Toyota Innova Expert Review

The Innova has been the best selling brand for Toyota and the company continues to sell this MUV as one of its best-selling products. The Japanese manufacturer has recently introduced the titivated version of this multi-utility vehicle.

So, what is new in the Innova? It gets a new variant and what are the new design changes in the Innova? We find in our review of the facelift version of the Toyota Innova. Read further, to know the changes.

Design:

The updated Toyota Innova has some minor cosmetic updates which includes a new front grille. The grille is now even larger with more chrome and more number of horizontal slats too. The front bumper has been redesigned and the fog lamp styling has been revamped. The headlamps and the hood remain the same. The fascia has been refreshed, however it still resembles and can be easily identified as an Innova.

The silhouette remains unchanged, however the rear has received some changes. There is a new chrome slate that makes it resemble the Fortuner. It also gets a new spoiler and a new exhaust. The tail lamp design is similar what it was previously. Not many changes have been made on the Innova.

Interiors:

The interior styling of the Innova remains similar. The instrument panel doesn’t get several changes, except for the new wooden finish. Innova being a successful product, not many changes have been made on the inside either. It still retains the same styling and the fit and finish is first-rate. The quality and the feel of the materials are decent. The instrument panel design is simple and subtle.

The range topping Innova now has a touchscreen. This in-dash system has auxiliary and USB connectivity, reverse parking camera and also telephonic and music Bluetooth connectivity. Even the instrument binnacle has been refreshed. The rest of the kit remains identical.

The seating is still the same, with ample space for the front and middle row passenger. The second-row seats do not have sufficient support for thighs.  

The third row of seats is meant for children, as there isn’t much legroom. In the top of the line, the Innova gets roof-mounted air-conditioning vents for the second and third row occupants.

The boot space of the Innova is decent, when compared to competition.  Some of its competition lacks a boot with the third row of seats. Even folding the third row of seats is simple and easy. The top of the line gets leather and dual-tone interiors. 

Engine and Transmission:

Innova is propelled by a 2.5-litre diesel engine that powers the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine produces 100bhp and 200Nm. The Innova comes with Bharat Stage IV and Bharat Stage III norms engines. The Bharat Stage IV norm oil burner gets an intercooler, however the BS III goes missing on the same. The engine is noisy, especially on cold starting and at higher rpms. 

The drivability of the Innova is astounding.  It has a strong low and mid-range. This means it will pull cleanly even when lugged into a higher cog without any hiccups. Overtaking isn’t an issue in the Innova and driving it is a breeze further in city or out on the open road.

The Innova comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The gear stick is long and shifts are wee bit notchy. Even the gear lever is a bit too longer than our liking. But the gearing is just spot-on for city and highway driving. The gear ratios are short making it drivable in city.

Driving Dynamics:

The handling of the Innova is decent for its size. Considering the length of the vehicle, the body roll isn’t much. One might not lose control, unless you do something that is stupid. The steering wheel is also light and it weighs gradually with the increase in speed.

Innova is a multi-utility vehicle, which means the ride quality is priority over the handling. The ride of Innova is supple and composed. The suspension of the MUV irons out most of the jolts on uneven road surfaces as well.  The dampers absorb most of the shocks keeping the ride smooth.

Verdict:

The Innova has been the segment leader, and there is nothing that comes close to it at the moment. It seems Toyota will want to enjoy the lead, as there aren’t many changes in the product even after the refresh. Toyota will continue to dominate until we see a stiff competition.