Toyota Innova Review

Introduction

The Innova was launched back in the year 2004 in Indonesia. The name "Innova" comes from the English word innovation.

The Toyota Innova is currently available in a total of three variants E (automatic), G (automatic) and X (automatic), with the top-spec X trim getting all the bells and whistles that are commonly not seen on MUVs.

Prices for the Innova start at RM 101,739 for the base E (manual) variant, going all the way up to RM 125,324 for the top-end X variant.

The Innova is being offered in a total of six colors,Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Super White, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, and Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

Interior of the Innova

On the inside, the T-shaped steering wheel with fake aluminium as well as wood inserts has been shared with the Fortuner, and comes with integrated buttons for audio and Bluetooth, and is adjustable in both tilt and telescopic manners.

The dashboard features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre and is surrounded by fake aluminium panels as well as a thick fake wood panel on both the sides.

The infotainment system, apart from the regular bits, comes with Wi-Fi support, internet browser, voice commands, and reverse camera, but misses out on Android Auto and Apple Carplay. 

Exterior of the Innova

The front of the Innova features a huge inverted-like grille which gets chrome slats to make it look premium when viewed head-on. The upper corners of the grille get flanked by two sleek looking headlamp units, which come along LED projector headlamps withdaytime running LEDs integrated within them. In addition, the top-spec X trim, gets lower body skirting to give it a bit of sporty appeal.

From the sides, the Innova looks sharp and aerodynamic proof, thanks to its long stance complemented by a long character line flowing all the way from the headlamp to the rear tail light. The classy looking alloy wheels, along with chrome finish for door handles and window waistline, make the overall side profile look elegant.

It is the rear profile of the Innova which reminds you of the fact that it belongs to the MPV category, with the overall styling at the rear appearing slightly boxy. The sabre-tooth shaped tail lamps, though missing out on LED elements, still look nice, and are separated from each other via a thick black strip with the Toyota logo in between. The roof spoiler at the rear adds some jazz to the otherwise simply styled rear.

Engine & Fuel Consumption of the Innova

The Innova comes equipped with a 2.0-litre VVT-I petrol motor, which produces 139 Hp and 183 Nm of torque. All variants of the innova offers a 6-speed Automatic with Sequential Shifter.The engine, though high on refinement and packing in adequate punch, lacks a bit in the department of fuel efficiency.

Toyota estimates the fuel consumption of the Innova to be 5.5 km/litre (18.2 L/100 km).

Safety of the Innova

The Innova also comes equipped with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, as well as 7 SRS Airbags and ISOFIX mounts.

Summary

The second generation Innova offers a much more refined ride than before. In addition, the overall experience is only impeded by an engine that lacks the punch needed to get the Innova up to accelerate at a much quicker pace. Aside from that, it is definitely an MPV to consider for those in the market for an eight-seater.

For detailed review of the Innova, kindly refer to the video below. Credits to Kon Wai Luen for

reviewing the  2018 Toyota Innova X

2018 Toyota Innova X Review