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All this talk about wood and leather won’t convince the purveyor of luxury unless the subject of seating comes into play. Like upgrading from Economy to Business Class, the Innova V’s second row bench has been replaced with two individual buckets. The move to swap the bench for these so-called “Captain’s Chairs” produced both positive and negative effects, but mostly negative. On one hand, it does provide for unparalleled comfort with individual sliding and reclining functions. The individual center arm rests also provide an excellent respite for the busy executive. But the practical-minded out there will note that the Captain’s Chairs reduced the Innova’s seating capacity from 8 to 7. It also makes entry to the third row more difficult as these individual seats do not tumble compared to the bench that does with a 60/40 split. Those who use the Innova as a light-duty business vehicle will also find the loss of cargo space discontenting considering the overall size of this MPV.

Aside from these changes though, the V remains pretty much like its G variant. Don’t expect to find a high-end sound system, back-up camera or HID headlamps in here. Instead you’ll encounter Innova mainstays like Optitron gauges with rheostat function, dual air conditioning, a Fujitsu Ten MP3-capable CD player with 6 speakers, a trip computer and back-up sensors. The most welcome change though is the addition of a passenger airbag as well as an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The Innova V comes in both gasoline (2.0 V) and diesel (2.5 V) variants, both mated to a four-speed automatic. Having sampled the D-4D before and swearing to its smoothness and pulling power, it’s about time the spotlight’s turned over to the 2.0-liter VVT-i unit instead. With 136 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque available, it’s certainly not lacking in power. It’s surprising how Toyota makes this gasoline engine respond like its diesel engine: full of pulling power and gusto right from the get-go. Equally surprising though is how this VVT-i equipped engine is just as unhappy to rev as the diesel. This apparent lack of engine refinement is partially offset by the smooth-shifting automatic. However, you’ll still have to pay a penalty of 3 km/L penalty between diesel and gasoline. This sways the favor to the D-4D’s court which returns 11 km/L compared to the VVT-i’s 8 km/L.

Though enticing and solidly executed as the Innova V is, it’s still hard to recommend this for the upper crust of society wanting a new family vehicle. But, with a pricing that puts it at just a fraction above a million pesos (P 1,083,000 for the gasoline and P 1,144,000 for the diesel), the regular Juan who wants a subtle piece of luxury should consider this car. Without batting an eyelash, the Toyota Innova is still the best buy out there for a family car. In the case of its V variant though, the case may not be as convincing.