Team-BHP - Review: 2013 Toyota Innova Facelift
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The '13 Toyota Innova Facelift has been launched in India at a price of between Rs. 9.77 - 15.06 lakhs (ex-Delhi).

What you'll like:

• Indestructible build & durability. The Innova is known for its bullet-proof reliability
• Spacious, flexible interiors. An extremely comfortable long distance commuter
• Segment-best interior fit, finish & quality. Superior to the Xylo, Evalia etc.
• Diesel engine has excellent driveability on tap
• Balanced handling & road manners. Car-like to drive
• Toyota’s fuss-free ownership experience & excellent after-sales

What you won't:

• Price just goes up, up, up with time! Direct competitors are substantially cheaper
• Garish front grille design! The earlier (2012) facelift was far more pleasing to the eyes
• Noisy diesel engine, especially over 110 kph / 3,000 rpm
• Gearing too short for highway runs. Taller 5th gear (or a 6th) would've been preferred
• Service interval of merely 5,000 kms (diesel variant). Inconvenient for those with heavy usage
• The same generation has been around since 2005 in India. Where is the all-new replacement?



• Since the Innova is in its 8th year of production and has a large number of comprehensive ownership threads on Team-BHP, this report will only be an overview of the car.

• The Innova was launched way back in March 2005. It continues to move along with minor facelifts & no major changes. The next generation is still sometime away. Trivia : Its predecessor - the Qualis - was still much in demand in 2005, and remained a hot item in the pre-owned segment.

• Has a body-on-frame construction based on the IMV (International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform that is shared with the Fortuner & Hilux pickup. The Innova is a rear wheel drive UV with a longitudinally mounted engine.

• With average sales of 5400 units / month (over the last year), the Innova is a cash cow for Toyota. A rare model which enjoys such success at a late stage in its life cycle. Interestingly, the MUV is equally popular with commercial and private owners, both.

• The price seems to go unusually high with time! In 2005, the top-end diesel used to cost 10 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). That has gone up by 50% now. The Tata Aria's top variant (with all-wheel-drive, 6 airbags, ESP + traction control, front & rear disc brakes, GPS navigation and more) is priced lower than the Innova ZX. And that's not counting the heavy discounts available on the Aria.

• This latest facelift looks more like an after-market modification job! The chrome-heavy front grille is much too gaudy & loud. Honestly, I prefer the looks of the earlier 2012 facelift.

• Available with a 2.5L common-rail diesel and a 2.0L VVT-i petrol. However, the petrol variant sells in minuscule numbers and is made-to-order only. Delivery can take a minimum of 2 - 3 months.

• The diesel enjoys phenomenal demand in the used market. It can fetch you ready buyers within 24 hours of a classified listing.

• One reason why the Innova is so popular is its indestructible build quality. You'll still see '05 Innovas on our roads, some with over 300,000 kms on the odometer. The car ages very, very slowly.

• The sheet metal is surprisingly thin, and the body gets dented easily. Owners also complain about the thin paint that is prone to scratches.

• Why do fleet owners buy an Innova when it's pricier than the competition? Simply because rental customers demand an Innova when choosing their cab! Passengers prefer the balanced ride of an Innova, as opposed to the bouncy Xylo.

• Toyota has added a new top end Z variant to the lineup. Extra features (over the V variant) include leather trimmed seats, rear spoiler, body graphics, grey'ish faux wood panel on the inside, floor mats and some other oddities.

• ABS & driver-side airbag are standard on the GX variant (the V & Z trim levels get dual airbags). GX variant is sensible. It has captain seats, rear air-con, height-adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors, electric ORVMs etc. at a price that's 2+ lakhs lower than the V.

• Available in 7-seater (individual captain seats in the 2nd row) and 8-seater (bench seat in the 2nd row) versions.

• 3 year / 100,000 kms standard warranty. No extended warranty option.

• Variant-wise feature list:


Various Innova versions sold in India. From L-R: Type 1, 2, 3 and the current Facelift:


Oversized radiator grille. Bonnet crease lines are identical to the previous version. Bumper has been revised:


Rear gets a fat chrome strip, along with reflectors:




Typical MPV styling. This is unlike the Xylo which bears some SUV'ish elements:


The design is very proportionate:


Large headlamps are identical to the 2012 facelift:


A closer look at the oodles of chrome used on the front grille.:


The radiator grille is so big that the front bumper doesn't require an air-dam anymore. Seen here is the blackened section on the front bumper:


Chrome slapped onto the Foglamp housing:


10-spoke alloy wheels are identical to the outgoing model. 205/65 R15 rubber:


XL-size wing mirrors provide a great view of all that's happening behind. Integrated blinkers too:


Chrome grab-type door handles:


Outdated pullout antenna:


Door strips wear chrome rather than body colour now:


Note how the molding has moved lower down, closer to the crease line, compared to the earlier model:


Toyota should've given these cheesy decals a miss. Luckily, they are only stuck onto the Z variant:


2nd row windows roll down completely. A butterfly window for 3rd row occupants would have been a welcome change (Qualis had 'em):


Tail-lamps also the same as the 2012 facelift Innova:


A close look at the chrome number plate garnish. Now with reflectors:


Face-down reverse camera is housed under the number plate garnish. Works perfectly:


The Z variant's rear spoiler:


Chrome exhaust tip:


The new Z badge:


176 mm of ground clearance. Incredibly robust underpinnings:

Interiors : Front

The cabin is very airy and bright, thanks to the large greenhouse and use of beige + light grey colours. The dashboard is identical to the 2012 facelifted version, only the wooden inserts on the Z variant have a greyish shade (vis a vis brown on the V variant). Look carefully and you'll notice that the center console is angled toward the front passenger rather than the driver. Overall, the interiors might not feel plush, yet they are screwed together brilliantly. Everything is top quality and functional in here. It must be mentioned that the A-Pillars create significant blind spots:


Leather-wrapped steering wheel is good to hold. It's perfectly sized. Stretch your thumbs to hit the horn pad:


Easy to use steering-mounted controls for audio, phone & MID. Mode button toggles through the stereo source, while the Display button (on the right) toggles the MID. No mute button:


Simple instrument cluster is shared with the Fortuner. Stays illuminated even during the day. Only odometer & trip-meter here:


The MID, on the other hand, is located above the stereo head-unit. It's easy to read during the day. Data includes the direction you are headed in (SE for South East), outside temperature, average speed, instantaneous FE, average FE, distance to empty & elapsed time from start-up:


Control stalks built of durable plastic, will surely go the distance:


Center console is familiar territory, except for the different shade of faux wood. The silver stands out, and doesn't gel well with the rest of the interiors:


Double-din DVD stereo with a touchscreen. FM can store up to 12 radio channels. Sound quality is nothing to write home about. Visibility in sunlight is poor. The Fortuner facelift has the same head-unit:


Downward angled reversing camera is a big help while parking in extremely tight spaces:


USB, AUX & 12v charging socket ahead of the gear stick. Another 12v socket with a cigarette lighter is at the extreme right (just beyond the 2 blank switches):


Climate control available on the V & Z variants. On a hot sunny day, be sure to switch on the rear air-con for 2nd & 3rd row occupants via the separate blower controls mounted on the roof:


Leather-wrapped gear knob gets faux wood treatment. Gear throws are way too long. Also, it does quite the shake & dance at engine start / stop. Feels utilitarian:


No dead pedal...not even after 3 facelifts! There is space to rest your left foot though:


Dual-tone seats of the Z variant have a leather trim. Lower variants get fabric seats, while the V gets high fabric upholstery. Leather quality is top notch & seat support satisfactory:


Driver's seat is adjustable for height. UVs like the Xylo have a seating position that is noticeably higher than the Innova:


Seat-belts don't get height adjustment! A glaring omission on such an expensive car:


Cubby holes between the front seats. Only the Z variant gets a chrome button for the handbrake:


Center armrest provides decent support while cruising, but it is useless within the city. The Scorpio's armrest is far more comfortable. Large storage bin right under:


Glovebox is small for a vehicle of this size. Holds little other than the owner's manual:


Doorpads get grey inserts. Door pockets have bottle holders too:


Driver-side window gets one touch down function (no auto-up):


Audio tweeters are placed on the ORVM mount cap:


Large ORVMs are practical:


IRVM provides an acceptable view of the action behind. That said, rear headrests eat up some of the visibility:


When backing up, it's easy to miss a bike or low slung vehicle parked on your tail. Use the reversing camera:


Ashtray located below the air-con controls. 2 reading lamps and a drop-down bin for your sunglasses on the roof:


Front passenger gets a vanity mirror, while the driver's sun visor has a strap to hold toll tickets:


Old-fashioned key with integrated remote buttons. Notice the perforated seat upholstery in this pic:

Interiors : Rear

Easy ingress / egress. The Innova sits lower than its competitors (e.g. Xylo), allowing passengers to simply 'step-in' rather than 'climb-in'. The doors open wide too:


Rear doorpad gets faux wood & artificial leather inserts, along with a pocket + bottle holder:


Optional captain seats are the pick of the lot. Passenger comfort level on these captain seats is enormous. They get fore & aft adjustment, as well as backrest recline adjustment. Individual armrests only add to the experience. The 8-seater Innova gets a bench seat for 3 instead:


Sufficient legroom:


The comfortable armrest can be moved up & out of the way, if you so prefer. However, it doesn't get progressive positioning like in the Xylo:


Independent air-con control for rear passengers is located on the roof. For those buying lesser variants, you could get a rear air-con fitted in the after-market for as little as Rs. 17,000. However, it's nowhere as well integrated : Thread Link. Make no mistake, the rear air-con is a must in the Innova on hot summer days, especially now that sunfilms are banned. Note that the heater doesn't work with the rear unit, it only has cooling functionality:


2nd & 3rd row seats get air-con vents (4 in total at the rear). One can direct the airflow easily, and even shut the vent completely if required:


Floor hump is on the smaller side. All the better for the 5th occupant (in the 8-seater Innova with a bench seat):


Both front seats have back-pockets for storage. They don't run too deep though:


2 cup-holders at the base of the driver armrest. Ensure this is closed when kids are around, we've seen one too many broken units:


Both assist grips (of the 2nd row) have useful coat hooks:


2nd row seats slide forward & fold partially for 3rd row ingress / egress. Tough for elders, but not for the young & athletic. Another option is to simply get to the 3rd row from between the 2 captain seats:


Medium-sized adults can also sit on the 3rd row of seats. Legroom is adequate if you're friendly with 2nd row occupants (they may slide their seat forward). Headroom is limited for taller folk in here. Low seating position means under-thigh support isn't good:


A look at the minimum & maximum legroom for those on the last row. Do note that, in this captain seat version, a 3rd row passenger could stretch his legs between the 2nd row seats:


Use this lever on the side, to adjust the 5-step recline angle of the 3rd row backrest...or even fold the seat away:


Single bottle holder to the left, and a twin bottle holder on the right of the 3rd row. Recessed area stops you from elbowing the bottles:


3rd row cabin light also serves as the boot lamp:


Tail-gate opens upwards (not sideways). Short people will struggle to close it:


With the 3rd row of seats in place, the 300 liter boot is hatchback-like (still better than the XUV500, image link). Best for a couple of medium sized bags:


When you need to load additional cargo, the 3rd row can fold down, albeit not flat like in the XUV500. Yes, they do have a 50:50 splitting option for added flexibility:


Once the seats are folded, you can flip them to the side:


Lock the seat hooks onto the grab handles to hold them up:


Spare wheel is located under the vehicle:


Removing the spare isn't a simple exercise. Mounting it, even more so:

• The Innova has two engine options. We drove the 2.5L diesel with 101 BHP (@ 3,600 rpm) and 200 Nm torque (@ 1,200 - 3,600 rpm) on tap. Only this BSIV version diesel has an intercooler. The cheaper BSIII makes do without one; although the BSIII has an identical torque rating of 200 Nm, the revv range varies a bit (1,400 - 3,400 rpm).

• Expectedly, the 2.0L petrol (130 BHP / 181 Nm torque) isn't a popular motor in India. It is available only on a made-to-order basis, thus the delivery lead time runs a minimum of 2 - 3 months. The petrol engine is fast and refined. But then, fuel economy & resale value are lower than that of its diesel sibling.

• ARAI fuel economy ratings : Diesel BSIV 12.99 kpl, Diesel BSIII 13.70 kpl and 2.0L Petrol 10.35 kpl.

The 2.5L Diesel


• This DOHC common-rail diesel offers fantastic driveability! There is hardly any turbo-lag, with the motor displaying an immensely tractable nature within the city. The accelerator is sharp & responsive at low rpms too. 3rd gear is a vital commuting tool and you can nearly use it as an automatic. Forget speed-breakers, you could move away from 0 kph in 2nd gear itself. The short gearing helps when pottering around town. In these driving conditions, the Innova feels more powerful than the 101 BHP paper spec would have you believe.

• Performance on the open road isn't as good as other UVs like the Xylo, Ertiga & Aria. The Innova's power to weight ratio is merely 60 BHP / Ton. The Xylo 2.2L mHawk will leave it for dead in a 0 - 100 run. The Innova is more suited to a sedate driving style on the highway...a cruiser rather than a sprinter. There is really no point taking the 2.5L motor over 3,500 rpm either. It's best to work the torque and upshift early. While the short gearing is good for the city, it's a disadvantage on the expressway. At 100 kph, the engine is already spinning at ~2,750 rpm. Over 110 kph, the diesel sounds much too busy & noisy for comfort. The Innova begs for a taller 5th gear or better yet, an additional 6th gear. Because of the higher rpm that it runs at, highway fuel-economy is nothing to brag about either.

• The engine is noisy at all times. The many facelifts should have brought some improvements in sound insulation. That said, tyre and wind noise are well controlled.

• The gates are well-defined, and the gearbox is smooth to operate. However, the throws are too long. Also, the gear lever shakes & dances when you fire up the engine, in an extremely unrefined manner. Place your hand on it while driving and you'll notice that the gear lever simply doesn't stop moving. There is constant shake / vibration noticed.

• The transmission is mated to a long throw clutch. No, it isn't too heavy to use.

• An automatic transmission mated to the diesel would have been something else. Toyota won't launch it anytime soon. Reason? It'll take customers away from the Fortuner AT. Remember, the Innova has certain advantages over the Fortuner: the captain seat version offers superior comfort levels, the ride quality is better and it is priced significantly lower.

• The Innova drives much like a regular car. The balanced dynamics & controlled body roll have won it many fans. The handling is far superior to other body-on-frame UVs. Sedan owners don't have to go through much of a learning curve behind the Innova's wheel, unlike the shaky, top-heavy Mahindra Xylo. Fact is, the Innova rides & handles better than the expensive Fortuner too. Grip levels are good while overall behaviour is safe & predictable. Lane changes at expressway speeds are handled better / safer than most competing UVs too.

• The hydraulic power steering isn't super light at low speeds. On the expressway, it weighs up well.

• Relatively small turning radius of 5.4 meters helps manoeuvrability in crowded areas. From the UVs, only the Maruti Ertiga has a shorter turning radius.

• While ride quality is compliant, it's certainly not plush at low speeds. The Innova can get jumpy over uneven roads within the city. Passengers will feel the bumps. As with most body-on-frame UVs, ride quality improves with load. I do feel that the current lot of Innovas ride slightly stiffer than the Type 1 & 2.

• Ride comfort at expressway speeds is simply outstanding. The Innova stays flat and there is none of the bounciness that many other UVs suffer from. The well-controlled body roll further helps in elevating passenger comfort levels. At speeds, you don’t even need to slow down for broken tarmac. This excellent ride quality on highways is one of the main reasons why cab customers prefer an Innova.

• Braking capability can best be termed as adequate for most conditions. While stopping power from fast speeds isn't exceptional, safe to say that it does the job. The G variant (and up) are equipped with ABS, which is a highly recommended option. There isn't any nosedive under braking and - importantly - braking isn't as scary as in the Xylo. As is the case with any other vehicle, upgrading the OEM tyres to better quality rubber will significantly improve its handling & braking characteristics.

• Due to the Innova's popularity, there are several bolt-on power boxes available. These make a noticeable difference to performance. Be warned that you stand to lose your warranty.

All engines on the IMV platform are mounted longitudinally. Toyota should have provided an engine cover for NVH & aesthetic reasons:


Intercooler badge is the easiest way of identifying a BSIV Innova:

The Smaller yet Significant Things:

Subtle illumination of the steering-mounted controls:


After pairing your Bluetooth phone, you can dial a number from the touchscreen head-unit. Sync your contacts and view the call log as well. Cellphone battery level & network coverage are displayed:


T badge nicely embossed on the seat upholstery:


A closeup of the new faux wood shade:


Cigarette lighter is standard on the G variant and up:


All air-con vents (front and rear) can be shut individually:


Recessed spot (on the 3rd row seat) for the seatbelt buckles:


Rear washer merely releases a trickle of water on the windscreen (instead of a proper spray):

Chief Competitors of the Toyota Innova

Mahindra Xylo

What you’ll like:
• A 7-seater UV at the price of entry-level sedans
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction. Rough road friendly
• Very spacious! Interior ranks high on practicality
• Diesel engine is fast, torquey & fuel-efficient
• Features include voice control, reverse parking aid, dual front armrests, lumbar adjustment etc.

What you won’t:
• Awkward styling. Design isn't proportionate either
• Bouncy ride quality. Unsettled over any type of surface
• Driving experience marred by excessive body roll and a slow, numb steering
• Lacks the quality & finesse of same-price hatchbacks and sedans
• Mahindra's after-sales service remains a gamble

Maruti Ertiga

What you’ll like:
• A 7-seater MPV at the price of a C segment sedan. The petrol variant, especially, is very well priced
• Car-like ride, handling & driving experience. Effortless to drive in the city and on highways
• Flexible seating & luggage options. Cargo capacity runs as high as 735 liters
• Competent petrol & diesel engines. The latter offers outstanding fuel economy
• ABS available on all variants, except the base petrol. Bigger brakes than the Swift & Dzire
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service & wide dealer network

What you won’t:
• Not a spacious 5 seater if you fold down the 3rd seat row for luggage. Limited width for the 2nd row too
• 3rd row is best suited to adults for short trips, or kids over long trips. Not really a full-size 7 seater car
• Minimal 135 liter luggage capacity with all 3 rows of seats in place
• Diesel engine carries a hefty Rs. ~1.3 lakh premium over the petrol. On-road difference is ~1.5 lakh rupees
• Even the top-end ZXi / ZDi variants don't get climate control

Nissan Evalia

What you’ll like:
• Light steering, gearbox and tight turning radius. Easily driveable in the city
• Fuel efficient 1.5L diesel engine is a proven workhorse
• Generous cabin space, very usable 3rd row of seats and a large luggage capacity
• Features include a colour MID, reversing camera, keyless entry/go, 3rd row air-con etc.
• Safety kit : ABS, EBD & BA are standard. 2 airbags on all, except the lowest variant

What you won’t:
• Boxy looks & sliding rear doors give it a commercial van look & feel
• Middle row missing basics like roll-down windows and door armrests
• Small 1.5L engine has mediocre highway performance. Overtaking needs to be carefully planned
• Thin 165/80 R14 tyres are a joke on an MUV of this size
• Nissan's patchy dealer network & service quality

Chevrolet Enjoy

What you'll like:
• A well priced 7-seater MPV
• Compliant low speed ride, matched to neutral on-road behaviour
• 1.3L diesel offers excellent urban driveability and fuel economy
• Compact size & light controls make it easy to drive in the city
• Equipment list includes leather seats, dual-airbags, ABS, EBD, dual air-con, parking sensors etc.

What you won't:
• Not as well-rounded as the Ertiga or Innova. Several loose ends that need tying up
• Uninspired interior design. Ordinary part quality too
• Poor NVH insulation. Refinement levels miss the mark
• Underwhelming 1.4L petrol. Weak low end torque
• Missing essentials (MID, dead pedal, steering-mounted controls, tumble-down 2nd row seats etc.)

Tata Aria

What you’ll like:
• Solid body-on-frame construction. Seemingly robust
• Futuristic styling, especially the face. Good street presence
• Spacious 1st & 2nd seat rows. Interior quality a big leap ahead for Tata
• Balanced road behaviour. Strong brakes too
• Premium level of equipment. Many segment firsts, including AWD
• Safety : Traction control, ABS, 6 airbags & all-round disc brakes

What you won't:
• AWD variants are very expensive
• Third row of seats best suited to kids only
• Unsettled ride quality at highway speeds (compared to the Innova)
• Niggling issues & problems persist, as reported by existing Aria owners
• Tata's un-premium after-sales service experiences

Great report, Parry! Rating thread a well-deserved 5 stars.

10 years down, and the Innova remains a UV you simply can't go wrong with. I lose count of the number of recommendations I make for this car. Am a huge fan of the captain seat version and insist that it remains the best way to be chauffeur-driven around, this side of the E-Class.

Pity that the facelift brings no mechanical improvements, especially with respect to the short 5th gear. And the price, man! The Innova's top-end Z is merely 3.45 lakhs shy of the Fortuner 4x4's launch price in 2009 (18.45 lakhs).

The '13 Innova base petrol starts off where the '05 top-end diesel ended.

Irrespective of high beam , the new Innova will blind all road users thanks to that front grille design.

What was Toyota thinking!?

Great report Parry's. I particularly like the photo where the front evolution is shown with the 4 models together. As a package the Innova is very difficult to beat. Very surprised on the 5000 kms service intervals considering the usage of these vehicles

Guess the new buyers are not going to be happy on the price increase but the existing owners would be very happy that that their resale values will hold well.

I am relieved that there is no 6th gear, as Innova taxis do seriously speeds on the highways and we would have seen a lot more rash driving and accidents.

Cheers

KPS

A report well executed parrys. I wish I could say the same of the new Innova. Even a Chinese rip-off of the current Innova would look better than this! The tasteless graphics and the ungainly rear chrome strip look woeful and completely out of place. If you do not want your Innova to like a botched up botox job, run to Toyota dealerships with your checkbooks while you still can!

Great review. And a great city car to move the house in comfort.
I would not however want this on the highway. The figures by almost all the others in the category are better. I feel Toyota is going the wrong way here. Increasing prices and throwing just minor upgrades doesn't work.
A sixth gear and and more power should have been included.
The Innova will still sell, nonetheless.

The Ertiga seems to be the MPV to beat here.

So finally the legendary MPV is added to the TBHP official review section. I think this would help a lot of people specially since this segment is witnessing so much growth. The comparison with the other products in the segment provided in the end is excellent.

As for the car, well I own a 2006 example which has done 1.2L kms now. No issues other than that it is monotonously boring :D. Even the after market rear row AC that we got fitted back in 2006 is working flawlessly from day 1. May be the car's infectious reliability has something to do with that.

My wishlist: I really hoped Toyota atleast made some changes to the engine. They can make all the changes to the exteriors and increase the cost and I know it will still sell. But the engine is really very crude sounding on the highways and a 6th gear is very much missed.

Recently I spoke to one of the Cabbies and asked him why do they prefer buying an Innova even though its so pricey, and some of them are ready to pay close to 10L on a used one (10L can fetch a new Xylo).

He proudly said, "Sir, have you ever seen an Innova parked by the side of the road with Bonnet Open"(he meant nothing wrong can ever happen with an Innova) :)

Kudos to Toyota for producing such a TANK !

"• The price seems to go unusually high with time! In 2005, the top-end diesel used to cost 10 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). That has gone up by 50% now. The Tata Aria's top variant (with all-wheel-drive, 6 airbags, ESP + traction control, front & rear disc brakes, GPS navigation and more) is priced lower than the Innova ZX. And that's not counting the heavy discounts available on the Aria. "

INR has lost its purchasing power too over the period of 8 years. Hence we can't really argue price just going up while commodity remained same.


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