The reliable old Toyota Innova advanced to the new generation last year in the South East Asian market, keeping its Indian fans waiting. While the popular selling MPV is still some time away from hitting the showrooms, Toyota India will be showcasing the model at the 2016 Auto Expo next week and a new image that has surfaced on the internet suggests that the new generation version will likely be called 'Innova Crysta' upon launch.
Also Read: New Toyota Innova Teased Ahead of Indian Debut at 2016 Auto Expo
The new generation Toyota Innova pretty much covers up for everything lacking on the current model. The MPV is 180mm longer, 60mm wider and 45mm taller than its predecessor while the wheelbase remains the same at 2750mm. Visually, the new Innova retains the same silhouette but the design is in line with the automaker's global design language. The massive hexagonal grille dominates the front fascia with the chunky chrome slats, while the wide headlamps incorporate projectors and LED DRLs.
The side profile gets considerably lesser changes but the sharply styled glass area, new wheels and horizontally stacked tail lights add a new look to the MPV. Things have improved for the better inside the cabin of the 2016 Innova with a dual-tone finish and a tonne of features including ambient lighting, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice command, Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity; new multi-function steering wheel and a large MID unit. That said, most features will only make it to the top variants.
Also Read: New Toyota Innova Crysta Unveiled in India
Under the hood, Toyota employs the new 2.4-litre GD series diesel engine on the 2016 Innova tuned for 147bhp of power while developing 342Nm (manual) and 360Nm (automatic) of torque. It is believed that the Japanese automaker will also push the petrol variant of the new MPV this time that uses a 2.0-litre VVT-i with 137bhp and peak torque of 183Nm in a bid to combat the Delhi ban.
Also Read: One Unit of Toyota Innova Produced Every 1.6 Minutes in Indonesia
Previous reports have suggested that Toyota India will continue to sell the outgoing Innova in India to meet the strong demand, whereas the new model will be targeted towards private car buyers. This would be a valid reason for the automaker to add the Crysta suffix to the nameplate in the country. The pricing is also expected to see a significant jump on the new version with the range-topping variant expected to cost around Rs. 22 lakhs (on-road) in some cities.
