Moving matters
We compare the Kia Carnival with the updated Toyota Innova Crysta, which now comes with a 2.4litre diesel engine, to find out if it’s worth spending
a few lakh more on the Korean luxury MPV
Ever since its launch, the Toyota Innova has been ruling roost in the people mover segment. Its bulletproof reliability and literally go anywhere capability meant it has been the choice of not just the fleet operators but also families. Most of the manufacturers have tried to take on the Innova by launching similar spec vehicles but none of them have truly been able to beat it in terms of market acceptability. Things became even better for Toyota with the launch of the Innova Crysta. But now there’s Kia gunning for the niche luxury MPV space with the Carnival and we brought the two together to determine if it makes sense to spend a little more on the Carnival. But before we begin we must mention here that the top of the line ZX automatic variant of the Innova Crysta is priced at Rs 28.01 lakh on the road, Delhi. The top of the line Kia Carnival on the other hand is priced at Rs 39.82 lakh. Now the good news is that the Carnival is also available in a Premium variant which costs Rs 29.34 lakh. Hence we chose to compare these two models which are priced closer to each other. So it is the Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 ZX AT versus the Kia Carnival Premium.
DESIGN AND CHASSIS
The Innova Crysta to begin with looks masculine and many a time we have heard it being referred to as an SUV. The primary reason for it is its strong design. The front end comes with large bulging headlamps and a prominent grille. The stepped bonnet design further accentuates the Innova Crysta’s largely likeable design. In profile too the Innova Crysta offers a strong shoulder line and large windows exposing the greenhouse inside. At the back once again, things get boxy and much like an SUV. The Innova Crysta boasts ample ground clearance which coupled with relatively higher bumper touch points allows it to take on less than ideal terrain with ease.
The Carnival on the other hand is a true blue people mover. It looks sleek thanks to its sloping bonnet line and feline like headlamps. The large grille takes centre stage up front. In profile the difference in design is even more evident. The profile also reveals another partypiece of the Carnival. As compared to the Innova Crysta, the Carnival gets sliding doors. The large units are also power operated in all variants. The climb into the Carnival is also easier thanks to its low sill height. At the back the Carnival continues to be primarily a van and we quite like the way it looks.
The other important bits are the underpinnings of both these vehicles. The Innova Crysta uses a robust ladder frame chassis and a
WHILE
THE KIA CARNIVAL LOOKS LIKE A TRUE BLUE PEOPLE MOVER, THE INNOVA CRYSTA’S EXTERIOR
IS A BIT CROSSOVERISH
rear wheel drive set up. The Carnival on the other hand is based on monocoque construction and has a front wheel drive layout. Dimensions also reveal that the Carnival is significantly bigger compared to the Innova Cr ysta. Measuring 5,115mm in length, 1,985mm in width and 1,755mm in height, the Carnival is considerably larger than the Innova Crysta which is 4,735mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,795mm in height.
INTERIOR DECOR
The Innova Crysta got an upgrade a few years back and as a result comes with a smart dash. The infotainment system and the climate control system is literally a two-tier affair. It is easy to operate and the controls are kept simple.
The instrument panel comes with analogue speedo and tacho along with tell tales in digital format. A very basic design but informative. The seats of the Innova Crysta are rather comfortable as well and from the driver’s perch, the view ahead is commanding and clear. At the back too, the Innova Crysta
is comfortable thanks to the two captain seats offered. The AC controls are within reach too and overall the second row is the place to be on the Toyota. When we come to the third row, the Innova Crysta feels slightly cramped. However things can be made better by just adjusting the captain chair a little. The third row folded there is generous boot space but not when it is deployed. The Carnival is a world apart as far as interior design is concerned. It is also slightly old school compared to the ravishing new designs seen on new gen Kia cars. Nevertheless it looks classy thanks to the use of good materials. The infotainment system though is a bit small for this big dash.
The centre console is also loaded with storage space and even the gear lever looks fantastic and is comfortable to grip. The fun though begins at the back. The top variants get electric doors and this means one does not have to haul the big slider. Ingress is extremely easy and the seats comfortable. The seven
seater Premium model is equivalent to the Innova Crysta seating scheme. The chairs are large and very comfortable. But incase you are wondering, the Limo variant comes with recliners which are supremely comfortable on long journeys. The third row on the Carnival also has a trick up its sleeve. When folded the entire unit settles into a recess which when not in use doubles up as boot space. This allows one to carry lots of luggage even with the three rows deployed.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The Toyota Innova Crysta has recently got a 2.4-litre diesel engine which offers 150bhp@3,400rpm and 360Nm@1,400rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The motor has to haul the Innova Crysta which weighs 1,920kg. The Kia Carnival on the other hand comes with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel which churns out 200bhp@3,800rpm and 440Nm@1,500-2,750rpm. The
Carnival deploys an eight-speed automatic which sends power to the front wheels. Another important fact to mention here is that the Carnival though more powerful has to lug a lot more weight than the Innova Crysta.
DRIVING THEM AROUND
The new engine on the Innova Crysta sure feels a lot more refined than the erstwhile 2.8-litre oil burner. However it is a bit low on power. Thankfully the automatic variant comes with some additional torque which comes to the rescue of the Innova Crysta. On the highway the Toyota no longer lurches forward when one steps on the accelerator pedal hard. But to be honest it gently and swiftly gathers pace and surely does not feel out of breath. In the city though things are much better as the Innova Crysta shows the ability of cruising smoothly and even the engine is barely audible within the cabin. The transmission is quick to the rescue when acceleration is demanded and it downshifts rather quickly. The box also comes with a sport mode which essentially holds on to a gear till the engine reaches high revs thus giving a sporty feel to the drive. There are also twin drive modes which come to the