LEGACY OF THE INNOVA
IT WAS HARD TO FATHOM THAT A CAR OF ITS SIZE COULD EXCEL IN SO MANY AREAS
UTILITY VEHICLES WILL NEVER BE the same again’ - this was the general opinion carried by most auto journalists after having driven the first generation of the Toyota Innova. It was hard to fathom that a car of its size could excel in so many areas. The Qualis, Innova’s predecessor, left a longstanding legacy by redefining UVs and the Innova was a giant leap ahead from what was already a capable MPV. With the launch of the Toyota Innova in 2005, a new segment was created. One that combined luxury, reliabilty and the ability to move the masses in comfort.
Back in 2005, people-movers were either slow, or boxy and often noisy. Then Toyota raised the bar, and how. The Innova looked like nothing before it. It was long, with swooping lines, and plenty of styling elements that didn’t hamper its functionality. The dash was smartly designed, but the focus was on passengers’ comfort and with features like the captain seats, and a spacious third row, it truly excelled in that department.
Its bullet-proof reliability and versatility is what really set the Innova apart. Built on a ladder-frame chassis with modern suspension elements like an independent front and four-link rear suspension, the Innova felt comfortable and robust. Passengers were ferried around in a car that felt like a car, and not a high-riding SUV and yet the Innova went wherever you took it without complaint. You will see Innovas that have run over 3-4 lakh kilometres, running like clockwork, even in the harshest of terrain.
Seven years later, in 2012, Toyota gave the Innova a proper facelift. The tear-drop headlamps were replaced with sleeker units and the bumpers and grille too were redesigned. It retained the petrol and diesel engines but the cabin was now more premium with the addition of a touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and aux connections.
The big change for the Innova came in 2016. The Innova Crysta brought to the table refreshed styling, better engines and even an optional six-speed automatic transmission. It was a great blend of luxury and power and Toyota even launched a Touring Sport edition in 2017 that added sporty exterior and interior styling for enthusiasts who wished to retain the practicality of the car in a sporty avatar.
From keeping passengers comfortable, the Innova Crysta pampered them. The new engine added power and torque, improving driveability and improved the Innova’s mile munching abilities. And yet, the legacy of its reliability remained. The Innova has cemented its position as an icon in the Indian automotive scenario over the last 15 years, and by the look of things, it isn’t planning to step on the brakes anytime soon.