Toyota Innova Crysta to get two BIGGER brothers: Alphard & HiAce

Among the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, Toyota is planning for bringing in a few new vehicles to India in the coming time. Among them, the most awaited will be the Alphard and HiAce MPV. To let you know, both of them have had their India launch plans for many years now but those plans keep going into hold due to several issues. Now, however, it finally seems like the company will bring them to our shores. The final launch date is not yet out but most probably, Toyota will bring them here by next year.

The MPV sector in India has shown a decent growth last year and the last three months have seen 3 new MPVs being launched in different segments. This includes the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Marazzo, and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. As for Toyota, the Innova has been the best selling MPV in India for long and therefore the company is looking forward to launching its new premium MPVs here. Requesting not to be named, an executive told ET that the introduction of HiAce and Alphard is part of Toyota’s consideration plan for India.

Speaking to ET, N Raja, deputy MD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said that the new norms do open up opportunities to explore advanced technology high-end products with limited volumes potential. He said the company is exploring several options, but declined to name models that would be considered. He further added that the high cost of technology import is a hurdle in developing models locally, as the cost challenges can be tackled only with high sales volumes.

Talking about the MPVs, the Toyota Alphard is a full-scale luxury MPV that is used by people around the world that want unparalleled comfort with practicality. In India too, it is used by some famous personalities and politicians. It offers eight seats and is powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain that is found in the Camry. Overall, the petrol-hybrid powertrain offers 202 bhp of maximum power.

The motor comes mated to an e-CVT transmission. The long list of features that the Alphard comes with includes – an audio system with 12 JBL speakers, air conditioning 3 zone automatic climate control, back monitor with corner sensors, front seat ventilation system, power sunshade for rear windshield, power recline rear seat, LED headlamps along with much more. When launched, it will rival the newly launched Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV here.

The Toyota HiAce, on the other hand, comes with multiple seating configurations, ranging from 10 to 14 seats, and is a more affordable option than the Alphard. It’s a luxurious people mover, mainly catering to high-end hospitality businesses. Toyota is expected to import the HiAce to India through the completely built unit (CBU) route, with prices expected to be around or less than Rs. 40 lakh.

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