The Toyota Innova is undoubtedly the preferred mode of transportation for the regular man looking for the ideal vehicle to transport his family in comfort, safety and with plenty of storage space.
Since its introduction in 2005, the Innova has successfully stamped its mark as the MPV of choice for those looking to step up from the old Toyota Unser.
Great value for money, the Innova has been given a facelift and was launched in Malaysia last October.
It’s not hard to see why it’s doing so well.
The front end has been revised to incorporate a new Camry-like grille grafted at the nose. The wheel arches are wider, while the rear combination lamps has a slightly more protruding middle section.
The horizontal dashboard facade is somewhat reminiscent of the Hilux pick-up. It’s got a winning design – simple, well-built and to the point – makes sense why the design team chose to stick to the old formula for the Innova, albeit some minor differences.
The entertainment unit in the 2.0G automatic is also the same as in the Hilux 3.0G, offering a CD and MP3 player, with AUX and USB connectivity. It also serves as a GPS system and works as a display screen for the rear view camera, which by the way, is incredibly handy in a vehicle this size.
The interior features leather wrap and a darker, more elegant colour scheme.
The steering wheel, gear knob, dashboard and parts of the door panel feature dark wood trimming that lends an air of luxury to the overall presentation of the updated model.
Powered by a 1TR-FE 2.0 litre engine with 136bhp at 5,600rpm and 182Nm at 4,000rpm, the Innova can be a little thirsty, but the engine has enough grunt to comfortably waft along at full capacity.
Besides, this is a car built for space so understandably, the engine has been tuned to provide enough power to pull a full load.
Speaking of space, the new Innova has plenty of tricks up its metal sleeve.
There’s plenty of nifty storage space to fit the usual odds and ends like your Smart Tag, mobile phone, CDs, keys and coins. For larger items, the seats can be folded away for additional space to ferry large items.
The power-assisted rack and pinion steering help in the handling, which lighten up to ease low speed manoeuvring or stiffen to provide maximum control at higher speeds.
Built to carry up to eight people, safety is a prime consideration.
The 2.0G has dual SRS airbags while the remaining two 2.0E variants has only one airbag. All variants come with ABS.
The GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) certified body structure has been designed to minimise head impacts, and the brake pedal separates to prevent injuries to the driver’s feet.
Prices start at RM97,500 for the manual 2.0E and goes up to RM110,600 for the 2.0G automatic, including a 36-month or 100,000km warranty.