Many auto makers are bringing new models and facelift variants in this festive season to boost sales. The month of October would witness a spree of launches and events by automobile companies. Toyota, joining the bandwagon, is coming up with the facelift version of its immensely popular Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), Innova. This would be the third update that Toyota Innova would get since its launch in the year 2005. It got its first facelift in early 2009, getting a slight update to the bumpers and lights, which was followed by another one in 2011. It is quite obvious that this step has been taken as all competitors have launched their models, thereby compelling Toyota to compete by introducing its own model.
This MPV was launched in Indonesia under the name of Kijang Innova 2013 and is speculated to come as 2.5 Z variant in India. The company hasn't given a confirmation on the date of launch but related sources have revealed that the event could take place in the second week of October. The facelift doesn't include changes in technical specifications, it is the interiors and exteriors that have undergone modifications.
Taking exterior changes into consideration, the MPV gets a large chrome grille in the front with three horizontal slots, bigger number plate housing and a totally modified bumper with a revised design for the air dam. Apart from these, it gets fog lamps with chrome embellishments for enclosures, which enhance the overall look of the car. An extra set of reflectors is also incorporated on either side of Toyota Innova. However, tail lamps retain their style, which, industry experts feel, could have been modified by the designers.
On the interior front, the new Toyota Innova gets improved fabrics and a beige colour scheme. Moreover, there is an all new comprehensive infotainment system that includes a roof-mounted LCD touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The top variant would also get steering-mounted audio controls for higher level of convenience. It is expected to be offered in several trim levels, namely G, GX, VX, all of which would come in seven and eight seater options and an all new variant called the Z. This version is expected to come with additional features like leather seats and wooden inlays in the interiors.
The facelift of Toyota Innova doesn't come with any technical changes and thus, retains the 2.0-litre VVT petrol and 2.5-litre D4D diesel engine version. The 2.0-litre VVT petrol variant delivers a maximum power output of 132 bhp and the 2.5-litre D4D diesel engine belts out 103 bhp of peak power. As of now, the company is selling of the current Toyota Innova at a discount of Rs. 40,000. However, the market can expect a slight increase in the price of the facelift version of this successful MPV.
In the recent times, there has been a sudden increase in the number of people going for utility vehicles since they offer better space and power at affordable prices. The market for such cars is ripe and almost every automobile company has come up with its model to lure buyers. In such a situation, Toyota doesn't want to be left behind and thus, a facelift has been introduced. Experts believe that the facelift version of Toyota Innova would compete with Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Safari Storme.
