First Look

Following months of testing amidst endless speculations and rumours, Toyota finally took the wraps off the 2016 Innova earlier this month. Featuring a completely new design inside out and with a new diesel engine, the popular MPV is back with a bang and is headed for its Indian debut at the Auto Expo early next year. Until then, here’s a brief look on what to expect from the much improved 2016 Innova.

The 2016 Innova has been designed in keeping with Toyota’s bold new design language. As a result, the uninspiring front-end of the old model has paved the way for a relatively more striking fascia that gets a large and angular grille, sweptback double barrel headlights with LEDs. Meanwhile, the side profile remains the same as the outgoing model albeit with a soft flare on the wheel arches. The alloy wheel design is also new while the third row window gets an angular treatment.

Perhaps the most dramatic design change is at the rear wherein you will find an oversized bumper and horizontally stacked taillights instead of the old model’s Christmas tree-like arrangement. The taillights come with a tear drop element for the turn signals which merges into the rear bumper.

Like the exterior, the interior of the 2016 Innova is all new. There’s a fully redesigned dashboard, steering and instrument cluster from the Hilux pickup truck. Additionally, Toyota has also improved the seat fabric and overall comfort levels. We are expecting the top-spec variants to feature AC vents for both rows, touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted audio controls, keyless entry and LED headlamps as standard. As for safety, the 2016 Innova will be offered with up to six airbags (in select markets), ABS with EBD as well as stability control programme and hill start assist.

For the Indonesian market, the 2016 Innova is being offered with either a 2-litre four cylinder petrol or a 2.4-litre four cylinder diesel engine options. Gearbox options, on the other hand, will include a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. While the petrol engine develops 139bhp and 183Nm of torque, it’s the new 149bhp/359Nm diesel unit that will be in huge demand globally.

Despite being around for so long, the existing Innova has been at the top of its game, thanks to its bulletproof reliability, overall comfort and impressive build quality. The only downside, as we see it, is the old 100bhp 2.5-litre diesel engine’s lack of grunt especially out on the highway. And the current model’s shorter gearing doesn’t improve matters at all when it comes to high-speed cruising. The 2016 Innova, then, is expected to fare significantly better with its more powerful drivetrain.

The 2016 Innova will make its public debut on November 23 in Indonesia, followed by other markets including India where it’s likely to be launched by the middle of next year. When launched, the 2016 Innova will compete with the Renault Lodgy as well as the upcoming Chevrolet Spin.