Toyota Kirloskar to showcase new Innova and hybrid tech at Auto Expo

Toyota Kirloskar Motor will showcase the new 2016 Innova in India for the first time at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016 in Delhi. The new Innova will likely be christened as Innova Crysta for the Indian market. The carmaker will also be launching a breakthrough technology initiative, with special emphasis on hybrid technology. 

Measuring 4,735mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,795mm high, the new Innova is 180mm longer, 60mm wider and 45mm taller than the current model. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,750mm.

The new Innova’s styling is vastly different from the previous model. Up front, the nose takes styling cues from Toyota’s more recent models like the Corolla Altis and Camry. The big hexagonal grille – with two large chrome slats on top that flow into the headlamps – is wider and taller and extends all the way to the base of the front bumper.

On the sides, the car continues with the van-like shape. However, there is a prominent character line that runs from the rear and merges with the front wheel arch.

The new Innova will come with dual-tone interiors and a good amount of faux-aluminium trim as well, with woodgrain on some variants. Leather upholstery will be available on higher trims that will be equipped with captain's chairs as well. There will be dual-zone climate control on offer too. Toyota will up the ante on the new Innova by adding LED mood lighting, a cooled glove box and all power windows with auto up and down feature. Infotainment features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen system across all variants. However, features such as navigation system, voice command recognition, Bluetooth telephony and SD card support will depend on the variant.

The latest Innova will lose the current 102 bhp 2.5-litre diesel KD series engine to make way for the all-new 2.4-litre GD series diesel engine. This new motor produces 147 bhp, 45 bhp more than the outgoing model's engine. Two gearboxes will be on offer on the new Innova  – a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The 2.4-litre diesel’s torque figure for the six-speed automatic model is 36.7 kgm, while the manual gearbox-equipped variant delivers 34.9 kgm.

Hybrid & alternative technology
Riding on the Mobility Evolution through "QDR" (Quality, Durability & Reliability)& Advanced Technology, Safety & Environmental contribution theme, Toyota will have an entire zone dedicated to hybrid & alternative fuel technology where the automaker will display its innovations in both these fields.

Commenting on the subject, N Raja, director & senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "This Auto Expo our key focus will be exhibiting our product strengths in the MPV as well as the Hybrid technology areas. Amid the raising concerns for pollution, we see a spike in demand for Hybrid vehicles and thus, hybrid technology is going to be one of our key focus. We are looking at working closely with the government on how to improve hybrid manufacturing in India".

The company has sold more than 8 million hybrid units worldwide, including 1,000 units in India since its launch last year.