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Toyota Kijiang Innova While Ford and Isuzu have gone SUV-ish in their execution of new generation AUVs, Toyota is banking on a completely different route for their challenger, the Toyota Kijiang Innova. More MPV than SUV in appearance, Toyota’s knack of adding a sub-name to an already established nameplate continues, despite the Innova sharing almost nothing in common with its predecessor. Designed and built in Indonesia, the Kijiang Innova is based on the recently launched Hilux Vigo pick-up. Unlike Ford and Isuzu’s treatment though, Toyota has given the Kijiang a much more modern and original look with the least shared body panels among the three. The result is a look that’s in-between the Toyota Previa and 4Runner with a dash of Revo thrown in for good measure. Breathing life into the Kijiang Innova is the job of either a 2.0-liter VVTi inline-4 (from the Camry/RAV4) or the new-generation 2.5-liter D-4D common rail diesel engine with dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder. The latter’s of bigger significance since this will be the first Japanese diesel engine that will be certified Euro Step II compliant and still maintaining a healthy output of 101 bhp. Though not as powerful as either the Everest or Adventure Master, the Kijiang Innova makes do with a flatter torque curve (260 Nm at 1,600 rpm to 2,400 rpm). Like its rivals, the Toyota is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. With the Kijiang Innova’s sleek MPV appearance, Toyota decided to drop the four-wheel drive layout in favor of a more practical two-wheel drive architecture. This decision enabled Toyota to refurbish the Kijiang Innova with a modern coil-spring beam axle rear suspension compared to the leaf spring set-up on its rivals. Being based on the newest pick-up on the block, the Kijiang Innova enjoys a highly ergonomic and state-of-the-art cabin with luxurious touches usually found in passenger cars. The Kijiang Innova boasts a tan-shade interior with optional leather seating, wood grain paneling, and optitron gauges. It also has a gated-type automatic shifter and an in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability for utmost luxury. Like its rivals, the Kijiang Innova is offered as a 7-seater with safety belts and air vents for all passengers. The higher-end models receive dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution. For better handling, Toyota has fitted their challenger with passenger car-like 205/65 R 15 V radial tires. |
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