Toyota Innova Crysta: 10 things to know

Read our Toyota Innova Crysta comprehensive review

The new Innova has been launched and with all the improvements and upgrades, it definitely heavier on your pocket. With this new pricing, the Innova moves further away from the likes of the Maruti Ertiga and the Renault Lodgy, into a space that's uncontested for now, with a possible contender being Tata's upcoming Hexa. What's more, the Innova has already gathered a long list of bookings.

So, here are 10 things you should know about Toyota's new MPV:

1. Available at premium:

The Innova Crysta is more expensive than the model it replaces, even though Toyota has tried its best to keep costs down (sharing the conventional chassis and extensive parts with the Fortuner and Hilux). The new Innova Crysta is priced starting at Rs 13.84 and goes up to Rs 20.78 lakh for the top-spec model; a huge premium of Rs 2.5 lakh - Rs 4.2 lakh over the predecessor. The old Innova already commanded a premium over other vehicles in its segment with a price range from Rs 11.3 to Rs 16.6 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Mumbai) 

2. Grand aesthetics:

While the Crysta's styling does bear some resemblance to the earlier Innova, it is definitely more sharper and aggressive-looking. The fascia is completely new, with stretched-out, multi-element headlights and a three-dimensional grille. Although from the side it is decidedly van-like, on the whole, the MPV does look very attractive.

3. Powered by new engines:

A great car needs a great set of engines, and Toyota knows that. The old 2.5-litre unit making 102hp and 200Nm of torque is replaced by a 2.4-litre diesel that will pump out 150hp and 343Nm. It comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The second engine option is a larger 2.8-litre diesel motor that produces 174hp and 360Nm and comes paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

4. Comes with three driving modes:

The new engines offer three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Power. Going by the names, their functions are self-explanatory. Our testing also proved that they all deliver as promised.

5. Based on a tried and tested formula:

Yes, the Innova Crysta is an all-new car, but it's built around the same formula as the old Innova. Toyota has decided to play safe with the Crysta, because why fix what is not broken? This is obvious when you look at the conventional box-section chassis, steering and wheelbase.

6. Automatic transmission is now an option:

The Innova finally comes with an automatic gearbox. The Crysta's six-speed unit comes paired to the more powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine and is available on the mid-level GX and top ZX trims.

7. Retains hydraulic steering:

Toyota has decided to carry forward the old Innova's hydraulic power steering setup, as it makes for a better choice from a durability and quality point of view, especially in rough road driving conditions. Another reason is that the Innova Crysta shares its steering with the Fortuner and Hilux, which also get the hydraulic setup.

8. Larger in size, though wheelbase is the same:

The Innova Crysta is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor by 150mm, 70mm and 35mm respectively. However, at 2,750mm the wheelbase remains the same. Due to the increased length, the second row passengers now get more legroom, while the boot can accommodate a large suitcase even with the third row up. Additional space, never a bad thing for an MPV.

9. Evolved to be more like a personal car than people-carrier:

Toyota has designed the car to blur the lines between practical transport and personal mobility. Its aggressive looks, driver-centred dashboard, improved handling, plush cabin and generous equipment list all come together to ensure that this car is less outstation-taxi and more personal car.

10. Gets a major interior upgrade:

The first-gen Innova was comfortable, but its interiors were far from plush. The new Innova on the other hand is superb on the inside. The seats are very comfortable, and there is heightened feeling of luxury; the dash is gorgeous to look at and materials, textures and finish has taken a giant leap forward. We especially love the new touchscreen infotainment system and generous wood panelling.

The new Innova has quite a few improvements over the older model, and while Toyota has exorbitantly hiked the prices of the MPV, it does look equipped enough to deliver, and sustain a happy and loyal customer base.

The prices of the Innova Crysta variants are as follows (ex-showroom, Mumbai):

Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 MT
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 G MT (7-seater): Rs 13.84 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 G MT (8-seater): Rs 13.88 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX MT (7-seater): Rs 14.70 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX MT (8-seater): Rs 14.74 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX MT (7-seater): Rs 17.53 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX MT (8-seater): Rs 17.58 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 ZX MT (7-seater): Rs 19.48 lakh

Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 AT
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 GX AT (7-seater): Rs 16.00 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 GX AT (8-seater): Rs 16.04 lakh
• Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 ZX AT (7-seater): Rs 20.78 lakh

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