- Innova brings number of Toyota model ranges to 17;
- Part of Toyota’s innovative IMV project;
- One engine, two seating configurations available;
- Highly competitive pricing starting at below R250 000.
Toyota today announced the introduction of the Toyota Innova, a spacious and affordable people connector that will appeal to large families and fleet operators alike.
The Innova is a product of Toyota’s Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) project, but although it shares some similarities with other IMV models it was specifically designed as a passenger vehicle with the ride and handling characteristics that is required of vehicles in this segment.
Seven or eight in style
Designed to mask its 4.58m length and 1.75m height, the Innova is styled with clear reference to the Toyota IMV styling language. This includes a prominent trapezoidal grille with bold slats and chrome highlights in front, wide and bold headlamps and an inverted bottom grille with integrated fog lights.
A wide shoulder line flows from the headlamps across the sides and links the front lights with the large and bold rear lights. Supporting the side profile are accentuated fenders with a rear flowing profile and body coloured side mirrors with integrated side mirrors. The Innova is equipped with 205/65 R15 tyres on steel rims for the 8-seat version and alloy wheels on the more luxurious 7-seat version.
The Innova can be ordered in a choice of 7 exterior colours, including Glacier White, Sterling Silver metallic, Lead Grey metallic, Eclipse Black metallic, Silky Gold, Dark Steel Mica and Light Blue metallic.
Space, comfort and luxury
Stepping inside the Innova you will be greeted by a familiar Toyota ambiance. The driver will notice the two-tone instrument panel with Optitron instrumentation, silver detailing and turquoise blue lighting. Wood grain inserts are featured on the lower section of the central cluster, the door switch base and, on the more luxurious 7-seat model, the steering wheel.
The Innova will feature two tone luxury cloth trim on the 8-seat version, while the more upmarket 7-seat version will be offered with leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and shift lever.
The 7-seat model is fitted with individual captain seats in the middle row with slide and recline functions, while the 8-seat model has a bench in the middle row. The middle seats can be folded flat and tumbled forward, while the third row of seats folds sideways in a similar fashion to those on the Fortuner.
Both versions of the new Innova will offer a long list of luxuries as standard equipment. The list of features available on all models includes a multi-information display (for information such as fuel consumption, range, outside temperature and average speed), electric windows, wireless door locking with alarm and immobiliser, built-in steering wheel controls for the audio, Bluetooth and multi information display system.
Other features include a dual automatic air conditioning system with clean air filter and a digital display input that shows inlet mode, vent mode and set temperature. The air conditioning system features vents for all three rows of occupants.
Toyota Display Audio
The Innova will feature Toyota’s new Display Audio system that has made its debut on the Hilux and Fortuner and that will soon be available on other models such as the Verso.
The touch sensitive system with 15.5 cm screen is linked to six speakers, a front-loading CD player with MP3 functionality and can connect external audio devices through the USB, auxiliary or iPod device. The Bluetooth system will also connect to external mobile phones.
On the 7-seat model the Display Audio system also features an integrated reverse camera that will display the area behind the vehicle when reverse gear is engaged.
Safety taken care of
Both versions of the Innova are equipped with a driver and passenger airbags and seat belts for all passengers. The Innova further features a specially designed impact absorbing body, frame and steering wheel boss. All models are equipped with ABS-brakes.
Ample power, sound handling
The Innova is equipped with Toyota’s popular 2.7 VVT-i four cylinder petrol engine. This engine is fitted with dual overhead camshafts, sixteen valves and intelligent adaptable variable valve timing (VVT-i) to deliver 118 kW @ 5 200 rpm and 241 Nm @ 3 800 rpm. Fuel consumption has been rated at 11.2 litres/100 km in a combined cycle and CO2 emissions are rated at 265 g/km.
Under the skin the Innova is equipped with double wishbone independent front suspension with stabiliser bars and four-link rear suspension offering stable handling and a good ride quality. The Innova has an impressive ground clearance of 168 mm.
Great value
The Innova will offer exceptional value for buyers of both the 7- and 8-seat versions. Offering an affordable entry the 8-seat Innova will cost R249 700, while the 7-seat Innova will retail for R265 500.
Both models are sold with a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan, 3 year / 100 000 km warranty and service intervals of 15 000 km.
