When the Toyota Innova was first previewed in 2005, the motoring experts questioned the Toyota officials as to why the very successful Qualis was being replaced. Innova, Qualis, Kajang and a few other brand names were selling well in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and other countries and Toyota had decided that the old platform and engines had to be changed for all the nine countries. An Innova is no 4WD SUV but its big wheels enable it handle bad roads reasonably well.
Like the Qualis before it, the Innova was an immediate hit with the big taxi trade and therefore was not prestigious enough for families. But the practical benefits and comfort of the vehicle made things change very fast. The initial 1998 cc 102 HP diesel engine was no sprint master but it was quick, economical and unbelievably reliable. In seven or eight seat configurations it could take its passengers in such speed, safety and comfort that passengers were soon willing to give it a chance. Its superb suspension was so well planted that passengers felt safe and unrattled even at speeds over 120 kmph.
This made it especially convenient for large families as well as for many corporate customers who began to patronise it.
Toyota constantly added elements to widen its appeal. A bigger 2494 cc 136 HP engine gave it much greater pick up and performance and a split AC ensured good cooling for passengers on the third row. There were soon 10 variants of seating and trim to suit customers of every kind. Toyota has now introduced the Fortuner SUV that had pulled away a few of the Innova loyalists, but as long this vehicle can offer safe, comfortable and economical travel for large families or passengers the Innova will rule the roads despite its higher price. Thus a BTM (Behnji Turned Mod) began to gradually turn into a PYT (Pretty Young Thing) in the eyes of many customers.
The writer is an automotive expert and is the former editor of a national
magazine