Toyota Innova HyCross to ditch ladder frame chassis, will go monocoque

The upcoming Toyota Innova HyCross crossover will dump the ladder frame chassis that’s been a mainstay of the Innova MPV range for generations, and instead use a car-like monocoque body. This big change will make the HyCross lighter than the Innova Crysta despite the HyCross being being larger.

The handling of the HyCross will also be different from the Crysta due to this change. It is quite likely that the handling would become a lot more car-like. However, this is something we would be able to confirm only after driving it.

A front wheel drive layout is one more key aspect of the HyCross, and this represents another departure from the norm as the Innova – across two generations – has been rear wheel driven. The lower weight thanks to the monocoque body and the front wheel drive layout is likely to make the HyCross a lot more fuel efficient than the Innova Crysta. In fact, mileage numbers between 20-23 Kmpl are being bandied about for the new crossover from Toyota, and this will make the petrol strong hybrid version of the HyCross a lot more fuel efficient than the Innova Crysta Diesel.

Petrol Strong Hybrid could kill the diesel….

Once and for all. Better fuel efficiency, instant response and lower tail pipe emissions will be three key aspects of the 2 liter petrol strong hybrid powertrain of the new Toyota Innova HyCross. Power and torque outputs for the petrol engine make 150 Bhp-190 Nm while the electric motor makes 110 Bhp-210 Nm, enough for nearly all buyers considering the fact that the electric motor combined with the petrol powertrain should give the crossover instant torque right off idle. A CVT automatic gearbox will drive the front wheels of the vehicle, making sort work of traffic commutes. The HyCross will also be sold with a 2 liter petrol engine (without the hybrid option), making about 172 Bhp-186 Nm on the lower trims. Like the strong hybrid, the naturally aspirated petrol will also get a CVT automatic gearbox.

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

ADAS, a first for a Toyota in India

Toyota will offer ADAS for the first time in the Indian market, on the Innova HyCross. The ADAS on the HyCross will be called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and will offer adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, high beam assist and road sign warning. With ADAS, the HyCross will be the safest MPV in its segment, offering class leading levels of safety.

The Innova HyCross is likely to be pricier than the Innova Crysta by about a couple of lakhs. At those price levels, the HyCross will sit in between the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner. The crossover-like styling will further help matters as a lot of SUV buyers are likely to go for the HyCross. While the Crysta is expected to be pushed towards cab operators, private car buyers could make the bulk of the HyCross buyers. The HyCross will be unveiled in India on the 25th of November, 2022, which is when pre-bookings will officially commence. The actual launch is slated for January 2023 at the Indian Auto Expo. The price announcement will happen at launch, and the crossover will be built in India, at Toyota’s Bidadi factory with a high level of localization.

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