The next generation 2016 Toyota Innova was spotted testing in the country for the first time in Bangalore, closer to the Japanese automaker’s manufacturing base. Expected to be unveiled by the end of 2015 or in 2016, the second generation Innova will see completely revised exteriors and interiors with a more upmarket design than the one on the outgoing model. As these images indicate, the overall silhouette of the MPV is the same as the current gen Innova, but changes extend to the front and rear fascia as well as body panels.
The front is expected to get a bolder appearance with a wide grille and redesigned headlights with a steep front hood, while the rear will get a reworked tail gate and revised tail lights. The rear quarter glass is also different from the outgoing model. The interiors too will see some major changes on the 2016 Innova. Improvements will include better ride quality and seat comfort for the occupants, as well as a redesigned dashboard and console with a whole lot of new features. We expect the next generation Innova to have much better and more luxurious interiors, while retaining the key attributes from the current model.
Toyota also confirmed earlier that the Innova will continue with the ladder on frame chassis on the next generation model, instead of upgrading to a monocoque, as the former has turned out to be more rugged, durable and reliable. The next generation Innova will receive an upgrade in terms of the powertrain as well and will be powered by a new line of diesel engines that are currently under development. Reports also suggest that there is a possibility of a diesel automatic variant being added to the line-up.
Toyota’s bread and butter model in India, the Innova enjoys a strong name and following across private as well as cab buyers and has been a consistent performer for the automaker, despite new competition. However, with much better equipped rivals coming into the segement, the MPV is ageing soon and will be in a dire need of an upgrade. The next generation Innova will be competing against the Honda Mobilio, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Nissan Evalia, Chevrolet Enjoy and the likes in the growing MPV segment in the country.
Source – Team-BHP.com
