How do i begin writing about a vehicle that has won lakhs of Indians hearts already? The Innova has proved its metal and become the benchmark for Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV) in the country. Toyota has recently given the car a minor yet refreshing makeover and a lot has been spoken about it earlier. Hence , I have decided to talk about an almost magical switch that the Japanese auto giant has introduced in a new variant of the Innova. This transforms the very dependable MPV into a virtual bank account that allows an owner to start depositing his savings in immediately. Pardon my imagination , but the switch I am referring to actually exists for the purpose of swapping between petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode.

With the global meltdown making cost-cutting a household term , Toyota couldn’t have launched the CNG version of the Innova at a better time. Of course you end up saving a lot on fuel costs with a CNG option - around Rs 23/kg in Mumbai while petrol is around Rs 44. By switching to natural gas you can save over fifty percent on fuel costs as the Innova will take you around 12km/kg of CNG. Now that’s saving! Toyota is banking on the high demand for CNG vehicles which deliver high mileage and offer low cost of operation. The Japanese firm recently introduced the CNG variant of the Innova in India and has Corolla CNG on the cards as well. Currently , the petrol Innova is equipped with a dealer fitted CNG kit. The kits are being supplied by Minda Auto Gas which also provides original equipment for Hyundai Santro and Maruti Suzuki’s LPG based Wagon R Duo.

There are no exterior changes in the CNG Innova to give it a distinct look except a white CNG sticker on the windscreen. Its chiseled styling and solid presence is still far ahead of its competition. This cleaner MPV has practicality written all over it as the fuel cost per kilometer is around Rs 1.60! Currently this version is only available in a white body colour and we could only lay our hands on the older design though the new shape Innova CNG will also be available soon.

Driving around town and on the highway are both pleasurable in this version of the Innova. The MPV has the trademark Toyota refinement as it glides through City traffic and rips across the highway. The smooth gearbox , responsive engine and superior suspension already have a reputation and we’ll skip you the details. Overtaking needs slightly more preparation , as the CNG takes a tad longer to pump sudden power. But most people will hardly feel the difference as it is generally quite peppy. The Innova is powered by a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC with VVT-i CNG/petrol engine that produces 132PS at 5600rpm and is designed to meet the stringent Euro IV emission norms.

The dash and instrument console are standard Toyota quality and finish. The car also has a basic Toyota music system which just manages to work. Though the storage capacity has been compromised due to the 12 litre gas tank that occupies most of the luggage space , the Innova CNG has seven seats that can be folded in various positions to accommodate luggage of different shapes and sizes. Now , you can’t have everything in life , can you? Despite being powered by CNG the aircon doesn’t disappoint , even in the merciless tropical heat. Ceiling mounted air vents in the second and third row seats ensure better cooling across the cabin.

The Innova CNG is being offered in two options: the 2.0 GP with black bumper , ORVM and door handles and single air-conditioner which is priced at Rs 9.49 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. The other option is the loaded 2.0 GC which has body coloured (in this case white) bumper , ORVM and door handles and three row air-conditioner with a price tag of Rs 10.44 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. Not to mention that these variants come with Toyota’s three years/1 , 00 , 000 km warranty.

With low fuel and running cost , the new Innova CNG is like a dream come true for families that enjoy driving to their weekend getaways and for tourist cabs , as they can save on every kilometer they travel. Like we said , the Innova CNG is like running a savings account , this surely will make you go places.

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