Toyota Innova 2012-2013 Aero GX Diesel 7 Seater BSIII

Innova 2012-2013 Aero GX Diesel 7 Seater BSIII Review

The Toyota Company launched Innova in Indian automobile market in the year of 2005 and since then it hasn’t looked back. They haven’t done any major changes to the car ever since then with the exception of new diesel engine. Launched just a couple days back is the new Toyota Innova Aero GX Diesel 7 Seater BSIII variant. Now as the name suggests, it is a limited edition and the exclusivity of the car is maintained by Toyota by just restricting it to 1200 models till the December 2012. Also the Aero kit has been installed for better aerodynamics and the new superior looks. It has the same 2KD diesel engine as well as the same transmission that is installed in the Innova GX model. There are a total of five new features which are as follows, dual tone front bumper spoiler, dual tone rear bumper spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and an Aero emblem. The car stands look to give an aggressive and sporty look perfect for a C+ segment car. It is a MUV (Multi utility vehicle) or a minivan which means that these cars are designed for maximum interior volume.       

Exteriors

Toyota has decided to launch the Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition 7 Seater in just 2 colors to maintain the exclusivity of this edition; the two shades are Super White and Silver Mica Metallic. The overall dimensions are as follows; length, width and height measures out to be 4585mm X 1760mm X 1760mm respectively. The maximum kerb weight and gross weight calculates out to be 1675kgs and 2300kgs respectively. It has a power adjustable exterior rear view mirror, rear window wiper and defogger, wheel covers, etc. Now the features that separate this limited edition model from the main GX variant are the new additions such as side skirts which are designed to match the side moulds, roof spoiler to enhance the dynamic look, dual tone front as well as rear bumper spoiler to give a trendy and sporty look and the all new and exclusive “Aero” emblem on the back of car. The wheelbase measures out to be 2750mm while the trend front/rear is 1510mm and 1510mm respectively.     

Interiors

Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition 7 Seater has front seats as separate seats, while captain seats in row number 2 and finally bench seats with 5:5 ratio spaces up. And as for the seat material, instead of using leather extensive fabric has been used. Air conditioner cum heater proves out to be very efficient and powerful too. Some small things such as digital clock, tachometer, electronic multi trip meter, cigarette lighter etc also finds place. Warnings for seat belt and door ajar are good safety and convenient features. Urethane material has been used for shift lever knob as well as for the 4 spoke steering wheel. Also these things are worth mentioning that all seats can be reclined as per the needs and the front seats can be slided as well and the driver seat can also be height adjustable.         

Engine and Performance

The all Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition 7 Seateris powered by the same 2.5L diesel engine as it was installed in Innova GX variant. This has a second generation of KD series diesel engines and is capable of having an engine displacement of about 2494cc . Also this diesel engine is turbocharged and has 4 inline cylinders with 16 valve double overhead camshaft . The maximum power output that can be generated is near about to 101bhp at the rate of 3600 rotations per minute. And the maximum torque that can be produced is 200Nm in the range between 1400 to 3400 rotations per minute. The fuel supply system is common rail type which is pretty good. It has the same five speed transmission that we have seen the basic variant, so nothing new is here also.      

Braking and Handling

Toyota has followed the same story for the braking and handling as they have for the major part of the car. It has the double wish bone as front suspension and four links with lateral rod as the rear suspension. The front brakes are ventilated disc brakes while the rear has got the leading tail drum brakes. The tyres have a minimum ground clearance of 176mm thanks to the tyre size of 205/65 R15 of 15inch which are tubeless and radial . The minimum turning radius is a decent 5.4m considering the big length of the car.  

Safety Features

Toyota hasn’t done much in the safety department of the car, there are very few safety features equipped that too for the name sake of safety. There are no parking sensors, traction control, ESP and many other things. Although we do get the ABS (Anti Braking System) but that also without the EBD (Electronic Balance Distribution) which is very disappointing on Toyota part. The outer body is built to handle shocks and crashes easily mainly due the GOA body. Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition 7 Seater comes with just one airbag that is for driver only . An engine immobilizer is installed as anti theft device. There is absolutely no D/N rear view mirror, crash sensor, engine check warning, and vehicle stability control system of any sort. But with the addition of side and front impact beams , keyless entry, halogen headlamps, centrally mounted fuel tank, there is some relief.       

Comfort features

There are some very good comfort features for Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition 7 Seater such as power steering, power windows, 12V power outlet, many AC vents for passengers, headrests, cup holder etc. The air conditioner can be manually operated and the steering wheel can be tilted. There are a total of 4 speakers which are setup in the car but there is absolutely no sign of audio system or there are nay connectivity ports for after setup such as AUX, iPod cable etc. The driver side has many controls for windows and door locking.   

Pros

·Good resale value.

·Good comfort features and interiors.

Cons

·Pricing of car.

·Plain and ordinary looks.