By now, most of you should be aware that the all-new Toyota Innova comes as a hybrid that rides on the TNGA platform. Because of this change, it has to forgo the well-loved IMV underpinnings that many have come to rely on as a tried-and-trusted workhorse, especially with a diesel engine.
Of course, in countries like India where the new Innova is already available (as the Innova Hycross), there is still a demand for diesel workhorses, which is why Toyota India has given the second-generation Innova (called the Innova Crysta) a rather subtle facelift that also limits it to a single engine/transmission choice.
And yes, you guessed that right: It comes with a diesel engine. But instead of the familiar 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel used in our market, it comes with the smaller 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbodiesel mated to a five-speed manual transmission with 148hp and 343Nm on tap.
But this isn’t a stripped-down variant meant for taxi, fleet or cargo-hauling use. The Innova gets a redesigned front bumper that looks more SUV-like, alongside features not seen in our top-of-the-line V like leather upholstery for the seven or eight seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a larger eight-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota selling an older variant of a car alongside a new one isn’t a new practice as Toyota Motor Philippines still sells the previous-generation Hiace either as a commuter or cargo van alongside the current-generation Hiace. Would you be open to the company selling a face-lifted version of the previous-generation Innova (in diesel, of course) alongside the all-new Innova Hybrid?
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