You probably have seen the commercial of the new Toyota Innova. Yes, it is the one with the tagline “a beautiful revolution”.
While it boasts that Toyota’s newest car product is innovative (as what the name suggests) and revolutionary, some sort of revolution (or maybe a feeble competition) is happening between the car’s three models.
You’ve heard me right, people. The Toyota Innova has three models: the G model, the E model and the J model. There are some features that are not present in one model but are available in others. These features are the ones customers are attracted into, creating what might be a friendly battle in the three model’s car sales.
They all might look the same outside but it is the peripherals inside that make the difference. Rest assured that their disparitites are more thatn theire model letters.
The engine
Variety is the name of the game here. The G model comes in two engine types: the 2.5L diesel and the 2.0L gas varieties. Both are available in manual or automatic transmission. On the other hand, the E model offers only the 2.5L diesel manual transmission while the J model is fused only with either the 2.5L M/T or the 2.0 gas M/T engine.
All diesel engines are of the 2KD-FTV model while all gas variants are in the 1TR-FE model.
The 2KD-FTV engine, a new generation 2.5L common rail diesel engine is able to supply high-speed injections at all speed levels, controlled by a 32-bit electronic control unit (ECU). What you get is increased power, better combustion, fuel efficiency and less noise due to vibrations.
On the other hand, the 1TR-FE, a high performance 2.0L gasoline engine with advanced Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology delivers smoothen power in a wide RPM range that’s responsive and easy to drive both in traffic or in the highway. The fuel also gives better mileage, fuel economy and a cleaner exhaust gas.
Dimensions
This is the reason why it is hard to distinguish which is which (unless you look at the rear of the car to determine what model it is). All classes are 4,555 inches in length, 1,770 in width and 1,755 in height.
The wheelbases are constant at 2,750” while the front and rear tread measures are all the same with 1,510”.
To cite more similarities, the minimum turning radius of the steering wheel is 5.4”, fuel tank capacity stands at 55 liters and the seating capacity for all models is eight.
Transmission and chassis
Of course, it is obvious that A/T and M/T cars have different transmission systems. As with the Innova, the A/T cars are equipped with a 4-speed, gate type, transmission system as compared to the 5-speed manual transmission.
As for this domain, that is the only significant difference. Front and rear suspension are made up of independent, coil spring, double wishbone w/ stabilizer bar and 4-link coil spring respectively.
Front brakes are composed of ventilated discs while rear brakes are of leading trailing drum composition. The steering systems are all rack and pinion with power steering.
As for the wheels, they are all 205/65 R15 6JJ but the G model dons alloy wheels while those of the other two models are of steel.
Exterior
A lot of differences arise when the outside appearance of the Innova’s models are compared. The front and rear bumpers of the G model all color-keyed while that of the E and J models are painted. The hood moulding of the G modle is chrome while that of the E and J models are still painted.
Only the G model has multi-reflector front fog lamps, chrome insert side protection moulding and blackout with window sash. The outside view mirror and the outside door handle of the said model are of chrome while those of the other two models are in black.
Interior
Among the three models, only the G one has a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, a cigarette lighter, illuminated entry system, door ajar, seat belt warning device and lights off reminder.
In contrast, all models possess an upper and lower glove box with key, all-urethane shift level knobs, a console box, front personal lamps, sunvisors, rear view mirrors, assist grips, moulded door trims with integrated armrests, needle punch carpets, a Fujitsu-Ten 2-DIN CD/Tuner/MP3/4 speaker sound system and a dual but manual air conditioning system.
It seem though that the G model is the best buy among the three models. Its interior color is Ivory while that of the two is black giving it a more relaxing and eye-catching look. Also, the model boasts of an Optitron illumination control instrument panel meter to reduce eye strain among drivers. Its panel center cluster is finished in wood grain while that of its counterparts is made in resin giving it a sleeker look.
The G model is the only one that has a 4-spoke urethane steering wheel while the other two models use a 3-spoke steering wheel. The said model is the only one that has a vanity mirror in the front passenger’s sunvisor.
As for the cup and bottle holders, the G model again dominates the other models as it can hold three to four cups while the others only have room for one. In terms of the bottle holders though, all models can make way for up to seven bottles.
Power features and safety features
In this field of comparison, the G model continues to rule. It is the only model that has power window control, SRS airbags, high mount stop lamps and a keyless entry vehicle security system to avoid car robberies.
All models though have a GOA body, side door impact beams and child lock protectors. On the other hand none of the three models have a back-up sensor.
Prices
The 2.5L Diesel A/T G model costs 1,030,000 pesos while its M/T counterpart is worth 965,000 pesos. As for the G model Gas cars, purchasing the 2.0L A/T makes you spend 970,000 pesos while the M/T type also of the same engine will cost you 915,000 pesos.
The 2.5L M/T E model is worth 865,000. While the 2.5L diesel M/T and the 2.0 Gas M/T J model cars are worth 768,000 and 718,000 pesos respectively.
The verdict
If you were to ask me what the greatest buy among the three models, the G model gets my vote for it has more features that automobile afficionados look for. Also, given the weekly oil price hikes that we are embracing right now, it is practical to purchase the diesel-engine ones as compared to the gas ones due to lower fuel costs. But, if you are the guy who emphasizes performance more than features, any of the three is worth spending six figures money. After all, they are all made by one of the leading car companies in the world, Toyota. And more often than not, Toyota is synonymous to good quality.
