Toyota has trademarked ‘Innova Hycross’ name which could be the upcoming hybrid variant of the popular MPV
Toyota is be gearing up to equip its popular MPV, Innova, with a hybrid powertrain as it has recently trademarked the ‘Innova Hycross’ name. If launched, this new Innova could be the third generation of the MPV which was launched back in 2004.
It was Toyota Innova which kickstarted the MPV craze in India. Launched back in those in days for a starting price that was just under Rs. 7 lakhs, the MPV’s current prices have risen up to Rs. 25 lakhs which tells its popularity and demand across the country. The current generation Innvova Crysta was launched back in 2016.
The recently trademarked ‘Hycross’ name is quite new for Toyota as it’s not being used by the brand anywhere in the world although there’s the Corolla Cross, the crossover version of the Corolla sedan, currently on sale overseas.
Reports say the upcoming Toyota Innova Hycross might be a hybrid variant sitting alongside the current Innova Crysta and might be launched early next year. Also, spied on test recently, the Hycross might sport some styling revisions on the outside while the interior too might get a refresh.
The brand has also recently started promoting hybrid tech with the tagline, Hum Hain Hybrid, as its next Creta rival SUV is likely to be a hybrid. With Hycross also getting added to the list of Toyota’s hybrids, it seems the brand is up for a hybrid onslaught in the future.
Currently, there are 2 Toyota hybrids on sale – Camry and Vellfire. But their combined sales figure is just over 150 units a month. Considering hybrid tech to be is expensive, Toyotas IC models won’t be discontinued anytime soon but expect a slow phase out.
The Innova Hycross might be unveiled later this year with production commencing by December. Powering the new Innova Hycross could be the same petrol hybrid motor that will be seen on the upcoming Creta rivalling SUV although not much is known about this engine.