"Toyota's new 2012 Innova lands on Philippine shores"

[ghosthunter]

Toyota's new 2012 Innova lands on Philippine shores



After the Fortuner and Hilux were launched last August 2011, we knew that their last IMV sibling, the Innova, will be coming pretty soon after. And finally, after a six month wait, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) invited an odd 60 of us motoring journalists to the beautiful island of Boracay to witness the arrival of the country's best-selling commercial vehicle (CV) in the most epic way possible. Let me introduce to you the new 2012 Toyota Innova.

With six years of experience under its belt, the new Innova is now more cultured for the finer things in life. It went under the knife and got an entirely redesigned front end that some might say now looks a bit like the Camry - a good attribute considering the executive sedan's flair. The front grill, cornered headlights, and blackened fog light housings received updated geometries, while the updated bumper, hood, and fenders are given a more defined character, growing more prominent lines and showing off a bit more muscle. Though the body generally remains untouched, the rear gets a fresh set of clear tail lights and a little nip/tuck for the rear bumper. Added changes were also included for the top of the line variants such as side mirror turn lamps, side skirts, and an altered license garnish.

Inside, it's mostly still the same trusty Innova that we've known over the years, but the four-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, restyled intrument panel, and wood trims with added silver accents are welcome changes. Plus, they've upgraded the headunit to a 2-DIN CD/MP3 player with an aux port to keep it up to date. There's also a slight change done to the A/C controls that only the keenest of eyes would notice. And just like before, this MPV comes with eight- or seven- (captain second row seats for the V grade) seater configurations.

Read more: Toyota's new 2012 Innova lands on Philippine shores

[wrcastro_ph]

How's the price difference from the previous version?

[Retz]

^

30K increase on top variant. 10K increase on lower variant.

[niky]

The new looks are nice.

Too bad they did this in Bora. Was hoping to attend the launch, but there's no way in heck I could leave for that far away on a weekday.

[number001]

Can you also post pictures of variant "V"

Thank you.

V variant



Captain Chairs




Unique to the V, "wood" inlay on shifter knob.


The "V" in pearl white.

Photo credits: MikkoChrysokhou fr sulit

[niky]

Doesn't look that much different inside.

The second row captain's chairs... sacrificing utility for comfort? The third row will be too small to fit three, so this reduces capacity to about six people.

[Retz]

V variant



Captain Chairs




Unique to the V, "wood" inlay on shifter knob.


The "V" in pearl white.

Photo credits: MikkoChrysokhou fr sulit

sana pati ung steering wheel may "wood" grain na rin.

[loverlionus]

Ang alam ko yung seatbelt warning sign is deactivated by a switch on the buckle. Always on upon ignition on and turned off only when seatbelt is fastened. You can try by turning on the engine without seating in the car. It most probably will still turn on.

[Retz]

Ang alam ko yung seatbelt warning sign is deactivated by a switch on the buckle. Always on upon ignition on and turned off only when seatbelt is fastened. You can try by turning on the engine without seating in the car. It most probably will still turn on.

For the driver seat yes. But for the passenger seat no.

[number001]

I waited for my 2012 G variant D-4D A/T for a month. The SA called up last April 10 that is ready for release. Unfortunately for him and fortunately for me, I backed out of the deal. Not to sound repetitious, but the smoke smell entering through the rear aircon was the top reason I backed out.

Right now, I see a lot of bronze colors, Silver (E or J variants), Red (E or J variants). There are only four colors available for the G and V variants: Black, Silver, Bronze, and White pearl (+15K). Black is a rare color and up to now I have yet to see one on the road. The silver color looks so plain that casual onlookers might mistake your unit for the lower variants. White pearl, just like black is rare bec. of the additional 15,000 cost as well as maintenance issues. So most buyers will pick the bronze color. Just the other day, within a 500 meter stretch there were at least two 2012 bronze.

I got a feeling that by 2013, Toyota will phase out this bronze color and introduce at least two colors: Beige (same a E variant) and or a medium silver.

Also noticed quite a few loyal Innova owners who have trade up to the 2012 model from their 2005-2009 models.