DiscoverCars.Com

Toyota Innova Hycross: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to

-
Toyota Innova Hycross blue colour

To build on Innova's strong brand value, Toyota launched the Hycross in India about two-and-a-half years ago. Unlike the diesel-only Crysta, it offers both petrol and hybrid powertrains, and its cabin feels noticeably more premium, thanks to its richer features. Currently, the only direct rival to the MPV is its badge-engineered sibling, the Maruti Invicto. Below are three reasons to consider the Toyota Innova Hycross, and two reasons it might not be the right fit for you.

1. Extremely smooth and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain

ARAI-rated mileage of 23.24kpl.

Innova Hycross engine

The Innova Hycross hybrid is powered by Toyota's refined 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, complemented by an electric motor that draws energy from a 1.6kWh battery; transmission duties are handled by an eCVT. By default, the Hycross starts on battery power and calmly potters around, but upon hard acceleration, the petrol mill seamlessly takes charge. Speed build-up is linear, with no sudden surges.

While petrol and hybrid Innova Hycross models share this naturally aspirated block, it's the latter that opts for a more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle (intake valves remain open for a longer time during the compression stroke for a lean air-fuel mixture). Together, the 184hp, 206Nm hybrid-petrol setup delivers an impressive ARAI-rated mileage of 23.24kpl, a whopping 7.11kpl higher than the Hycross petrol.

2. Spacious cabin

Well-cushioned seats for optimal ride comfort.

Toyota Innova Hycross interior

Equally impressive as the claimed mileage is the generous cabin space of the Innova Hycross. That holds even for the third row, which is usually seen as best for kids or short journeys. Moving forward to the middle row, Toyota offers part-electric captain chairs with ottomans for that extra level of comfort in the seven-seat layout. Passengers here will also appreciate the window shades, dedicated climate control, and large panoramic sunroof that fills the cabin with light and enhances the airy feel. 

Innova Hycross battery
Strong hybrid battery placed under the front passenger seat.

The hybrid battery's placement under the front passenger seat means legroom stays unaffected for the one seated behind, and unlike some hybrids, this also translates into an uncompromised boot space as well. But it gets even better up front as the broad, well-cushioned seats are ventilated, as well as 8-way electrically adjustable.

3. Car-like driving manners

Monocoque frame; firmer suspension setup than the Crysta.

Innova Hycross front

The Innova Hycross' monocoque frame aids in controlled body movements, especially for an MPV of this size. And a slightly firmer suspension setup than the Crysta, it drives with a lot more confidence. The longer wheelbase gives the Hycross a planted highway ride, but the real highlight is its power steering (unlike the Crysta's hydraulic unit), making manoeuvring and parking the 4,755mm-long MPV effortless.

While the Toyota Innova Hycross shines in these three areas, there are a couple where it doesn't score as high, as mentioned below.

1. Diesel-like engine punch missing

Linear acceleration.

innova Hycross rear

Since the hybrid powertrain has a linear acceleration, as noted in our Innova Hycross review, some may miss the meaty mid-range torque rush of the turbo-diesel. Also, the e-CVT feels at ease when driven calmly, but with aggressive driving, especially at highway speeds, it makes the engine sound strained and out of its comfort zone. Its front-wheel drive layout might deter those living in hilly areas, where the Crysta's rear-wheel drive setup offers an edge.

2. Some interior plastics feel cheap for Hycross' price

Fit-finish and quality of some parts seem out of place.

Innova Hycross seats

The Hycross MPV is priced between Rs 19.09 lakh and Rs 31.34 lakh, ex-showroom, with the more bought hybrid variants starting at Rs 26.31 lakh. Considering this price range and its premium positioning, the fit-finish and quality of some plastic trims inside seem out of place. That said, this is a small drawback easily outweighed by the Hycross’s overall strengths.

Also see:

BMW iX1 LWB: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to

Range Rover Evoque: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to

Hyundai Creta Electric: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to



from Autocar India https://ift.tt/u5FaVPw

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Auto Expo 2023: 9 new Tata Motors car, SUV launches by 2025

-
Image
Tata Motors had a blockbuster showing at Auto Expo 2023, with several models on display in various states of production readiness. However, while Tata’s announcement was quite scant on details, we’ve received a bit more information from company sources, specifically around when these cars will be launched. The products are an even mix of EV and ICE products, but while the latter includes petrol and CNG models, there has been no word on further diesel development, which means the present 1.5-litre engine in the Nexon , and the Fiat-sourced 2.0 in the Harrier and Safari , will soldier on for some time. New Tata Sierra launch in 2025 with new 1.5 petrol engine Undoubtedly the biggest star at the Tata Motors stall, the second iteration of the Sierra EV concept has inched ever closer to production-ready guise. Now with four doors and an interior with conventional controls and switchgear, it’s clear this model is in its final stages of development. However, while the concept is an EV b...
Read more

Hyundai Exter variant wise powertrain details revealed

-
Image
Hyundai has officially revealed the upcoming Exter SUV with bookings open for a token amount of Rs 11,000. The Exter will be available in five trims, with two engines and two gearbox options. Hyundai Exter gets petrol, CNG powertrain options Six monotone and three dual-tone colours on offer Rivals Tata Punch, Citroen C3 in India The Exter gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine along with CNG fuel option. The Exter petrol can be opted with either a five-speed manual or an AMT automatic, while the Exter CNG will be available as manual only. While the power and torque outputs have not been officially announced, we expect the 1.2-litre engine to churn out 83hp and 114Nm of torque, similar to the Grand i10 Nios , the Aura and the Venue . Similarly, the CNG powertrain could produce 69hp and 95.2Nm, similar to its sedan, SUV and hatchback counterparts. Hyundai Exter petrol line-up  The Exter will be available in EX, S, SX, SX (O) and the top-spec SX(O) Connect trims. The EX is the on...
Read more

Honda Amaze diesel discontinued ahead of RDE norms implementation

-
Image
Honda  has officially delisted the Amaze  diesel model from its website. The compact sedan was the final diesel model in its segment that currently comprises of the Hyundai Aura , Tata Tigor and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire . Amaze diesel was available in three trims Was the only diesel automatic model in its segment Honda Amaze diesel: reason for discontinuation As we've reported before, the upcoming implementation of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms in India from April 2023 is the key reason for the Amaze's diesel engine being dropped.  Upgrading diesel engines to meet the new stringent emissions regulations is expensive. This, combined with the low demand for diesel in this segment, meant that there was little business case for the Amaze diesel. Currently, Honda has only two diesel-powered models on sale in India – the  WR-V  and  5th gen City .  However, these cars, too, are slated to be axed as the brand  will cease producing diese...
Read more