2011 Toyota Innova Review
Price
from: RM94,120
to: RM106,782
Installment
from: RM898/mth
to: RM1,018/mth
2011 Toyota Innova at a glance
The 2011 Toyota Innova comes with the expected usability, quality and reliability. The decent road manners, brisk performance and room for eight serve to elevate the 2011 Toyota Innova's appeal from attractive to compelling.
2011 Toyota Innova quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
2011 Toyota Innova ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Toyota Innova is arguably better-looking than the Toyota Unser, the car it replaces. But there is no denying how decidedly boxy and uninspiring the 2011 Toyota Innova looks. Of the three IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) models, the Toyota Innova apparently received the least amount of attention from Toyota designers. A mild facelift in 2008 introduces a new grille plus new front and rear bumpers, but styling is still far from the 2011 Toyota Innova's strong suit.
Handling
The 2011 Toyota Innova shares the same body-on-frame construction as the Toyota Hilux, but uses coil springs instead of leaf springs for the rear suspension—a change that significantly improves both the ride and handling characteristics. There is less body lean and more grip than you might expect. But like for many MPVs, the 2011 Toyota Innova has a relatively high centre of gravity which would prevent most drivers from pushing too hard through corners.
Comfort
The ride has an underlying firmness and can be bouncy when negotiating bumps at speed, although it deals with rough road surfaces adequately well. Wind and road noise are noticeable but never intrusive at cruising speeds. The well thought-out cabin features an uncluttered dashboard which lays instruments and controls in good view. Drivers sit high and hence enjoy commanding all-round visibility. Seat-height adjustments are available for comfort fine-tuning, but the steering column only adjusts for height and not reach.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Toyota Innova's cabin consists of many parts taken from the IMV project, from which the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner have been created. Everything, from the dashboard items to the driving controls, works with tactility and precision expected of a Toyota. The fit-and-finish are good, too, though the dashboard plastics are more robust than appealing. Toyota is renowned for reliability, therefore the Innova should remain trouble-free in the long run.
Performance
There is only one engine option, an in-line four, 16-valve 2.0-litre petrol engine with VVT-i, mated either to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with ECT. With 134 bhp at 5600 rpm and 182 Nm at 4000 rpm, the engine puts in a brisk performance even with six occupants on board; VVT-i ensures that the performance remains strong at low-to-mid rev range. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly; the five-speed manual gives slightly better acceleration but seems out of character for a family MPV.
Roominess
Key to the 2011 Toyota Innova's appeal is the eight-seater configuration. The front and middle rows are expectedly roomy, and the last row is also comfortable relative to many MPVs'. Access to the rear is a breeze but the adding of a side step would make it easier for the young and old to board. The middle row seats can slide and 60:40 split/tumble, while the last row seats 50:50 split and fold against the sides instead of folding flat into the floor.
Running Costs
Toyota models are so popular partly because of their relatively low running costs. And we do not expect the 2011 Toyota Innova to be any different in this regard. Fuel economy and servicing and repair costs should be reasonable. Being a Toyota also means the Innova is likely to retain a significant portion of its original cost upon reselling.
Value for Money
The 2011 Toyota Innova represents a major improvement over the Toyota Unser in every aspect. And thanks to the IMV project, it is well-priced, too. Style or the lack of it aside, however you look at the 2011 Toyota Innova, it is hard to imagine Toyota not enjoying record sales again.
Equipment
The 2.0E comes with 15" alloy wheels, fog lamps, power door mirrors with signal lamp, reverse sensor, radio/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, manual air-conditioning, power windows, power door lock, immobiliser, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and driver's airbag. The 2.0G adds Optitron meters, Multi Information Display (MID), automatic air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, rear centre armrest and front passenger's airbag.
Environment
The 2.0-litre is respectable in both fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions, and when coupled with the ability to ferry eight at one time (meaning less pollution per occupant), the 2011 Toyota Innova starts looking like a car for drivers with a “green” conscience.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Toyota quality and reliability
Room for eight
Good value for money
Boxy appearance
Slightly bouncy ride
Unappealing cabin plastics
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