TOYOTA INNOVA HYCROSS

Is the Innova Hycross Toyota’s next gamechanger?

- BENJAMIN GRACIAS

TOYOTA INNOVA HYCROSS HYBRID

Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder + electric motor

Power: 183.7PS Torque: 188Nm + 206Nm 

Gearbox: e-CVT 0-100kmph: 9.5 seconds (claimed) 

Price: 20 lakh ex-showroom onwards (estimated)

The Innova was a gamechanger for Toyota India. A replacement for the popular Qualis, the Innova was a more premium but also a more expensive family mover. A strategy that paid off with the Innova going on to become Toyota India's bestseller. The Innova Hycross too promises what the Innova did - to take the game forward.

The all-new premium MPV sits on a new platform and claims to be better than the Innova Crysta in all aspects, especially with its strong hybrid powertrain. Does it match the diesel Innova Crysta's frugality and ruggedness though? More importantly, with the changing times, can it cater to a newer sect of audience the way the OG Innova did? We spent quality time with the Innova Hycross to see if it is capable of taking the Innova legacy forward.

Despite being positioned as an MPV, the Innova Hycross looks more butch than some SUVs out there. Toyota has infused SUV design elements like a taller bonnet line, larger grille and body cladding to entice SUV buyers and I think that plan will work well! I love the way the side profile features creases and bulges are pronounced, unlike the Innova Crysta. Even the thick D-pillar adds to the SUV persona. I love the way the 18-inch wheels fill up the wheel wells but would have preferred better-styled alloy wheels though. Compared to the rest of the MPV, the rear section feels underwhelming. It is dominated by sharp-looking tail lamps connected via a thin chrome strip. The Innova Hycross impresses with its styling and premium fit and finish levels.