Toyota Innova-tions and success

LOOKING sharper with LED projector headlamps, daytime running lights, and a larger color-keyed grille

Photos by Aida Sevilla Mendoza

When Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) introduced the Innova in 2005 to replace the aging Revo, few doubted that it would become the best-selling multipurpose vehicle (MPV) in the country.

Now comes the second generation Innova, totally made over to consolidate its pole position in the lucrative MPV segment.

The commercial rollout of the 2016 Innova took place at TMP’s Santa Rosa, Laguna, manufacturing plant last April 14, accompanied by reports that its local content would be increased to 30 percent due to an additional P2.76 billion investment in the plant for pressed parts and components for the Innova and other Toyota models.

The guests present at the rollout noticed that the new Innova looked bigger than the outgoing model, which in fact it is: taller, wider and longer, translating into more interior room for passengers or cargo.

But more space is not only what makes the 2016 Innova very different from its predecessor.

Upgraded drivetrain

Its drivetrain has been upgraded in the diesel variants from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine of old to the 2.8-L common rail direct injection (CRDi) diesel, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler engine that also propels the new Fortuner and Hilux pickup truck.

THE THIRD row seats can be set aside to increase cargo space.

A slightly detuned version of the Fortuner’s power plant, the Innova’s longitudinally mounted engine, mated to a six-speed “manumatic” transmission, produces 169 horsepower and 360 Newton-meters max torque with hydraulic power steering and rear wheel drive.

You can do your bit in conserving fuel by driving on eco mode instead of power mode. The 2.8-L CRDi engine emits a low growl when revving, which is pleasant to hear.

The new Innova is built on the latest updated version of Toyota’s Innovative/International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) platform using body-on-frame ladder construction as in the new Fortuner SUV and Hilux pickup.

INSIDE, a swooping dashboard, silver and woodgrain inserts, multifunction steering wheel and six-speed “manumatic” gear stick

Although taller, wider and longer, the 2016 Innova retains the 2,750-millimeter wheelbase of the former model and its turning circle diameter remains unchanged at 5.4 meters.

The overhangs resulting from the increased length plus the body’s stiffer tensile strength steel may explain the heavier curb weight, especially of the automatic transmission models.

Its wheels (alloys, except in the basic P919,000 J gasoline manual transmission variant) have been increased from 15 inches to 16 inches, although it looks ready for 17s.

Sharper looking exterior

The 2016 Innova projects a sharper, more aggressive looking exterior with LED projector-type headlamps and daytime running lights, a larger, color-keyed grille, creases at the sides, chrome side view mirrors and chrome outside door handles, wider combination taillights, and a rear spoiler.

The cabin gains a more sophisticated ambience with a swooping dashboard, silver and woodgrain inserts, adjustable mood lights, touchscreen audio with navigation and six speakers, TFT multi-information display, front and rear automatic climate control, plush floor mats, front seatback trays, and captain’s seats in the top-of-the-line V diesel variant.

IN THE second row, two captain’s seats and front seatback trays

The third row splits 50:50 after which the seats can be tumbled and then attached to the sides to increase cargo space.

But for me, what is truly impressive is the additional safety equipment. The V variant (P1.445 million) has seven airbags, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, smart keyless entry proximity system with engine stop/start, aside from the usual antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.

Shortcomings

However, for wheels priced this high, the MPV should have a rear parking camera. The new Innova has rear parking sensors on its specs list, but they don’t always work.

The front seats, while six-way and four-way manually adjustable for the driver’s seat and passenger seat, respectively, are rather narrow and do not offer adequate lumber support like the captain’s seats.

The trade-off for the luxury of captain’s seats in the second row is that the V variant can seat only six persons instead of seven as in the other Innova variants.

Because of the Innova’s tallness, wind noise is quite pronounced when you are cruising at high speeds on the highway with the power driving mode engaged.

Outweighed

But these shortcomings are outweighed by the 2016 Innova’s more spacious interior room, more powerful 2.8-L CRDi turbodiesel engine, and more safety features.

WIDER combination taillights, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels

When you drive the new Innova, you immediately sense its rock-solid sturdiness and strength based on its body-on-frame ladder construction and tried-and-tested IMV platform.

The independent double wishbone with stabilizer front suspension and rigid four-link with coil springs rear suspension may not provide as smooth, refined and quiet a ride as a passenger car would, but for a pickup platform vehicle, the new Innova  absorbs potholes and road surface irregularities quite well and offers a reasonably comfy ride.

Summing up, over the last

11 years since its intro, the Toyota Innova has earned a reputation for reliability, versatility and durability whether used daily by the family or by a small business enterprise.

So any improvements made on it, as described above, are worth the higher price its latest iteration commands.