This is the first leaked photo of the next-generation Toyota Innova MPV. Toyota’s best-selling model in India, the current-generation Innova has been on sale in India from 2005 and this next-generation model is due in our market in 2016.
As can be seen in the leaked photo, the nose of the new Innova takes cues from Toyota’s more recent models like the Corolla Altis and the Camry. The big hexagonal grille – with two big chrome slats on top that flow into the headlamps – is wider and taller and flows all the way into the base of the front bumper. The headlamps appear to be double-barrel projector units and could even have integrated LED daytime running lamps. The bottom half of the bumper is heavily sculpted, and the fog lamp inserts mirror the shape of the headlamps and flow into the grille.
Moving on to the sides, there’s no escaping the monovolume, van-like shape, but there are lots of signs that show Toyota’s effort to liven things up. There’s the re-styled glass area, which kinks upwards sharply after the rear doors. Also, there is a prominent character line that runs from the rear and gels with the front wheel arch. There’s also a sharp character line that runs below the window line to meet the bonnet and headlamps. Even the wheel arches have contours, which extend to the lower half of the doors and give them a bit more character.
Like the current version, the new Innova is again based on Toyota’s Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform that also underpins the Hilux pick-up truck and the Fortuner SUV. This means, it will continue to be based on a ladder-frame chassis. Still, the overhangs look a bit longer than the previous Innova, and this could imply more interior room. Toyota is expected to focus on room in the third row and also improve on interior quality in the new car.
The next-generation Innova is expected to use the same engines as the current car but they will be tuned for better fuel-efficiency and less noise, and will be compatible with upcoming Bharat Stage VI norms. We expect the new Toyota Innova to make its Indian debut at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
