Toyota Innova CNG GX
Maxabout Review
Much More Economical To Own
Monday, September 14, 2009Overview
The fact that the Innova is 2 generations ahead of the Qualis 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.
Toyota has recently launched new innova in Malaysia with minor facelift. Since its launch in 2005 in India, the Innova has been a favourite with taxi operators as well as Indian families and the facelifted model should only increase its appeal.
Design & Style
There are no exterior changes in the CNG Innova to give it a distinct look except a white CNG sticker on the windscreen. Its chiseled styling and solid presence is still far ahead of its competition. A glimpse of the new innova will acquaint you with a new bonnet that slopes to ensure better visibility, easy parking, and even contributes to driving safety. Highlighting the external appeal is the new taillight, impressive 3-dimensional grille, and front fog lamps.
Innova retains its MPV-ish looks which looks very good viewed from all angles. It looks much better and proportionate than the Mahindra Xylo which looks very unstable due to less width and more height. Here is a list of some additions and changes made to the esterior design of New Innova.
- New front grille
- New front and rear bumpers.
- New clear lens headlamps.
- New front fog lights.
- New clear lens tail lamps.
- New centre console.
Engine & Transmission
Innova CNG comes with a 1988cc, 16-V DOHC VVTi petrol engine which is compatible with CNG. The MPV rolls out with a manual selecter switch that enables the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa. The on-board cylinder has a capacity of approximately 12Kg of CNG and the running cost of CNG for the Innova is estimated to be around Rs. 1.6/Km or even less depending on the driving cycle.
Coming to the mileage point of view, increase engine oil life and reduced maintenance cost, the CNG Innova offers about 50% saving over diesel in running costs. The CNG Innova will be priced at around Rs 85000 higher than the current petrol version.
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 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. .
Interiors & Features
The Interiors of top model comes with faux wood finish on the centre console and the seats are fabric which feel very 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 centre console and dashboard design gives a very neat and clean look. New innova comes with dash integrated CD player which enhances the looks further. The music system controls are mounted on steering wheel. Also it has automatic climate control system - which was not even optional in the top variant of outgoing innova model. Here is a list of interior changes and additions made in New Innova.
- Automatic climate control system.
- In-Dash 6 CD changer.
- Steering mounted audio controls.
- Faux wood finish on centre console and around AC vents.
Variants Available in Innova CNG
The Innova CNG is being offered in two options: the 2.0 GX with black bumper , ORVM and door handles and single air-conditioner which is priced at Rs 9.49 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. The other option is the loaded 2.0 VX which has body coloured bumpers, ORVM and door handles and three row air-conditioner with a price tag of Rs 10.44 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai.
With the Toyota CNG Innova, Toyota aims to increase its market share in the commercial segment. The company has said that 15-20 per cent of the demand for the Toyota Innova comes through tour operators and radio taxis.
Verdict
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. And the new innova is going to take all this a step further with additional features and up-to-date designing.