability control and Hill-start assist.

Engine and gearbox

Toyota offers the current Innova with two engine options. The 2.5-litre diesel mill produces 100bhp of power and 200Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre four-pot petrol motor churns out 130bhp of power and 181Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. For the Indonesian market, the new Innova is offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. There is a 2.0-litre petrol mill that churns out 137bhp of power and 183Nm of torque. The old 2.5-litre diesel engine is now replaced by an all-new 2.4-litre diesel unit producing 147bhp and 360Nm of torque. These might be brought to the Indian market as well. Also, taking into consideration the current consumer preferences, we believe that Toyota will offer the new Innova with a six-speed automatic gearbox as well.

Price and competition

The new Innova is expected to continue the current price range right up to the Z-spec variant. It competes with the Renault Lodgy, Mahindra Xylo and the upcoming Chevrolet Spin in the premium MPV category.

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