Toyota Innova 2012-2013 Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII

Innova 2012-2013 Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII Review

The Japanese multinational automaker Toyota has rolled out the limited edition of Innova named as Toyota Innova Aero Limited Edition with just 1200 models that are on sale till December 2012. This car will be offered in two choices as a 7 seater or an 8 seater. Prior to this release a total of 12 variants were available of Innova. This Toyota Innova Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII has a specially designed aero kit installed to improve the aerodynamics as well as the overall appearance of the vehicle. It is the same model GX diesel variant but has many new features and improvements done to it like the dual tone bumper spoiler, side skirts, roof and dual tone rear spoiler etc. It has a BS III diesel engine and common rail fuel supply system. Plus it comes with a 5 speed manual transmission similar to that of GX variant. Toyota Innova Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII comes in just two shades to maintain its exclusivity. Also the exteriors have been carefully crafted to give a sporty look and sleek design.                

Exteriors

The all new Toyota Innova Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII has a very sleek yet bold appearance. The addition of dual tone front bumper as well as the dual tone ear bumper spoiler gives a very trendy and sporty look. The side skirts are designed to give an exclusive look and to match with the side mould of the doors. The “Aero” emblem on the back do helps to maintain the distinct identity for the limited edition. The roof spoiler with unavoidable appeal greatly enhances the dynamicity of the car. Toyota  limited edition vehicle is available in just two colors that are Super white and Silver Mica Metallic. The overall length, width and height are 4585mm X 1760mm X 1760mm respectively. The maximum kerb weight of this car is 1675kgs while the gross weight is about 2300kgs. The wheelbase and the trend front/rear are 2750mm and 1510mm respectively. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable and are body coloured. The front wiper is intermittent and has mist function.    

Interiors

Toyota Innova Aero GX Diesel 8 Seater BSIII has very spacious and comfortable interiors. The interiors are of good quality and give a refreshed look. Certain small things or features such as clock, tachometer, trip meter, seat belt warning, door ajar warning are very good additions. It does come with an overhead storage console in the front map lamp for storing purposes. For the seat material, fabric has been selected and leather has been neglected. Plus the all seats including the driver as wheel as the passengers can be reclined and front seats can be slided as well. For the second row the bench seat is in the ratio of 6:4 tumble and for the third row seats have been spaced up with 5:5 ratios.   

Engine and Performance

Nothing new is in the Engine or drive train of the car. It is powered by the same 2.5L diesel engine as it was installed in GX version . The BS III diesel engine has turbocharger with 4 inline cylinders . It has a second generation of KD series and has 2494cc as engine displacement . The fuel supply system is common rail type fuel system. The cylinders are also in line with 16 valve driver overhead cam shaft. The maximum power output that can be generated is close to 101bhp at the rate of 3600rpm’s. And the maximum torque that can be generated is 200Nm in the range between 1400 – 3400rpm’s. The same story follows with the transmission of the car, as it is equipped with the same 5 speed manual gearbox as it is in GX model .       

Braking and Handling

Now over to the chassis, the front suspension is a double wishbone while the rear one is four links and it has a lateral rod. The front and rear brakes are ventilated disc and leading trailing drum brakes. The tyres used are of size 205/65 R15 with 15inch being the radius. The tyres a very good ground clearance of 176mm and has a minimum turning radius of 5.4m. It does come with ABS (Anti Braking System) which provides a very good control over the car .

Safety Features

Safety features are nothing out of the box here; Toyota should have done something about the safety features. The GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body of the car is provided to give a tough and hard body. There is only airbag in the entire car that is for driver only which is quite a big disappointment considering the price of the car. It does have the ABS system but EBD is missing. For the security of the car Immobilizer (Anti theft system) is installed. This might not be the ideal choice for any safety concerned persons. Child safety locks, remote locking is present but the traction control also misses out. The parking sensors, traction control, ESP are also missing in this model.  

Comfort features

There are many comfort features available in this model that is quite convenient to use. The air conditioner cum heater comes with a manual control. The steering as well the windows is power operated with controls present on driver side.  A total of 4 speakers are present while there are no signs of any audio system in the car which is a letdown. There are many ceiling vents present for the 2nd and 3rd rows for the air to flow properly. The keyless entry, power door lock, sun visor (for both driver and passenger), spacious glove box, 4 spoke steering wheel, urethane shift lever knob and many other things are quite useful and to our convenience. The steering wheel can also be tilted as required by the driver. Rear defogger is also very good addition. The boot/fuel lid is remotely operated. There is also rear wiper, rear armrest with cup holders, the driver seat is adjustable but with manual operation. Also the important controls for car and audio system are missing out on the steering wheel.                 

Pros

Brand name.

Very good resale value.

Cons 

High price for fewer features.

Mod kits are available to give the same looks.

Plane and bland appearance.