Toyota Fly Hy

The new Toyota Innova HyCross goes hybrid for the very first time while getting a good dose of premium at the same time. Plus, it makes the big change from the body-on-frame to a monocoque.

-  Jim Gorde

THE ALL-NEW INNOVA HYCROSS makes one sit up and take notice, or even seems to convey that, rather emphatically, at first glance. There it was in the parking lot with its rear end sticking out past other cars and even I thought that it was a Fortuner with some chrome bits. Until I took a closer look.

The new Innova HyCross is a big step forward for Toyota and, with all-new construction, styling, equipment and powertrain, it is one indeed. Getting high on hybrid are Toyota and rightfully so. After all, they were the pioneers of production hybrid technology as we know it. They've offered the Prius in international markets long before they brought it to India. They have had the Camry Hybrid for a while and followed that up with the "velvet fire" premium van that makes one question the point of a limousine. And now they are bringing a hybrid replacement of a model that has won over a million hearts and changed the way India looked at MUVs.

The Innova is as popular in intercity transport as sliced bread is on breakfast menus. It's established an unrivalled and envious name and reputation for itself that even the number one carmaker figured if they can't beat them, they'd join them. More on that later but, first, the new Innova HyCross.