Toyota’s Innova Hycross to deliver all new levels of space, comfort, features and efficiency.
Toyota India is about to embark on its most ambitious exercise in a long time, the launch of the all-new Innova Hycross; it will debut globally on November 20 in Indonesia as the Innova Zenix. The new MPV from Toyota will be unveiled in India on November 25, 2022. Configured, engineered and specified to take brand Innova to the next level and beyond, the Innova Hycross uses the latest technology, a cutting-edge strong-hybrid system and loads and loads of tech to deliver all-new levels of space, comfort, efficiency and performance.
- Innova Hycross will have best in class fuel economy
- More spacious than Innova Crysta
- Has a more premium cabin
Toyota Innova Hycross: lighter, more spacious, more efficient
Whereas the current Innova Crysta is built on a light truck (or pick-up truck) chassis that uses a heavy and tough ladder frame, the new Innova is much more modern. Built around a car-like unitary construction or monocoque chassis, it is lighter, stiffer and more space efficient (there’s no big frame that has to be accommodated inside the body). The new Innova Hycross will be based on what Toyota calls its TNGA-C platform. This is incidentally the same one used by the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Cross SUV. The Innova Hycross, we’ve also learned from friends in Indonesia, is longer than the outgoing Innova, at 4.75 metres, and more importantly, built on an even longer 2.85-metre wheelbase. This will mean loads of extra space on the inside.
Toyota Innova Hycross: space, comfort, features
The Innova Hycross is expected to have much more space on the inside, Toyota will be able to configure it as a 6-, 7- or even an 8-seater. Quality levels on the inside have taken a big jump, according to those who have seen the car, and the cabin clearly feels more premium on the inside. The Innova Hycross will also get a large panoramic sunroof, electrically adjusted large lazy boy sofas with extendable footrests, and will come with features like connected tech and cooled seats. Whereas the spec for the Indian car could differ, other features on the list, like paddle shifts, dual-zone climate control, a large panoramic sunroof (first for an Innova) and LED mood lighting, will likely be the same.
Toyota Innova Hycross: strong hybrid, power, performance, fuel economy
The Innova Hycross will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that, on some versions, gets the boost of a strong hybrid system (the M20A FXS). This engine, like most Toyota hybrid units, uses an Atkinson or Miller cycle for greater efficiency. Combined power is expected to be between 175 and 185hp, depending on local specifications for the hybrid and non-hybrid versions, so expect strong performance. Remember, the new Innova Hycross is likely to be substantially lighter due to its construction.
Looking at similar spec SUVs and people carriers on the same Toyota platform, expect a fuel efficiency number between 20 and 23kpl for the hybrid version, easily making this the most efficient car in its class. What remains to be seen is if Toyota has upgraded the battery from a NiMH one to a lithium-ion one; the current system globally uses a 216V battery pack. The NiMH battery isn’t as responsive as a lithium-ion one yet and is not as performance friendly either.
Toyota Innova Hycross: production, positioning, expected price
The Innova Hycross will be made in Toyota’s plant number one in Bidadi outside Bengaluru; the Hyryder is manufactured in plant number two. A Toyota product through and through, with no real participation from Suzuki, Toyota India dealers say the Innova Hycross is likely to be priced just above the outgoing Innova Crysta, somewhere between Rs 22 lakh-28 lakh. Yes, many will miss the tough build of the current Innova and miss the punchy and efficient diesel engine as well, but with more space on the inside, better features, lower running costs and strong hybrid tech under the hood, the Innova Hyryder should be flying high. Let’s just hope Toyota India doesn’t overprice it.