A picture tells a thousand words. In this case, Toyota has confirmed what’s been on the rumor mill for so long: the all-new 2023 Innova is going hybrid.
Set for a global unveil sometime this November, the latest teaser photo from Toyota shows a stylized “Hybrid” badge visible on the front door of the all-new Innova.
Although the carmaker hasn’t confirmed any details surrounding its powertrain, reports suggest that the MPV is set to drop its diesel powertrain for a 2.0-liter gasoline-hybrid setup. In addition, it may be dropping its rear-wheel drive, body-on-frame configuration for a front-wheel drive monocoque design, similar to what Toyota’s done with the Avanza/Veloz. For the Innova, however, it will be underpinned not by a Daihatsu-engineered platform but by the TNGA-C platform. Shared with the Corolla/Corolla Cross, this gives the Innova a model designation of AG10 (the current model is known as the AN140).
Along with the shift to a brand-new platform, Toyota is also set to position the Innova more as an upscale MPV and for that, it’s expected to gain a longer list of equipment including a large panoramic sunroof (confirmed in patent drawings), wireless device charging, and a 360-degree camera. It will also get a modernized infotainment system and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assist system as well.
Dimensionally, the 2023 Innova is expected to be around the same size as the current model, and the previous teaser does show a largely evolutionary design. It has a prominent and upright hexagonal grille with L-shaped inserts, triangular or L-shaped housings for the front fog lamps, and strong body lines on the hood and side panels. Spy photos also suggest taillights similar to the Rush sub-compact SUV and 10-spoke alloy wheels.
Bye bye diesel, seriously?
ReplyDeleteOh no. Is our Santa Rosa Laguna plant ready for local hybrid Innova (and possibly, Vios) production, or, production of local-spec Innova and Vios will cease and TMP switch to importing these models, moving forward?
ReplyDeleteTMP is mum on this but if they ever stop locally producing Innovas and Vios vehicles here with those new release models, I won't be shocked anyway. (In fact, I am expecting it, given the closure of Honda and Nissan, and in even more previous years, Ford and Isuzu, production plants.)
That's the thing, it is really hard to be optimistic of TMP's manufacturing prospects. There may be signs that Toyota is in it for the long haul with their recent fast-tracking of carbon neutrality plans for Sta. Rosa and CARS Program obligations but a business is a business; if you lose money, you would want to cut your losses ASAP. The timing of the Vios and Innova redesigns is so eerily close that if TMP wants to close the plant, they now have the perfect opportunity to do so.
DeleteToyota is probably the only manufacturer that can justify local production (Mitsubishi is only keeping the plant for legacy purposes they are not producing anywhere near Toyota's volume) yet I still have that feeling that the plant will shut down anytime soon. I have said in the past that the new Vios will be produced here and I still maintain that (35k sales a year says it all) but let's face it, the PH manufacturing industry is dead forever; it is just dying a slow death. The inevitable will happen but right now I am hoping that it isn't happening as soon as next year.
Probably TMP plant in Laguna is still going to assemble Vios and Innova.
ReplyDeleteWhat is better: diesel or gas-hybrid?
ReplyDeleteCould the all-new Prius come with solid-state batteries?
ReplyDeleteToo early. It's more likely it'll gain the more advanced fifth-gen hybrid (lithium-ion battery) + Dynamic Force engine.
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