Toyota Innova, brought to India in 2005, had completely redefined the Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) segment of the auto industry, post its launch and with its new facelifted version, the car seems all set to compete against the likes of Nissan Evalia. Back then, a MUV or MPV was considered as a capacious vehicle that lacked several features and comforts. Unlike others in the market at that time, Innova was a perfect blend of 'sedan-like' handling and cutting-edge features. The car then established new standards in the MUV segment and took the market by storm.
All the advancements with better comforts place the new model in premium class segment. The car is now available in two powertrain options, namely a 2,494 cc diesel unit and 1,998 cc petrol engine. The first competitor of Innova in Indian auto industry was Mahindra Xylo, which happens to be the second best selling model after Innova. With the launch of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the competition in the segment has become more intense and analysts believe that the launch of Nissan Evalia will make the rivalry stiffer.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been the centre of the attention ever since it was exhibited at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, which was scheduled in January this year. The country's largest car maker offered its new MPV with low displacement diesel and petrol powertrain options, making it more advantageous over Innova in terms of mileage.
However, the closest competitor to the Japanese car maker’s Innova happens to be the Nissan Evalia, which will hit at the Indian shores soon. It is believed that both the car makers will be fighting on an even ground since Innova and Evalia are anticipated to have almost same size. The new MPV from Nissan has already won several accolades in form of awards mainly due to its value for money USP. The car maker is expected to place its new model in the premium MUV segment with characteristics like quality material featuring at interiors. It is believed that the rugged and better looking Evalia will be powered by a 2.0 litre powertrain in both diesel and petrol guise.
With the entry of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Nissan gearing up to launch its Evalia, it will be quite interesting to see how Innova manages to ward off the competition posed by both he auto giants.
