Toyota Innova has enjoyed the reputation of being the market leader in the Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) segment in India and it is being learnt that its new facelift version might soon be heading towards the country. According to sources, Toyota is gearing up to showcase the facelift model of Innova at the Indonesian International Motor Show, which is elated to be held in September 2013.
It is being reported that the famous MUV of Toyota will undergo changes at the front and rear end of the vehicle while the engine specifications have remained the same. The upcoming model of Innova now features a bigger chrome grille along with a new and edgy front bumper. Up front, the chrome grille has been placed on the bumper and stretches till the bonnet bearing Toyota logo. The newly designed front bumper features air dampeners along with chrome strips that surround fog lights. The sides of this vehicle is expected to be kept same as given in existing model. On its rear end, a few noticeable changes can be seen with the chrome work done on the tail gate. The company has also provided an added security feature by placing reflectors on the hatch door of the vehicle.
The new facelift version of Innova, which is scheduled to arrive in the Indonesian car market is provided with dual airbags across all its variants, irrespective of their types. However, it will be interesting to see what features Toyota would offer in the Indian version of its famous MUV, which has performed well here. In Indonesia, engine specifications are bound to kept the same as offered in the existing models. The petrol variant of Innova will get the same 2.0-litre engine that produces an output of 134 bhp while attaining a maximum torque of 182 Nm. On the other hand, the diesel model of Innova is expected to get the 2.5-litre engine having 101 bhp of peak power and 200 Nm of torque.
According to reports, transmission option in this model will remain same having the old five-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearbox that is currently provided in the existing model. It must be noted that the above mentioned specifications of Innova are solely of the car that is available in the Indonesian market and the same is expected for India. One can expect that the price of facelift Innova will be slight higher as compared to the current production model. It is rumoured that Indian auto market will get a taste of facelift Innova at the Auto Expo, which is scheduled to be held in February 2014. Also, the model could be heading for launch during the later half of next year.
In sluggish market conditions that have engulfed the Indian car market since the past eight months has in turn affected the fortunes of the Indian wing of Toyota. During July 2013, Toyota Kirloskar Motor registered a total sales of 14,470 units as compared to last years figures of 16,062 units, which accounted in a steep 10 per cent fall, further sending a strong signal for the company to introduce new models in order to regain its lost market share.
