Toyota is solely responsible for the creation of MPV segment in India with Qualis which later on replaced by Innova which found over 6 lakh happy customers since then. In regular intervals it received updates with price hike and many find price rise unjustified but Innova still continued its supremacy. Innova meant to target the different audience than that of Qualis but the MPV flattered the commercial segment more. After creating history, Toyota is looking to redefine it with new Gen model, Innova Crysta, the carmaker suffix Crysta with Innova as they did with Corolla Altis. The new model is longer, wider, more premium, smart looker and more powerful than the current Innova.
Price:
With new model Toyota has created a new niche premium MPV segment and looking to target new set of buyers. The basic variant of the MPV starts 13.83 lakh and go all the way up to Rs. 20.83 lakh for the range topping model. Some of you might be shell shocked to see such high price but with bullet proof reliability of Toyota, it’s worth it.
Engine & performance:
Along with additional sub name, new gen model is getting new 2.4 and 2.8l GD range of engines replacing the beast 2.5l. Starting with 2.4l engine that puts an impressive 148bhp power and 343Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Another one is a brawny 2.8l GD-FTV diesel mill producing 171bhp of power and 360Nm of torque, linked with 6-speed automatic. The engine is pretty responsive and peppy over 1400rpm which makes it munchy highway cruiser as compared to Old Innova.
The gear ratios have become taller and improved while two modes – Eco and power manages the power delivery. Eco mode is best suited for city maneuvering while power will give quicker response from the accelerator. The automatic gearbox is good but now flawless we would love to have paddle shifters with it.
Innova Crysta is based on Toyota’s new Global architecture and shares its platform with Hilux pickup truck and hence become heavier but thanks to powerhouse engines it able to cruise 0-100km in just 12 seconds. The only drawback of high weight we felt was at lower speeds as it requires effort to move and u-turns were tiring. But as you surpass the triple digit figures balanced and comfortable road handling will definitely win your heart. Ground clearance is higher than before which absorbs small potholes but maneuvering over big speed breakers and big potholes can be a bit harsh.
Space & Dimension:
It offers seating capacity for seven passengers which can be extended to eight. Innova Crysta is a bigger car having better dimensions 4735mm in length, 1830mm in width and 1795mm in height which results in wider and longer cabin which will woo customers. Apart from bigger dimensions seats are large too and you could feel as you sit in and lay back. The longer and taller stance translates into better headroom and legroom space for the occupants of first two rows. The boot space of Innova stands at 330 liters which is lower by MPV standards but it can be enlarged by folding down the third row seats.
Exterior:
Design wasn’t the forte of Old Gen Innova but Toyota tried to change it with Crysta, apart from the basic silhouette nothing is similar to its predecessor. Toyota has tried to made new model premium and desirable in order to connect it with the mass. The front carries the two slat hexagonal front grille that connects the sweptback projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights. And the sharp design is flanked by sharp lines on the bonnet and angular fog lamps complete the vivid front fascia.
Moving to the sides, you’ll be welcomed by typical MPV styling but under new mask. Large windows, tweaked C pillars, flared wheel arches and creases add character to the profile. The rear consists of boomerang shaped stretched tail lamps, big window glass and roof spoiler goes well with the roofline and makes rear of Crysta fairly attractive.
Interior:
Gone are the days when only ‘kitna deti hai’ factor used to affect consumer’s buying decision, nowadays everything is evenly important. People love to be chauffeured around the luxury and elegance, the cabin of Crysta is just right step towards it. Move inside and it’s a completely different world as compared to previous model and shows the efforts put in by Toyota’s engineers and designers. The dashboard which is based on company’s global design theme that house wooden trim and radical silver line runs across the dashboard accolades the multi layer design.
Enriched by big touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and wooden-leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel makes cabin electrifying place. The fit-finish and quality is just flawless and perfectly justify the premium tag. There are number of distinctive touches inside like dedicated roof mounted ac vents for all three rows with controls on central console, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, 3D instrument cluster with big MID screen looks great.
Apart from premium touch, cabin is practical too; there are around 20 storage spaces available inside Innova Crysta. There are two glove box inside first is cooled one available on the upper part that can house two bottles as well. Each door can bear 1 litre bottle with ease while the two trays available at rear seats can also house 500ml bottles.
Safety:
Toyota has left no stones unturned even safety can give tough competition to premium segment vehicles. Crysta is well embellished with seven airbags, rear view camera with guidelines, hill start assist, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability control, 3-point seat belts, adjustable headrests, engine immobilizer etc. Dual front and knee airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard across all variants of Innova Crysta.
Verdict:
Pros:
– Comparatively very stylish and it grows over you with time
– The premium cabin oozes class and luxury
– Powerhouse engines with punchier performance
– Ride quality is just smooth and surely puts smile on your face
– Practical and spacious cabin with sophisticated features
– Reputed brand and hence excellent after sale service
Cons:
– Steering feedback is bit heavier on slow speeds
– Clutch and gearbox can be tedious
– Jaw dropping on road price around Rs. 23 lakh for the top variant
