2022 Toyota Innova spotted on Indian roads ahead of launch

Toyota has finally started working on the new generation of Innova. It has been a while since the Innova Crysta has gotten a significant upgrade because of which the MPV has decided to show its age. The test mile has been spotted in Thailand already. However, this time the new-gen Innova was spotted near Mysuru, Karnataka.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MotorBeam (@motorbeam)

According to online reports, Toyota would finally be moving to a monocoque chassis instead of a ladder-frame chassis that they use currently. The current Innova is based on the IMV platform which is also shared with the Fortuner and the recently launched Hilux. The new platform could be the TNGA-B platform.

Also read: Toyota Innova Crysta base variant modified to look & feel like a higher variant (Video)

The new platform means that this time Innova will be front-wheel drive now. Some people would not be happy with this decision that Toyota has made. But the fact is that front-wheel drive vehicles are more fuel-efficient than rear-wheel-drive vehicles. This is because there is no drivetrain loss in front-wheel-drive vehicles. The reason is that there will be no driveshaft that will be transferring power to the rear wheels.

The design of the new-gen Innova has been completely revamped. It looks more squared-off, there are new headlamps and tail lamps, both of which are quite sleek. There are strong creases on the bonnet to provide a muscular look to the front. It also gets a new set of alloy wheels.

The interior would also be redone. So, expect a new dashboard design, a new multi-function steering wheel, multi-information display, automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and much more.

According to media reports, Toyota is also working on hybrid technology for their diesel engines. The hybrid tech will be seen on the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV diesel unit and the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel motor. These engines are currently being used on the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux. These engines are known for their less maintenance cost and reliability.

Usually, we see hybrid technology on petrol engines only. This is because petrol engines lack low-end torque and the hybrid tech can be very beneficial in getting a move on. Moreover, the petrol engines are not very efficient in their low-end.

Whereas, the diesel engines most of the torque is available in the lower rev range. And there is no point in using the hybrid power in increasing the power at a higher rev range. What Toyota could be doing is using the hybrid tech to reduce emissions. Some countries also provide tax benefits if the car comes with a diesel hybrid. However, this information is not yet confirmed by Toyota.

Toyota launched Hilux 

Toyota recently launched the Hilux pick-up truck in the Indian market. It starts at Rs. 31.39 lakhs ex-showroom. The only other competitor that Hilux has is the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. However, Hilux is larger and more luxurious than the D-Max V-Cross.

Hilux is offered in two variants. There is Standard and High. There is only one diesel engine on offer that is shared with the Fortuner. It is a  2.8-litre unit that produces 204 PS of max power and 500 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500