Toyota Innova Crysta (Petrol & Diesel) Road Test Review

As mentioned earlier, the diesel mill is better suited for the Innova. The reason being, it has more torque which is available very low in the  rpm band at just 1200rpm and goes up all the way to 3400rpm, the same rpm level at which the engine also puts out its peak power of 171.5 horses. The 2.8 litre diesel also attains a higher power figure much quicker in the rpm band than the petrol engine. But then the 2.7 litre petrol engine is much more refined, smooth and free of irritating jerks. Both the vehicles that we tested had their engines mated to 6-speed automatic transmissions. The Innova Crysta is also available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The automatic sequential transmission feels a lot more at home when mated with the petrol motor. It is rather smooth and shifts are quite seamless. That is not the case when it is mated to the diesel mill wherein up-shifts are a bit more obvious. The Innova Crysta also has options of switching to a Power Mode or an Eco Mode. While the former caters to a very sporty drive and gives the driver full advantage of the engine's potential, the latter is useful in city traffic where fuel efficiency takes a big hit. Speaking of efficiency, the Innova Crysta's 2.7 litre petrol, automatic returns close to 15kmpl while the diesel is only slightly better than that.

Toyota's Innova was also quite popular because of the comfort it offered while travelling, be it long journeys or through city traffic. This new Innova Crysta is no different. It rides on a double wishbone suspension with a torsion beam up front and a 4 link in the rear. The MPV glides over bad or broken roads with ease, although one needs to be careful over big potholes as occupants can get tossed about a wee bit. Toyota has also managed to engineer perfection into the braking setup on the new Innova Crysta. The front disc and rear drum brake combination is quite accurate and progressive, lending the driver ample confidence even at great speeds. 

But that is not all, the Innova Crysta feels a lot more premium than before. The cabin oozes luxury and the senses are treated to a rich mix of leather, wood and exquisite materials. In terms of features also one has a very optimum blend of options on offer ranging from automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, power adjustable driver seats, ambient lighting, a touch screen infotainment setup with bluetooth, AUX and USB capability to steering mounted controls, push button start/ stop, leather upholstery, cooling box, welcome lamps, projector headlamps with DRLs and electrically adjustable/ retractable ORVMs. The Innova Crysta also offers one touch tumble second row seats, easy slide front passenger seat, foldable seatback tables with cup holders for the second row and plenty of smartly placed cubby holes and storage spaces.

In terms of safety the MPV has ABS with EBD on offer along with 7 airbags, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control and a pitch and bounce control. The Innova Crysta has also offers a very boxy design with smooth flowing lines which give it an SUV like appeal yet offering the best of comfort an MPV can. The seats are also quite comfy with plenty of support and bolstering. While testing out this MPV on Indian roads I could not help but notice the amount of admirers the Innova Crysta had. On more than one occasion I saw people sitting in their city smart compact cars gaping in awe at the mammoth size of the MPV. The Innova Crysta is not just bigger and bolder in size but is also bigger and bolder in terms of luxury. It offers the right mix of quality, performance, luxury and features, all at a price point that is quite justified for the punch it packs.