For a long time, Toyota has been ruling the MUV segment – for more than a decade. When it is first launched, it changed the way how Cebuano’s looked at a family vehicle. It does not only break sales in the record, but it also set benchmarks on its segment. So, how good is this 2012 Toyota Innova then?

Design

The Innova has always looked good. It is not a definition of a sexy and hot vehicle as it is not the intention of a MUV. What Innova possessed is always handsome, appealing and the classy design lines, something that tickles the fringe out of the private buyers and families. The new 2012 Toyota Innova just came into existence to improve things out. It doesn’t take one too long to notice the changes up front. The almost almond type headlamps are replaced with rectangular ones, which are of the wrap-around thing. The grille is bigger, it has more chrome and the bonnet gets a slight face-lift. Similarly, the front bumper is obviously new with a wider air-dam and a neatly placed fog lamps. Its side profile remains unchanged (apart from the new side skirts) though at the rear, the clear lamps now get the clear lens treatment. Of course, the Innova embossed chrome garnish cannot be dismissed. Going to the finer details, one will notice other subtle changes like the new alloy wheels, OVRM mounted indicators, the side skirting, etc – these are all been prepared by Toyota, fit and finish and overall painting quality, as expected, is of the highest standard.

The Interior

The Toyota Innova has been known for its roomy, practical, high quality and spacious interior. The steering wheel is all new, similar to the Altis sedan – it gets all the features a true steering wheel must have: mounted controls for the audio system, Bluetooth connected mobile phone and driver information display. The different style speedometer will catch your eyes behind the steering. The 2012 Innova gets a new touch screen system with multiple capabilities. Audio quality is really good, with six speakers. The color treatment of the cabin has changed, plastics are now finished in a lighter hue of beige and the seats finished in dual tone colors. The comfort and practicality factors remain as the high priority of the Innova. The vehicle is being in both 8 and 7 seat configurations.

Engine

One of the common reasons why Innova is preferred choice in the commercial segment is due to its bulletproof and boringly reliable D-4D engine. The 2.5-liter intercooler is a needle in a haystack; it simply goes on running full speed for many kilometers before it needs a major maintenance. The overall power and torque figures of the new Innova remains unchanged, though the 102Bhp engine is refined.

Feel free to browse the 2012 Toyota Innova gallery of images.