Why the Toyota Innova 2.8 E presents the best value proposition

For all its improvements and new equipment, the knock on the Toyota Innova is that it got expensive, and to be honest, it did.

If you want the top-of-the-line model, that will set you back more than one and a half million pesos, and that for most Filipinos is a lot of money for an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle).

Why? Because as an MPV (even as good-looking as the Innova is now) we still expect it to be a workhorse like its IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) stablemates the Fortunerand the Hilux, which means it will have to fold its seats on occasion and be a beast of burden for your business.

Sure, some people now buy the Innova purely as a family vehicle and these are buyers who get the V or G trims. But for most, they’re going to make their Innova work for their worth and will use it as part-time family vehicle and a part-time commercial unit.

If you want your Innova to have a little of both worlds, affordable but with enough amenities for passenger comfort, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has the perfect trim for you, the Toyota Innova 2.8, which comes in either a six-speed automatic transmission (AT) with Sequential Control or a five-speed manual transmission.

One of the best things about it is, even though it notches below the V and G trim, it still offers the same spacious body as it carries the same dimensions – 4,735mm long, 1,830mm wide, 1,795mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,750mm. Seating capacity is eight people.

Another thing you’ll love about the E trim is that it offers buyers the option to get a gasoline-powered version. Yes, you can choose between the a 2.8-liter diesel engine with variable nozzle turbo, a chain drive, and intercooler, or the 1TR-FE 2.0-liter gasoline engine with Dual Variable-Valve Timing-Intelligent (Dual VVT-i).

The diesel engine puts out a healthy 171hp and 360Nm of torque straight to either a five-speed MT and six-speed AT with sequential control.

The gasoline engine’s dual VVT-i works by adjusting timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts to allow engine start and stop to occur almost unnoticeably at minimum compression. It also rapidly heats up the catalytic converter, sending it to its light-off temperature to be able to significantly reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Power output is 136hp and 183Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels via two transmission options, a five-speed MT and six-speed AT with sequential control.

It shares the same suspension as the rest of the nameplate with a four-link coil spring in the rear and an independent coil spring, double wishbone with stabilizer in front suspension. It has ventilated front disc brakes, leading-trailing drum brakes at the rear, a rack and pinion steering system, and 205/65 R16 tires with 16-alloy with center cap. If you’re thinking of what the J trim has, it uses 16-inch steel wheels which are heavier and will affect the vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency.

The exterior sports multi-reflector halogen lamps, resin front grille with silver paint, halogen fog lamps with chrome bezel, color-keyed outside view mirror with side turn lamps, color-keyed and grip-type outside door handles, intermittent front wipers with mist, rear wipers, rear window defoggers, and a fin-type antenna.

Step inside and you’ll find plenty of amenities shared with the higher trims like the Innova Touring Sport and even the G trim. It has a console box with a plain lid, a glove box with a lock and key, five assist grips (one in front and four at the rear), a tilt and telescopic steering column, a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with silver trim and comes with audio, telephone and MID (multi-information display) switches, a wireless door lock system, rotary ignition, urethane shift lever knob, driver and passenger sun visors with mirror and lid, front personal lamp, room lamp, luggage lamp, reclining + sliding + vertical height adjuster driver’s seat with back pocket, 60:40 folding one-touch tumble + slide + recline second-row seats, one-touch easy space up third row seats, and fabric door trims with integrated armrest and door pocket (front and rear).

Power and convenience features include power windows with one-touch Up and Down features on the driver’s side, power door locks, power-adjustable outside view mirror, a CD + DVD + tuner + MP3 + Bluetooth + USB + Aux-in system, manual climate control system, key and light reminder warning system, a door ajar warning and seatbelt warning system, illuminated entry system (dome light only), and two 12-volt auxiliary power outlet. Audio is sent to the cabin’s six speakers.

In terms of safety, it offers driver + passenger + driver knee airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, two three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seatbelts with Pretensioners and adjustable seatbelt anchor in front, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the second row with ISOFIX and tether anchors, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the third row, and a LED (light emitting diode) high mount stop lamp.

The E trim comes in several body colors including Thermalyte, Black, Blackish Red Mica, and Red Mica Metallic.

This trim starts at P1.178 million for the Toyota Innova 2.0 E Gas MT while the Toyota Innova 2.0 E Gas AT goes for P1.248 million.

The Toyota Innova 2.8 E Diesel MT is priced at P1.25 million and the Toyota Innova 2.8 E Diesel AT goes for P1.32 million.

Photo of G grade from Toyota Motor Philippines