New Toyota Innova Crysta - What we know so far

Toyota India has a lot riding on the Innova Crysta. As a replacement to the grand success that is the old Innova, this new model is a big leap forward especially in terms of looks and drivetrain, as seen at the 2016 Auto Expo. Here’s what we know about this soon-to-be launched premium MPV.           

Looks like a new generation model

The Innova Crysta has been designed in keeping with Toyota’s bold new design language. This means the dull looking fascia of the old model has made way for a relatively dramatic looking front-end that gets a large and angular grille, sweptback double barrel headlights with LEDs. The alloy wheel design is also new while the third row window gets an angular treatment.

Perhaps the most dramatic design change is at the rear wherein the Innova Crysta features an oversized bumper and horizontally stacked taillights instead of the old model’s Christmas tree-like arrangement.

It will have a more luxurious cabin 

Like the exterior, the interior of the Innova Crysta is all new. There’s a fully redesigned dashboard, steering and instrument cluster from the Hilux pickup truck. Additionally, Toyota has also improved the seat fabric and overall comfort levels. Expect top-spec variants to feature AC vents for both rows, touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted audio controls, keyless entry and LED headlamps as standard.

It promises highway performance

The only downside, as we see it, to the old Innova is the 100bhp 2.5-litre diesel engine’s lack of grunt out on the highway. The Innova Crysta, on the other hand, is expected to fare significantly better with its more powerful drivetrain featuring a 2.4-litre engine producing close to 150bhp of power.

It will get an automatic gearbox as option

2016 will be the year when the Innova will finally get an optional automatic gearbox.  Toyota, in fact, will introduce a 6-speed automatic gearbox with the Crysta. This fairly modern gearbox should work well in conjunction with the significantly more powerful engine.

More expensive than before

The old Innova infamously had its prices jacked up significantly throughout its lifecycle. So much so that the top-spec variants would breach the Rs 19 lakh mark. Naturally, the much improved and more luxurious Innova Crysta will demand even more premium when it officially arrives soon.