Toyota has introduced the new Innova. It is modern, plush, and costs more than the one it replaces.

Story by: Team CV

For all those fleet operators who have been looking forward to replacing their aging Toyota Innovas with the new Innova Crysta, the wait may be longer than they would expect. If industry sources are to be believed, Toyota is not keen to sell the Innova Crysta to the tourist taxi market for at least the next one year. A stripped down version is said to be in the works, and would be made available in a year’s time. Keen that the Innova Crysta cuts a luxury image, its manufacturer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, has priced it in a price bracket of Rs.13,83 lakh and Rs.20,77 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. The new vehicle is claimed to cost considerably more than the earlier generation Innova, which was significantly overpriced none the less. Riding on Toyota’s reputation for making boringly reliable cars, the new Innova steps into the German car territory almost. With the possibility of a bulk order from the tourist taxi fleet likely to be considered, the Innova Crysta, it is clear, has moved away from the reach of many of those who are currently operating the earlier generation model as a tourist taxi. The question therefore is, if the Innova Crysta is worth the price? Will the clients pay a higher fair an operator may demand in view of the amount he has invested?
Quite overpriced the earlier generation model was at close to Rs.18 lakh for the top-spec. When launched in 2005, the Innova, with a decent kit, cost in the region of Rs. 8.5 lakh. The Innova Crysta, it looks like therefore, is quite overpriced. Available in G, GX, VX and ZX trim levels, the top-spec ZX is a 7-seater, and could be had with a 6-speed auto transmission with sequential shift. Powering the top-spec Innova is a new 174 PS 2.8-litre diesel engine. The 150 PS 2.4-litre diesel engine is also new. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Both the engines are placed longitudinally on an all-new frame with the drive going to the rear wheels. A petrol engine is also said to be on the cards. Details of the same are awaited. Referred to as a segment creator and better known to be synonymous with MPVs in India according to Shekar Viswanathan, Vice Chairman & Whole-time Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Innova, from the time it was launched in 2005, has sold over 6 lakh units. Expected to follow in the footsteps of the earlier generation model, the Innova Crysta, in the top-spec trim, features 7 SRS airbags, vehicle stability control and hill assist control. With April 2016 sales amounting to an estimated 4269 units, the features, offered as standard across the trim levels, include three SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, three-point seat-belt and headrest for all passengers and a child restraint system (ISOFIX).
Apart from a push button start, the interior of the Innova Crysta is driver centric with unique silver and wood finish accents. Apart from the diffused blue ambient lighting, the new vehicle features automatic climate control with cool start and rear auto AC, one touch tumble second row and one touch space up third row, leather wrap steering wheel with wood finish ornament and multi-function switches, all-window auto-up down with jam protection, and 3D combi meter with 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display. Outside, the Innova Crysta, measuring 4735 mm in length, boasts of an all-new look. Supporting the new look is a completely redesigned fascia, which contains a new, bold grille and an automatic LED projector headlamp and front fog lamps. Marking the sides is a distinctive window line. ORVMs are electrically adjustable and retractable. Available with attractive looking 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, the Innova Crysta continues to be a body bolted to a chassis design. The chassis is all-new and the vehicle profits from the use of high strength, high tensile steel, which makes for a lighter construction.