Toyota Innova Crysta photo gallery

The new Innova Crysta is clearly a fair bit larger than its predecessor, and sports a far more striking face.

The rear is also livened up by some very pronounced haunches over the rear wheel arches.

The nose is dominated by the large, two-part grille, with chrome slats at the top and black slats below.

The rear is also livened up by some very pronounced haunches over the rear wheel arches.

The Innova Crysta eschews the old vertical tail-lamps for a far more modern ‘inverted L’ shape.

The large swept-back headlamps are beautifully detailed and feature a projector main beam, halogen high beam and LED daytime running lamps.

17-inch wheels are now standard – steel on lower trims and alloys in top spec. They look smart and don’t hurt the ride too much.

Chunky chrome, pull-type door handles look smart and also feature keyless entry on top-spec.

Chrome caps on the wing mirrors, however, are perhaps a bit too much. They adjust and fold electrically and feature integrated indicators.

– The addition of the ‘Crysta’ name is meant to signify just how new this car is; just like when ‘Altis’ was added to the Corolla.

As ever, the Toyota’s favourite stomping ground is the highway, where it will happily cruise stress-free with seven passengers and their luggage.

– The Innova Crysta gets a pair of brand new engines from a new family (codename: GD). Power has taken a huge leap, but refinement is still not great.

– The 2.8 diesel comes exclusively with the new six-speed automatic, and produces 174hp and 360Nm.

The 2.4, meanwhile, comes only with a five-speed manual gearbox. It makes 150hp and 343Nm.

The auto gearbox is a welcome addition. It works smoothly in most situations, but does sometimes shift when you don’t need it to.

Manual gear shift has a shorter throw now, but feels a little firmer to engage, as does the clutch pedal.

There are three drive modes that alter engine performance – Normal, Eco and Power.

The interior is vastly improved and feels like something out of an executive sedan. The design and even the quality are unlike any other MPV.

Felt-lined door pads are a unique touch; not to mention a comfortable place to rest your elbow.

Chunky steering has lots of buttons and is clad in leather and wood. The range of adjustment, however, is very limited.

Each door pocket can take three one-litre bottles – the car can hold 20 in total!

There are two gloveboxes, of which one is cooled, but neither is very large; one large one might have been better.

– It has seven seats, but there’s only one USB port and two 12v charging points in the whole car.

Front seats are leather-wrapped and incredibly comfortable over long distances. Note that the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable

The middle row captain seats are generously cushioned, just like the ones up front. They slide back and forth and recline, and can be flipped forward with just one lever.

You sit a little bit ‘knees up’ but by most standards, it’s still one of the most spacious and comfy third-row seats on the market.

Slide the front passenger seat forward for more legroom just by lifting this catch.

– The third row’s middle headrest stows neatly in the side of the boot when not needed.

Third row middle seat has a three-point seatbelt that spools out of the ceiling.

As before, the two back rows get their own dedicated air-conditioner and vents.

There are separate controls for the rear AC once again, but this time they’re electronic, and not analogue.

Even with all rows in place, you can get one big suitcase into the boot.

Split, flip down and fold away the third row, however, and storage room is more than ample.

– The Innova now comes with push-button start and keyless entry on top-spec cars.

Cool white band of LED ambient lighting on the ceiling is subtle and really well executed.

Cool blue dials are simple and easy to read. The colour screen for the multi-info display gives you a lot of information, including a fuel computer.

– All four windows are one-touch operated – it’s a small but really handy (and premium) touch.

The new seven-inch touchscreen is smartly integrated and full of features, including sat-nav, a handy ‘eco meter’ and a wide variety of audio-video input.

– You get rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Three airbags are standard on all Innovas, while Z trim cars get seven!