Toyota innovates with the new Innova

Earlier this year Toyota introduced its new generation model of the Innova, which brought with its a new dimension of innovation to the Filipino’s much loved Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

In developing the design concept of the Innova, executive chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima shares that the vision for the all-new Innova is to be “The MPV designed for Multi-Performance.”

And, he spoke only the truth. I got a chance to test drive the Innova recently, and I have to say that this new variant got a lot of stares — as well as folks approaching me as I parked to ask if they could take a look inside.

The Innova combines the essence of an MPV with tough and emotional elements that make it highly functional. In fact, the Innova’s exterior has been carefully designed with sophisticated elements such as a stylish sculpted body, new front grille design, subtle aerodynamic effects, and more emotional colors that enhance its luxurious image.

 “I am confident that this groundbreaking image will satisfy customers who are looking for something special in addition to the Innova’s much loved heritage,” added Nakajima.

Something New, Something Cool

Toyota, always on the lookout for building its vehicles better for its customers, added upgrades to the Innova that really make it a cool looker.

When I first saw the Innova parked in the driveway at home, I really had to take a good look at it. The all-new Innova is indeed modern because its new exterior design adds a luxurious and strong presence.  Of course, there are the aero stabilizing angles, LED headlamps with Daytime Running-Lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, and rear spoiler — which adds even more class to its charisma.

But, just like all good things — we must not judge a good car by its looks alone. Inside, the Innova is equipped with comfortable second row captain’s seats, stylish silver and wood grain patterns, HD multi-information display, capacity touch screen audio with navigation, built-in cooler box, seat back tables, adjustable mood lights, and smart push start with keyless entry. Furthermore other variants are equipped with one-touch tumble second row seats and easy space-up third row seats for added versatility and convenience.

Just Drive

The All-New Innova has also been upgraded to a 2.8L (with VNT) DSL engine and 2.0 Dual VVT-I gas engine with a new 6-Speed A/T (with sequential shifter) and an Enhanced 5-Speed M/T gearbox.

I got to test drive the 2.0 gas engine Innova. It was of course, joy at first pedal to the metal.  The six speed automatic transmission worked like clockwork as I had been tasked to drive my relatives around town during their short stay in Manila, recently.

There was no out of town trip for me. But, with the Innova I made it to lots of malls and to the dampa (seafood restaurant) on Macapagal Ave. in Pasay City.

As I sat in the driver’s seat — I tried to feel whether the Innova would slowdown and choke when it was with a full load — but I was disappointed because the Innova kept up to speed and never once let me down during the traffic-laden drive through the streets of metro Manila.

It was also such a scorcher on that day that I did my family driving — but I loved that the Innova stayed cool inside all throughout the day. No matter that I had to make quite a few stops and wait at the curbside while the relatives did the last minute shopping.

And, yes, all the bags that the relatives loaded into the Innova for pasalubong to take back to Australia, heavy as these seemed to be — were easy to fit into the truck space of the Innova.

We ended that shopping day at Alabang, where my relatives where staying.  Jamba Juice was our last stop as I had requested for a really cold and also healthy drink as “payment” for all the driving.

I got the juice. 

As we all got back into our seat in the Innova for the drive back home — I smiled — the Innova was loaded to capacity — and we were all a happy bunch.