Face-lifted Toyota Innova in India likely by mid 2012

Toyota may launch a face-lifted Innova in India by mid 2012, injecting their trusty MPV with a bit of next generation zing.

The new variants test mules were caught testing in Thailand and spy shots of the car have already been doing the rounds on the internet.

As Toyota sells the Innova model in only a few countries, the company will launch the face-lifted version not just in Thailand, but in India too.

The refreshed Toyota Innova will get a redesigned front grille, re-worked headlamps, fog lamps and front and rear bumpers with cosmetic touches on the tail lamp assembly and two red reflectors on the rear bumper.

The top-end version of the Innova could also feature a rear view camera and rear windshield wiper. On the interiors, the new Innova will have premium quality materials and will sport a more car-like instrument panel.

Toyota will also try to offer more leg room for third row occupants in a bid to appease those who find the current models third row inadequate in terms of space. Also read: Tata Aria vs. Toyota Innova: A comparison

The current model of the Innova is powered by a 2.5 litre diesel engine that produces 102 PS of maximum power and 204 Nm of maximum torque while giving a mileage of 12.5 km/litre.

The upcoming Innova will likely be powered by the same 2.5 litre common rail diesel motor; however, the company may slightly tweak the power and torque without compromising much on the fuel efficiency.

New Innova vs. competition

The Toyota Innova has rivals like the Mahindra Xylo and the Tata Sumo Grande within its segment. Also read: Mahindra Xylo vs Toyota Innova: Comparison

However the Innova, with its consistent performance, car-like drivability and low maintenance cost has won the hearts of many customers including taxi fleet operators and those with large families.

The Mahindra Xylo, is a worthy competitor with ‘value for money’ features and convenience. But the Innova has more brand value and sells in significantly larger numbers every month than Xylo.

Tata’s crossover, the Aria, which is widely compared with the Innova, failed to attract buyers, mainly due to its high price and lack of a cheaper 2WD (Two wheel drive) variant. But, in 2012, the segment will get new products such as the Maruti Suzuki’s RIII based MPV, the Nissan’s NV200 MPV and a 2×4 Aria too will make it to showrooms soon.

(Photo Courtesy: TMCBlog.com)