When we think of MPVs, the first thing that comes to mind is practicality, space and the Toyota Innova. The Toyota Qualis was its predecessor in India but Toyota decided to do the unthinkable by replacing it with a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing to the eye MPV called the Innova, and since then there was no turning back. It is without a doubt the most popular MPV in India. Now it has come out in a new generation called the Crysta. The Innova Crysta gets petrol and diesel engines and competes against the mid-range SUVs in India because there are no other MPVs within its price range.
Design & Styling
Toyota decided to go bold with the new Innova Crysta. This seems to be an attempt to camouflage the boxy MPV shape, but its shape is unmistakably a van. But the Innova Crysta doesn’t look anything like a people’s mover, instead the big imposing hexagonal grille and Katana blade like shaped headlamps make the Innova a premium vehicle. The new front grille is quite similar to the Corolla Altis and the Camry, but is a lot bigger and wider in size. The twin pod projector lamps with LED daytime running lights also adds a touch of class. There is also a pronounced V crease on the bonnet while the prominent shoulder lines running across the doors all the way to the tail lamps and are complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels. The C-pillar gets a freshly new designed window, and at the rear, the all new boomerang rear lamps stand out while the top of the line variant comes with a roof spoiler.
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Interiors
The Innova has an air of opulence, which no other MPV in India can boast about. The cabin gives a lounge like feel with ambience light and rich materials fitted inside that are top notch. The Innova Crysta’s dashboard is like a work of art as it’s sculpted with wooden panels and aluminum touches. It looks very chic with a 1.5 metre silver trim running across the dash. Like most contemporary vehicles, the 7-inch infotainment touch screen hogs the Innova’s dashboard, but it offers more panache as it comes in an aluminum brushed finish. Toyota has improved the seats as well as they are not only more comfortable, but now provide much better side support. The seat squab has been redesigned and thus thigh is much better, especially the Captain Seats in the second row.
Engine & Transmission
For the first time, the Innova will be available in two diesel engine options. The automatic variant is powered by 2.8-litre engine with 172bhp mated with a 6-speed torque convertor transmission. The manual version gets a smaller 2.4-litre engine that also packs a punch with 148bhp. There is also a petrol engine variant that features with 2.7 litre unit with 162bhp and comes with both manual and automatic transmissions. All the engines are extremely well engineered and work very well.
Performance and Handling
Toyota insists that the Innova Crysta is not a multi-purpose vehicle, rather a multi performance vehicle and we totally agree with them. Both the 2.4 and 2.8-litre diesel engines provide quite grunt that will keep you smiling, though the manual version is a lot more fun to drive. The NVH level in the cabin is far superior to the first generation Innova due to additional sound proof materials. Therefore, the engine noise is barely audible. Innova always provided a comfortable ride quality, but the Crysta is in a different league all together as it simple sails over ditches. It cushions undulations and potholes easily. No matter which engine variant you choose to drive, they are all very good when it comes to overall performance. The car also gets two driving modes – Eco and Power. Eco is all about being fuel efficient, but it’s worth noting that the MPV never felt power deprived. In Power mode, the Innova Crysta becomes quite a free revving machine always wanting to go that extra mile effortlessly.
Fuel Efficiency
The Petrol unit managed to give us 9kmpl, while the diesel engines managed to give us 12 and 13 kmpl respectively.
Features
The Innova is packed with plenty of new age features including power steering, power windows, automatic climate control, steering controls, start-stop button, touch screen audio system with navigation, and it’s also got a phone holder with aux and USB capability.
Safety
It also gets some very good safety features such as 7 SRS airbags, hill-start assist, ABS with EBD, Stability control.
Quality & Reliability
The overall quality is great. The previous generation Innova already had good quality components, but the new Crysta is even better. The cabin is very luxurious and the overall engineering and design of the car is perfect. It is a reliable vehicle that can literally take you anywhere you want to go, and there are Toyota service centres spread across the country to help you out if you ever need.
Value for Money
The prices vary for the different variants and engines on option but overall the value for money is excellent for the lower spec Innova. Even for the top of the line variant you get everything you need from a powerful car.
Verdict
Overall, the Innova is a great car and it can be used for almost anything. If you don’t care much about looks and you want to be chauffeured around in a very comfortable and affordable car then look no further. But if you want something in the same price bracket that looks better and drives better, then you might want to get your hands on an SUV. But when it comes to space and comfort, the Innova is amazing.
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