2016 Auto Expo: Toyota to showcase the Innova Crysta, Vios and the 2016 Prius

Toyota Motor Corporation sold over 10 million units worldwide beating the likes of Volkswagen and General Motors to become the top selling brand of 2015. The company has major plans for the 2016 Auto Expo. The theme for the brand's pavilion is "mobility evolution through QDR (quality, durability and reliability) and advanced technology, safety and environmental contribution".

Toyota Innova Crysta

Without doubt, the spotlight will be on the new generation Innova Crysta, since Toyota dominates the MPV space in India. This generation of the MPV is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that has helped shave some weight off the vehicle. The exterior of the Toyota Innova Crysta has been redesigned with a completely new front that resembles the Corolla Altis and Camry. There is a generous use of chrome on the front radiator grille. The headlight assembly features LED projectors. The silhouette still reminds of the existing model as the profile lines running along the length don't make it look distinct. The top spec variant is expected to be offered with 17-inch wheels while the base and mid-variant will be offered with smaller 16-inchers.

The cabin of the Innova Crysta will offer premium bits like an updated TFT instrumental cluster, automatic climate control, new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, state-of-the-art entertainment options, smartphone mirroring, voice command system and cabin illumination lamp. The Innova Crysta will be powered by a 2.4-litre GD diesel engine that makes 149PS and 360Nm for the 6-speed automatic and 342Nm for the 5-speed manual version. The Innova Crysta might be placed above the existing Innova attracting a hefty price tag. It will lock horns with the upcoming Tata Hexa MPV.

Toyota Vios

The other important car which will be displayed at the brand's stall is the Toyota Vios. The Vios sits in the same segment as the Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Toyota hasn't yet tasted success in the passenger sedan segment, at least not like it did in the MPV and SUV space. With the new Vios, Toyota plans to change the brand's perception in the country. The Vios will be slotted between the Etios and Camry. It is expected to be powered by 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. Toyota might plan on bringing the Vios next year.

New Toyota Prius

With the Government's new focus on hybrids, Toyota might launch the 2016 Prius in India. The new Toyota Prius gets an extreme makeover from the earlier model. It features bi-LED elements in the headlights with LED daytime running lights. The new Prius also gets an updated features list in the form of a seven-inch touch-screen display, 4.2-inch dual colour multi-information display (MID) with customisable screens. Toyota will offer the 1.8-litre VVTi petrol engine which delivers 96PS of power and 142Nm of torque. The electric motor puts out an additional 73PS. The gasoline motor has been tweaked for better fuel efficiency, which has gone up by 18 per cent.

N Raja, director and senior vice president, sales and marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "In this Auto Expo, our key focus will be exhibiting our product strengths in the MPV as well as the hybrid technology areas. Amid the raising concerns for pollution, we see a spike in demand for hybrid vehicles and thus, hybrid technology is going to be one of our key focuses. We are looking at working closely with the Government on how to improve hybrid manufacturing in India".

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