Toyota’s Innova has been around for well over a decade now, and it has managed to hit the right notes with Indian customers. We still remember the first-generation Innova; it replaced the Qualis and provided so much more in terms of design, comfort, reliability and the lot. Indian customers were ready to shell out more for an MPV that looked stylish. Prices of the Innova had even gradually shot up over the years, putting it more in premium product territory. But nothing what-so-ever scared away buyers from Innova. In 2016, they brought out an all-new model that costed a whole lot more but also provided so much more, like new-age features, modern styling, more comfort and so on and so forth. For 2021, Toyota has given the Innova Crysta a major facelift. The MPV now comes with a fresh face, new wheels and added equipment.
A facelift is all
The overall silhouette of the Toyota Innova Crysta remains the same, but the entire face has been heavily reworked to look more aggressive and in-your-face. The grille is now bigger, with a broad chrome lining highlighting its surrounds, plus it also has more slats. The design of the headlights is the same, but gets chrome extensions. The front bumper is new and looks nothing like the old one. You will also notice big housings for the turn signals and circular LED fog lights available on the top-of-the-line variants. It also features a smoked-out chin with minor chrome elements. The side profile hasn’t been touched, but the 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are new. At the rear, the L-shaped tail lamps remain, but we’re not complaining because they’ve always looked good.
Space capsule
Step into the 2021 Toyota Innova Crysta and you will be keen to note the changes are limited to the leather seats on the top-of-the-line model. Toyota Cars have also equipped the Innova Crysta with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the infotainment system. It also features buttons for volume controls and different functions. The costlier models also get front parking sensors. The Toyota Innova Crysta has always been known for leading in terms of space and comfort and the updated model lives up to it. The seats up-front are wide, well-contoured and that helps in providing excellent support. The captain chairs in the second row are comfortable too but don’t come with an electric adjust function. Toyota Cars know fully well that a major share of their customers prefer being driven around, so they’ve paid attention to the second row, its doors, the wood trim etc. The Captain chairs can slide forwards and backwards; the MPV gets small fold-out tables at the back of the front seats, and thank fully, the middle row tumbles forward to an extent wherein getting into the third row isn’t a hassle.
However, the last row will have you fold your knees to the level of your chest, but we won’t deny admitting that it’s better than the old Innova. Boot space is good even with all seats up, and if you don’t need the third row, you fold it away for more luggage room. The cabin is immensely practical too; you get as many 20 bottle holders and lots of other cubbyholes. It features two separate gloveboxes, one of which is cooled. The Crysta is a great people-mover for large families on long journeys.
Petrol power
The new Crysta continues to be powered by a 2.7-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i engine. Like any typical petrol unit, it is smooth and responsive. The engine pulls well and goes all the way to the limiter at 5900rpm. Now the petrol model may be lighter than the diesel version, but it isn’t as quick as the oil-burner. But the refined performance is something a lot of Toyota buyers will appreciate. The 6-speed automatic transmission is slick and quick in terms of responses, particularly for what is a torque-converter unit. Quick downshifts can result in a slight delay at low speeds, and the motor isn’t particularly quiet. We think cabin insulation should’ve been better. However, this being a huge petrol engine paired to a not-so-modern gearbox only means it’s going to be thirsty most of the time. The suspension remain the same. At high speeds, the Crysta feels planted and the pot holes in the city are gobbled up effortlessly. The handling is absolutely the same; you feel like you’re carrying a house through a corner, with lots of body roll evident. At parking speeds, the steering is heavy and that makes tight gaps a big issue. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars, only at autoX.
