Checked out the Innova Hycross at a showroom: My first impressions

Space is really good compared to any 7-seater in the segment and even vis-a-is the Fortuner. Sliding second row makes the layout fairly flexible in terms of space.

BHPian RoadTiger recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Checked out the Hycross ZX in white at the showroom.

Observations:

Likes:

• Front looks good and contemporary. Should have a decent presence on road, more SUV-ish than Crysta.
• Ingress/ Egress was easier than the Crysta and the seats esp the 2nd row are set lower.
• View from the driver's seat is commanding and has a nice view of the bonnet.
• The front console housing the AT is well designed and is ergonomically good.
• Good provision of physical buttons for many features.
• Space is really good compared to any 7-seater in the segment and even vis-a-is the Fortuner. Sliding second row makes the layout fairly flexible in terms of space. Third row space is decent even when 2nd row is set to a very comfortable position for a 5 10' person. Space & practicality are really the USP of this car.
• Boot space is decent, comparable to the current Crysta.
• Remote boot closing is a nice add.
• Ottoman seats are comfortable esp if you have 4 folks in the car - where you can slide the seat to its furthest back, recline the seat completely and get the ottoman to a comfortable position. This setting makes the seat nearly 160 degree flat - nearly as good as a flat-bed biz class seat.
• The front two rows seats are cushioned well and fairly comfortable.
• Sun roof makes the cabin look nice and airy.
• Good choice of alloys on the ZX, look nice & upmarket.
• Soft touch materials used look long lasting.
• Dark chestnut (brownish) seats should be relatively easy to maintain.
• Sheet metal used and door closing thud was only very slightly inferior to that of the Fortuner, which is very acceptable.
• Overall fit and finish, other than the point mentioned in the section below, was in line with what we have come to expect from Toyota.

Could be better:

• The hard plastics used in most places are economy grade - similar to what one gets in sub-10 lakh cars. Should be good functionally - but dont look anything premium.
• Fit & finish specifically for the hard plastics is not even Hyundai grade.
• The ambient lighting near the sunroof looks like a cheap thin blue tubelight.
• Material used on the roof and the AC vents on the roof are entry level Maruti grade.
• The third row seat is relatively thinner compared to first row seats and since there is no quilting on the seat, it exposes the very ordinary grade of art leather used.
• The car should have had 60/65 profile tyres instead of 50 profile with the R18s, would have filled the wheel arch better while also improving ride quality.

More after the test drive.

Overall no deal breakers as such - and Toyota has been clever (for their profitability) to cut costs where customers may not notice much.

Toyotas in India have never been known to have luxurious interiors - to that extent, the Hycross provides an attractive exterior design & presence while providing a more VFM interior, features, space & practicality laden package than the Innova Crysta or the Fortuner.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.