Toyota's Innova has a lot going for it — it is comfortable, reliable and economical to run. The Innova's weakness was that it wasn't appealing enough to family car buyers. With this recent facelift, the manufacturer has aimed to address this issue.
The first thing you will notice is the slightly wider and more upright grille that makes the Innova look less van-like than before. Adding to this impression is the new central ridge just above the Toyota logo and the more prominent ‘V' on the bonnet. The angular headlights that stretch right back to just above the front fenders are new too, and add a touch of elegance here. Completing the look is the restyled front bumper that features a bigger air-dam and neatly ensconced fog lights.
Viewed in profile, the Innova looks much like the old model, though the rearview mirror-mounted indicators, new design of the alloy wheels and skirting on the sides are giveaways of the freshening exercise. Walk over to the tail and you'll possibly miss the changes, they are just that subtle. A bulge on the re-profiled tail-light and a wider chrome bar above the number-plate are your only clues to this being the new model. Truth be told, the facelift is not as comprehensive as we'd expected.
Inside the Innova's spacious cabin, the plastics now come finished in a lighter hue of beige and the faux-wood trimmings are also darker than before. Add to these the new dual-tone seat covers, which make the Innova's interiors more upmarket.
The redesigned centre console, which comes finished in faux-silver trim, now houses a six-inch touchscreen for audio, DVD and Bluetooth phone functions. The steering wheel is new too, while the addition of a reverse camera on the top-end VX variant is sure to make living with the Innova that wee bit easier.
Toyota has followed a ‘Why fix what ain't broke?' approach with the Innova's mechanicals. Everything is the same as before so, unsurprisingly, the driving experience is the same too. That means the Innova retains its pleasant balance between ride and handling. Also, driveability and refinement on the turbo-charged diesel engine remain great. What we would have liked was some more power to make the Innova an even better highway cruiser. Improved sound deadening to keep some diesel clatter at bay would have helped too.
You could hardly argue against the Innova's ability to transport seven (or eight, depending on the configuration) passengers in comfort. The styling tweaks complete the package by adding some class to the Innova's lengthy repertoire of abilities. However expect a sharp rise in prices when the Innova is launched at the Delhi Auto Expo in January.
