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Toyota India face-lifts the Innova for 2023

It will be sold alongside the new Innova Hybrid

It may only be left with a diesel engine and a manual transmission, but it's still well-equipped inside. PHOTO FROM TOYOTA

By now, most of you should be aware that the all-new Toyota Innova comes as a hybrid that rides on the TNGA platform. Because of this change, it has to forgo the well-loved IMV underpinnings that many have come to rely on as a tried-and-trusted workhorse, especially with a diesel engine.

Of course, in countries like India where the new Innova is already available (as the Innova Hycross), there is still a demand for diesel workhorses, which is why Toyota India has given the second-generation Innova (called the Innova Crysta) a rather subtle facelift that also limits it to a single engine/transmission choice.

Customers in India have the choice between a tried-and-tested diesel workhorse and an all-new hybrid MPV. SCREENSHOT FROM TOYOTA INDIA

And yes, you guessed that right: It comes with a diesel engine. But instead of the familiar 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel used in our market, it comes with the smaller 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbodiesel mated to a five-speed manual transmission with 148hp and 343Nm on tap.

But this isn’t a stripped-down variant meant for taxi, fleet or cargo-hauling use. The Innova gets a redesigned front bumper that looks more SUV-like, alongside features not seen in our top-of-the-line V like leather upholstery for the seven or eight seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a larger eight-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota Motor Philippines already does it with the Hiace, so what's stopping them from potentially doing it with the Innova? SCREENSHOTS FROM TOYOTA

Toyota selling an older variant of a car alongside a new one isn’t a new practice as Toyota Motor Philippines still sells the previous-generation Hiace either as a commuter or cargo van alongside the current-generation Hiace. Would you be open to the company selling a face-lifted version of the previous-generation Innova (in diesel, of course) alongside the all-new Innova Hybrid?



Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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