Innova is definitely one of the most powerful, well built, easy to drive and comfortable car in its segment and seats upto seven passengers (or eight, depending on the version). It has everything going for it, including the considerable weight exerted by the Toyota badge. Plus, slow to depreciate in the second hand market.
Performance, Handling, Mileage & Design
The Innova basically comes in two variants; diesel and petrol engines. With ever-escalating petrol prices, the diesel, likely to be the most popular choice, is a 2.5-litre Common rail turbo-diesel with 102bhp and 20.39kgm of twist, goes great with the Innova’s relatively low weight. Diesel clatter and vibrations are muted, and it’s significantly quieter than the Tavera but the Scorpio with its new CRDe engine is a match for it. But the Innova is without doubt more responsive than the Scorpio i.e. tugs you forward from as low as 1200rpm. There’s very little turbo-lag and with peak torque from as low as 1400rpm, the Innova canters effortlessly and hence driving in the city is a breeze (once you’re used to the bulk).
What the Innova lacks, however, is the top-end punch of the Scorpio. It’s comfortable, but not a vehicle to really push in. The UV derived Long throw gearbox is light, direct and better than on many cars. Fuel economy is pretty good in the city, at 10.3kpl, but falters on the highway, with only 12.7kpl.
The steering isn’t as light as the Qualis’, but at high-speed, this translates into a well-weighted and accurate helm that gives superb feedback. And the grip and handling are flawless; truly an amazing drive, like piloting a big friendly Boeing. It’s only on really rough roads that the Innova’s soft front suspension pitches a bit. Rear visibility is poor and parking is a problem at the best of times, many spots impossible to squeeze into.
The Innova’s greatest strength, without a doubt, lies inside. Spacious, well appointed, comfortable and well equipped, it’s everything you want in a car of this class. The quality for one is up to Corolla standards. The plastics and fit and finish look great, and the ergonomics and clarity are exemplary.
You also immediately notice the width — it’s as wide as an E-class inside! To add to this legroom, seat height and the seats themselves are top-class, better than even the Safari. Even the tallest drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel, and this seems to have little effect on rear seat comfort. The seats are supportive, well padded and bolstered, and the placement and design of cubbyholes. The Innova also has the most useable and comfortable rear seats in the class, and the split seat reclines individually.