toyota Innova front right three quarters

New Toyota Innova 2.5 Z Review: Ageless Wonder

Performance, ride, handling and efficiency

2015 toyota Innova engine (34)

Apart from the familiar silhouette, what has also been a constant companion to the Innova since its launch is the 2.5-liter, 16 valve, DOHC, common rail motor. Aided by a turbocharger, the old school motor pumps out 102 PS of power at 3600 rpm and 200 Nm of twist between 1200 – 3600 rpm. Crank it up and there is an evident diesel clatter that you hear on the outside, which also manages to filter through the cabin. Slot the long throw shifter into first and the MPV moves off the block in a sedate manner. The engine scores high on tractability and at times, you could use the third gear as an automatic to putter around town. There is hardly any lag and power is always delivered in a seamless manner. The only fly-in-the-ointment though is that gear ratios are short and even for such high cubic capacity, the engine doesn’t feel relaxed at high speeds, the noise from the motor only amplifying it further as the revs build up. Shifting between five forward gears using the tall stick is a smooth affair, but throws are too long, making the process a lengthy affair.

2015 toyota Innova motion shots(14)

The Toyota Innova handles pretty predictably for an MPV that weighs 1680 kilos without any passenger on board. It isn’t a vehicle one would throw around corners to experience a rush, but for its size and proportions, body roll is kept well under control. Maneuverability in town isn’t all that tricky, but could’ve been better if the steering wheel had a smaller diameter. Having said that, the assisted steering system remains fairly light at city speeds and builds up some weight as the speed goes up.

2015 toyota Innova motion shots(5)

What surprised us was the ride quality though, as all of us, including the other three passengers in the cabin found it to be on the stiffer side. The Innova glides through spaced out crests and waves just fine, but it is those closely spaced undulations on the road which the suspension refuses to absorb. It could’ve also been due to the fact that our test car was occupied by only two mortals during this test. The set-up may settle down with a couple more occupants and a few bags thrown in. The ride isn’t supple and isolating, but there isn’t too much of vertical pitch or unsettling movements that ruffle your feathers either, the package finds a fair balance.

2015 toyota Innova motion shots(12)

With a front disc and rear drum anti-locking brake setup, the Innova can be brought to a halt without any drama and feedback at the pedal remains assuring, even under hard braking.

2015 toyota Innova MID (50)

With a 55-liter fuel tank, the Innova can travel anything between 600 to 650 kms on a tankful, if the fluctuating figures of 10 – 12 kpl on the car’s onboard computer are to be believed.

Next page for what it made us feel..

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