After launching the Hybrid Camry in the Indian car market, according to reports, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is planning to introduce the facelifted version of the Innova by the end of September this year. This news has caught the attention of car enthusiasts and there is a certain amount of buzz attached to the launch of new Innova. It must be noted that the current version of Toyota Innova has done a decent business in the Indian auto market and now, the car maker is all set to bring-in the facelift version of the vehicle. The launch date is yet to be officially announced by the company. However, as per the information available from various sources, the expected date is likely to fall in the last week of September 2013.
Industry experts feel that Toyota is banking on the combination of the festive season and the good performance of the current model to lay a platform for the facelifted version to succeed. As compared to the previous model, the new version of Innova is expected to get a revamped look. Reportedly, exteriors of the model have been changed and some new features are added to the vehicle's cabin. Facelifted version of the new Innova sports a prominent chrome grille having three horizontal slats for adding a touch of style. Also, the front bumper seem to have undergone a major change with a new design made for the air dam. On the bumper itself, one will find the stylish fog lamps with marked chrome surrounds. This has shaped up the front portion and given the vehicle a refreshing and unique look.
Like the front fascia, the rear portion has seen few changes as well. As these changes do not wholly differ from the previous version, they can be called as 'minor'. The new rear has got an extra set of reflectors on either side of the vehicle along with a thick chrome strip, which is located just above the number plate. Reports suggest that the auto maker is expected to introduce seven variants of the new Innova in the Indian car market, namely G (7 and 8 seater), VX (7 and 8 seater) and GX (7 and 8 seater). The seventh variant, likely to be called the Z, is anticipated to get additions like leather seats and wooden inlays in the interior trim. The top version of the new Innova is expected to come with steering-mounted audio controls as well.
While exteriors have been made more refreshing, interiors, too, are expected to be high quality and user oriented. The beige colour scheme has been used to highlight the interiors and fabric quality has been enhanced. A new infotainment system with a roof-mounted screen has been incorporated in the facelifted version of the Innova. As far as engine is concerned, the new Innova will continue to derive its power from the 2.5-litre D4D diesel engine that produces maximum output of around 102 bhp. The petrol variants will continue to use the 2.0-litre VVT petrol powertrain, which can churn out around 130 bhp of peak power.
It must be noted that Toyota Kirloskar Motor has updated the vehicle for the third time since its introduction in the year 2005. The first change, done in 2009, was a minor update done to lights and bumpers of the vehicle, which was followed by a facelifted version in 2011. Sources close to the development have said that the new version is expected to be marginally costlier than the current model.
