The fact that the Innova is 2 generations ahead of the Quails can easily made out at first glance. The Innova's contemporary design emphasizes the fact that it is designed to cater to the world market. The Innova doesn't feel like a compromise at all, it doesn't feel like those split personalities we encounter so often with cars in India. The Innova rides on a rigid tubular section chassis. It uses double wishbones with coil springs up front and the rear uses a non-independent suspension, with four links and a lateral rod with coil springs.
The interiors are essentially walnut finish and the seats are fabric the seats feel especially comfortable thanks to the good lumbar and under thigh support. A very thoughtful feature is the adjustable seat at the back, which can move back and forth. This feature can maximize rear seat space, especially if you are regularly driven around. Pockets integrated into the seats form perfect recesses for the seat belts and their clips to be tucked away. The Plastics used are of very high quality and will most definitely keep rattles at bay. The stereo is placed high for easy access and readability, an important safety feature skipped in most cars. Innovation seems to be the idea behind the entire design and engineering process.
The Innova is currently available with two engine options, The 2.0 litre 4-cylinder fuel injected petrol engine, featuring the VVT-i technology, in order to boost mileage and the more popular engine option, the 2.5 litres 4 cylinder turbocharged common rail direct injection diesel. Both mated to 5-speed manual transmission.
The engine seems very relaxed and composed even at speeds just above 1300rpm and the torque seems relentless, all the way to 4500rpm, beyond which you do get a feeling of driving a diesel. Noise and vibrations associated with diesels seem to be from a bygone era, as far as this engine is concerned.The transmission is very well designed and is very capable of using the power of this diesel quite well.
The gearshift is surprisingly short throw and the positioning of the shifter couldn't have been better. This car is capable of cruising with much composure, even at speeds exceeding 120Kph. The torquey engine also means that you need not shift too many times during your city runs. Toyota has gone about their plan by making sure that components are either localized or manufactured in large numbers, both of which result in increased profits without any compromise on quality.
Thus making sure that the product remains worthy of the Toyota brand. A brand associated with cars that are well worthy of outliving their owners. Not many cars of recent times have enjoyed the anticipation that the Innova has. It has replaced one of the best selling cars in the country. As a matter of fact, Innova seems to be the face of an all new mini van market, while also making sure that SUV, Taxi and sedan buyers take a close look
TV Commercial of Toyota Innova: