TOYOTA INNOVA FOR THE PEOPLE

With Innova, Toyota South Africa has once again expanded its people carrying portfolio, and possibly unwittingly opened up a new taxi industry. Just as it did with Venture and Condor before, the company has launched a very attractive proposition for those who seek to carry more than the usual five people.

Built in Indonesia, Innova has been around since 2003 and this is the facelift of that model. But like a couple of other recent Toyota South Africa introductions (Aygo, FJCruiser), its local launch comes very late in its lifecycle. Regardless, we do expect it to sell in good numbers; over 500 a month in fact. Target audience? Fleet buyers like government and car rental companies, big families and of course those pesky taxi operators. Mind you this car does not replace the existing Avanza at all, but rather compliments it, according to Toyota.

The Innova – flat o, like in revolver – measures 4.6 metres long, 1.6m in height, 1.8m high and has a massive wheelbase of 2.8m. Ground clearance is 17cm, making the car almost SUV-like in appearance. Those who like the command driving position will appreciate it. As for the styling, not much can be said, as this is quite subjective. I must say though, opinions seemed to differ, depending on the audience. Younger people did not seem to appreciate it much, while taxi drivers nearly broke off their necks checking it out. Buyers can choose from a list of 7 exterior colours, including ones called Glacier White and Dark Steel Mica.

Although there’s an optional third row of seats with enough space for three or even four extra passengers, the last two seats are probably best left to the shorter set. Also, the hook-on-the-side solution for hanging them up is too old school. A new solution, such as hiding them under the floor or something of that nature, should be considered.

Lots of great space utilisation options are available for the interior, including the usual deep cubby hole, an equally deep centre storage console, cup holders, and other storage for smaller items such as cell phones. A USB port for memory sticks and auxiliary jack for iPods and other portable MP3 players is clearly visible, and works flawlessly. I really like Toyota’s simple, no fuss style. Every gadget, including air conditioning dials and window controls, is where it should be and works with no issues. First for this segment is a touch-screen infotainment system to access radio, music and other functions. The steering wheel is multi-functional too, adding extra value for money.

Getting things going is a 2.7 litre naturally aspirated 16 valve VVT-i engine. If it sounds familiar then it’s because it is. You’ll find the same motor beneath the Hilux and Fortuner. The four-cylinder produces 118kW at 5200rpm, as well as 241Nm of torque at 3800rpm. During our launch drive the engine showed much character, reaching some way over the 160km/h mark. On our everyday normal trips the car proved a thirsty character, averaging a rather heavy 15.4 litres per 100km from the compact 65 litre tank. The 5-speed manual gearbox is easy to operate but probably needs an extra cog to lower that consumption. Toyota SA is not selling the 2.5-litre diesel, even though some markets such as the Philippines offer one.

Comfort is a common theme amongst the entire Toyota product line, and the Innova is no exception. Seats are of soft cloth in the standard 8-seater, obviously durable though, while the 7-seater comes standard with leather cover on the seats. Weirdly the 7-seater is more expensive. Adding to the ride quality are 205/65 R15 6JJ high profile tyres all around.

Toyota is covering a market higher than the Avanza through the Innova. As you can see, it’s packed with a large menu of features, lots of them standard, but at a price. As a form of family transportation it is recommended, as long as those trips aren’t too long, no thanks to the unsatisfactory fuel consumption. This footnote detail will probably not deter the thousands of customers currently queueing up at dealerships.

Toyota Innova Pricing

8-seater (R249 700)

7-seater (R265 500)