Innova 2012 2013 2.5 VX (Diesel) 8 Seater Review
Toyota is named after a city in southern Japan, but it was never limited to a single city. There would be hardly any city left in the world, where Toyota cars don’t run. In India, Toyota Motor Corporation runs under the name of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, wherein Kirloskar holds a minor stake in the company. It’s been more than 10 years since Toyota is dominating Indian car market with its impressive automobiles. Toyota Innova, which started running on Indian roads since 2005 have made its dominance in the MPV segment from the time it was launched . Since then Innova has undergone many changes including the latest facelift version, which is the result of expert tweaks by Toyota’s skilled engineers bringing the engine to its full potential, better suspension and smooth handling, making it a complete package for best off road/on road driving experience. Thats the reason why people still face a long waiting period to be a proud owner of Toyota Innova. This MPV not only serves customers who buy it for private or family purposes, but Innova also attracts buyers who are racing enthusiasts, and it’s a hot favorite among cab companies as well.
Exteriors:
The sporty yet elegant Innova is designed in such a way, so that it can be watched over and over again pleasurably. The car
extends to 4585mm in length, 1760mm in width and height . The vehicle has a wheel base of 2750mm with a ground clearance of 176mm, while the maximum turning radius is 5.4 meters. The new facelift version comes with quite a few number of changes. The most noticeable change is the frontage of the car. Another styling update is done in the front radiator grille, which is now trapezoidal in shape and slightly wider and more upright, which is similar to the new Toyota Fortuner. The new headlamps are sleeker and sharper and stretch right back to just above the front fenders. To complete the all new look, bumpers have also been redesigned, which neatly absorbs the new styled fog lamps. If we talk about redesigning of the sides, it still has the classic lines that are so native to the Toyota stable, no wonder it goes very easy on the eyes and gives a classy look to this MPV. Though, not much of the changes are done to the sides except that the mirrors now have built in indicators. Alloy wheels on the other hand are of a different design but look stylish in design even in the top end models. Rear end has few changes, like the tail lamp endorses a different look, which bulges out slightly to the sides and now it has a wider chrome bar above the number plate. Many would miss the elegant and in-fashion white color in the Toyota Innova 2.5 VX (Diesel) 8 Seater. Rest all colors are vailable in this model, viz. Silver Mica, Silky Gold Mica, Dark Red Mica, Blue and Grey Mica Metallic .
Interiors:
The Toyota Innova 2.5 VX (Diesel) is an eight seater, which boasts a new classy look. The interiors are spacious and roomy. It comes with a pre-fitted air-conditioning with heating facility. It also comes with a six-inch touch screen for audio, DVD and Bluetooth telephony functions. One can also operate these features via buttons on the new four-spoke leather covered steering wheel. A reverse camera is another useful addition to this variant. It’s the same dashboard as the old model with very minimum changes. A
double-din DVD stereo system is provided in this variant. The screen also displays the parking camera video. The Toyota Innova 2.5 VX (Diesel) 8 Seater comes with a
smart Multi-Information Display (MID), which gives the driver all sorts of information that is required to make sure that the MPV is running in a good condition. For example, it will reflect how much fuel the vehicle is consuming, it will also show the current air pressure in all the tyres etc. This MID contains all the basic necessities which now-a-days every car driver needs, like, a tachometer, a trip meter, door ajar warning, seat belt warning, a front map lamp, a power outlet, a glove box, sun visor for the driver as well as the co-passenger, a 4-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, and wooden panels too.
Engine and Performance:
There are no engine upgrades as such, so that all the people who are in love with the driving essence of this MPV can drive it just like the version it has replaced. It’s the same diesel mill that does duty in this
MPV, which is a BS-III 2KD-FTV common rail engine that puts out 100bhp at 3600rpm along with a peak torque of 200Nm at 1400-3400rpm. This engine has been skilfully mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box, which has smoother shifts.
Braking and Handling:
The all new Innova does retain its pleasant balance between ride and handling. The front suspension of is of Toyota Innova 2.5 VX (Diesel) 8 Seater is of Double Wishbone, while the rear suspension of the car has Four Link with Lateral Rod. This variant has
tubeless tyres of size R15 – 205/65 . The vehicle is fitted with an efficient braking system, which is quite strong. The front brakes of the MPV are of ventilated disc type, while the rear brake of the vehicle is of leading-trailing drum type, both are quite effective while driving the car.
Comfort Features:
The power steering in the car helps the driver in making easy turns. While the driver seat height adjustment also bring a great service to people of different heights. Additionally, the car has been provided with features such as
remote trunk opener, vanity mirrors, rear seat headrest, front cup holder and fuel lid opener, key less entry, back monitor camera with display, Bluetooth phone controls on steering wheel , power windows that add to the comfort factor of the vehicle.
Safety Features:
For the safety of both the driver as well as passengers, the car is fitted with high quality air bags. Other
safety features incorporated to augment the safety of the riders include rear seat belts, adjustable seats, ABS, immobilizer etc.
Pros: Facelift version not many changes, powerful engine.
Cons: Mileage can be made better, Engine noise can be reduced.
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