Toyota Innova Crysta Bookings Open; Launch & Engine Details Revealed

Multiple reports online suggest that bookings for the 2016 Toyota Innova (to be called Innova Crysta in India) have begun. Showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the MPV is likely to be positioned atop the current Innova range, but more on that later.

First, let us talk about the engine options. The ageing 2.5-liter diesel will be replaced by a slightly smaller but way more powerful 2.4-liter unit, which makes 147 hp. A larger 2.8-liter engine (from the new Fortuner) can also be added as the company showcased it at the Expo, too.

The third engine option could be, as Autocar India states, a 2.7-liter petrol engine, instead of the 2.0-liter petrol unit that was expected to make a return in the new Innova. Gearbox options will include a standard five-speed manual unit and a six-speed automatic. The rear wheel drive layout will be retained.

Underneath the Innova still uses a body-on-frame structure, but the new one gets added safety. Up to seven airbags (including a driver-knee airbag) will be offered, while driver aids like ABS and stability control will also be available. The company has also decided to ramp up the feature list for the Innova, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system likely to be standard across the range.

Add all that and the Toyota Innova Crysta might become pricier than the current version, but that’s not to say the company is not looking at keeping the prices in check, via localisation.Even the GD turbo diesel engines will be built in India, at Toyota Kirloskar’s new engine factory near Bangalore. All said, the Innova will be about 10-15 % more expensive than the current model.

So where does the outgoing Innova go?

You see, Toyota has intelligently added the ‘Crysta’ suffix to the new Innova, which opens up the possibility of positioning the vehicle alongside the current version. That way not only can Toyota continue to offer the Innova to tour operators as cabs – something the Innova truly excels in – but also place the Crysta as a more premium offering.

We contacted multiple Toyota dealers to get information about bookings and launch, and while they are yet to get back with the booking amount details (reported to be around Rs 50,000), one of them did tell us that the company is looking at bringing the vehicle in April-May this year. Keep the cheque books ready, shall we?

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