This Toyota Innova Hycross MPV Gets Aftermarket CNG Kit [Video]
With rising fuel prices, the fuel efficiency of petrol cars was an issue for many owners. During this time, we saw many people switch to aftermarket and company-fitted CNG models. CNG is comparatively less expensive in many cities, and it offers better efficiency too. We have seen several people install such CNG kits on even luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz and BMWs. Here, we have a video from Gujarat showing a Toyota Innova Hycross MPV with an aftermarket CNG kit.
The video has been shared by Maruti Autogas on their Youtube channel. The video states that this is Gujarat's first Innova to get a CNG kit. We feel this is probably India's first Innova Hycross to receive such a treatment because this is not the regular version but the hybrid one. Compared to the regular version, the Hycross Hybrid is much more fuel-efficient as it has a strong hybrid system.
As per the details available online, the non-hybrid version of the Innova Hycross has a claimed fuel economy of 16.13 kmpl, while the strong hybrid version returns around 23.24 kmpl. The video then shows the interior of the MPV. The vlogger checks the cabin, and everything looks normal. Since this is the hybrid version, it is available only with an eCVT gearbox.
The video then shows the engine bay and boot space. There is not much space in the boot—just enough to fit a cylinder. They bring out an imported CNG kit that is compatible with the Innova Hycross. The sequential kit is neatly integrated under the bonnet, with the plumbing and electrical work carefully done.
Since there was enough space under the bonnet, the components of the CNG kit were neatly integrated into it. The CNG cylinder is installed in the boot, taking up all the available space. The button to switch between CNG and petrol mode was installed on the dashboard. After installation, the driver takes the car for a quick spin and finds that the car performs seamlessly.
The performance of the MPV felt normal. The Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is fairly fuel-efficient, but we are unsure if its efficiency has improved after this modification. The Innova Hycross is a large and heavy vehicle, and with the CNG kit installed, the weight is only going to increase. The video does not mention anything about the efficiency of the MPV or its range with a completely filled cylinder.
The Innova Hycross seen here is powered by a 2.0-liter strong hybrid petrol engine. This engine generates 184 BHP and 188 Nm of peak torque. While the CNG kit has been installed in the car, we are not sure how it interacts with the strong hybrid system. Usually, a strong hybrid vehicle starts as an EV, and only after reaching a certain speed does the engine kick in.
Strong hybrid vehicles have an electric motor and a battery that work alongside the engine. The energy generated by the engine recharges the battery, and when the car is moving at low speeds, it uses this stored power to run the electric motor.
Once the car reaches a certain speed or the battery charge runs low, the engine kicks in and starts functioning like a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The benefit of this system is that it is highly fuel-efficient and produces lower emissions. Installing a CNG kit in a hybrid car is definitely a unique concept, but was it necessary? We are not sure.