India-bound Toyota Innova spied testing in Thailand

Toyota started testing the next-gen Innova in India this year and the tests continue in Thailand as well. A fully camouflaged model of the new car was spied testing in Thailand recently.

The manufacturer has not divulged any details about the next-gen Innova, but it seems to be a little longer than the current model, while the height and width is the same. The cosmetic makeover is expected to be in line with the manufacturer's new design language. The refreshed Innova will borrow design cues from the new Corolla Altis. It will boast of a revised grille, redesigned headlamps and tweaked bumpers. Unlike the vertically placed tail lamps on the current model, the new car might get horizontally placed tail lights.

There will be changes to the cabin of the 2016 iteration of the Innova as well. The layout of the dashboard will be slightly revised with some tweaks to the instrument cluster as well. The biggest change will be the upgrade in quality of materials to keep up with the competition. The Innova will feature the new three-spoke steering wheel, which looks similar to the one on the new Corolla and comes equipped with steering mounted controls. Additionally, the top-end version will come with a large TFT display screen.

The India-spec Innova might get the same engine options like that of the current Innova. The petrol version might be powered by the 2.0-litre powerplant that churns out 130bhp of power, while the diesel model is expected to be powered by the 2.5-litre engine that produces 100bhp of power. Both these units will come mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with the power sent to the rear wheels. Reports suggest that an automatic variant will also be available when it goes on sale.

The test mules of the new Toyota Innova have been making frequent appearances around the Indian manufacturing facility in Karnataka. We can expect the manufacturer to bring the car to the 2016 Auto Expo and later launch it for the Indian market. Even though many new MPVs have been introduced to the Indian market, the Innova is still the leader in the MPV segment here. Right from 2005, when it was launched, the vehicle has been enjoying a good demand in the country and the revised model should also replicate this success with the fresh new look and new features.