If we talk about Toyota in India, the first image that comes to our mind is of Innova 2013. Toyota is world’s largest auto manufacturer and fifth largest in India. Innova played a significant role to make Toyota reach this position. Innova is a flagship car from Toyota in India which replaced its legendary predecessor Quails in 2005. Since its launch, Innova is the undisputed champion in its segment. A segment of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV), which is least known to Indians. For most of the Indians, Innova is the definition of multi-purpose vehicles and they believe it to be the only competition to itself. With nice looks, features, refined engines and low maintenance this car has managed to fight against every competitor of it.
Now other manufacturers have also noticed the scope in this segment, that’s why even the largest small car manufacturer in India, Maruti Suzuki has entered this segment with their first MPV, Ertiga. Chevrolet is also planning a new MPV named ‘Enjoy’ with many other manufacturers lining up for competition. Innova has also proved to be a hit in taxi market and most of the sales are contributed by its commercial selling. The biggest advantage of this car is its capacity to commute easily with 7-9 people, offering similar comfort to that of any sedan. It makes Innova the first choice of those who are looking for a perfect family car. Since its debut in India, Innova has not gone under any type of change. Now looking at its new competitors like Ertiga and face lifted Mahindra’s Xylo, Innova does look a bit old in terms of styling. Toyota also knows it and that’s why they have re-launched Innova with few changes to it. They do not want their car to lose its proud consumers just because of its old styling. Will these changes be enough for this new Innova to rule its segment? Let’s find out.
Toyota Innova Exterior
When you give this car a first look, it looks very similar to its earlier version. It’s hard to say if Toyota has done it intentionally or not. May be they didn’t want to take any kind of risk by making any big change to Innova’s original design. In fact, nothing much has changed except its front. Its front looks much sleek and stylish now. Toyota has smartly worked on its face, gone are the big boring headlights with sloppy bumper. The car now comes with all new set of headlights, bonnet and bumper. Innova now looks much more aerodynamic. The perfect slanted A pillar merges well with new bonnet with prominent sharp lines on it.
Toyota has tried to make Innova look like any other car rather than a commercial MPV. Headlights look much more angular now as they settle back inside fenders. As we have seen earlier in other cars of Toyota family, the front grill is heavily brushed with chrome. There are five layered chrome strips along with a big Toyota logo on this grille, screaming out loudly, that this car is a Toyota machine. Front bumper has also been revised, fitted with new oval shaped fog lights. All these new changes make this car look much more aggressive than before. Car remains almost unchanged from both sides except new side mirrors with in-built turn indicators. Alloys are identical to its erstwhile model with slightly tweaked side skirts. We wish if it had larger wheel arches with roof rails on top. This would have added to its appearance. There is nothing new at the back of this car. There is minor alteration in tail lights with a bit wider chrome plate just above the number plate sporting Innova on it. More or less, the car virtually remains similar to its earlier model.
Toyota Innova 2013 Interior
This department of this car appeals to most of the private buyers. Its beautiful interior gives you the feeling of a premium vehicle. Toyota itself defines Innova as Multi Premium Vehicle. Innova beats its every competitor when it comes to interior styling. The beige color plastic material along with usage of wooden finish and fabrics inside this car is of high quality. Dual tone seats are of high quality with ample thigh support as plush fabrics are used in it. Driver seat is height adjustable with all other reclining seats. If you compare its interior with its competitors like Xylo and Sumo, they seem to be things of past. Its instrument panel has combi-meter with illumination control. Its Gear lever and 4 spoke tilt-able steering, which are wrapped in leather which is nice and easy to hold.
Comfort and Convenience
This is biggest USP of this car; it provides maximum space along with unmatchable comfort. Seven and eight seater, there are two versions of Innova. Its designing make sure that all passengers are given ample leg and head-room.