Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR

When you’re looking for a new car in India, a few things are always on your mind. How much will it cost overall? Is it safe for my family? What about those monthly running costs and maintenance? And of course, what are the latest features it offers, and how good is the company’s after-sales service? These are the questions that guide our purchase decisions. Today, we’re diving deep into one such car that’s making waves in the market, the Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR. This variant aims to strike a balance between affordability, practicality, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, especially for those who need flexible seating for a larger family or for business purposes.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR is powered by a robust 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and decent performance, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. It comes mated to a smooth CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox, ensuring a comfortable and fuel-efficient driving experience.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR sports a modern and SUV-like stance, moving away from the MPV design of its predecessors. The front fascia features a bold grille, sharp LED headlights (on higher variants, but the G Fleet will have practical lighting), and a sculpted bumper. The side profile boasts clean lines and a commanding road presence. The rear is finished with stylish tail lamps and a well-integrated bumper, giving it a contemporary look.

Interior

Inside, the G Fleet 8STR is designed for maximum utility and comfort. The cabin is spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for all three rows of passengers. The 8-seater configuration provides flexibility for larger families or groups. The dashboard layout is practical and user-friendly, with good quality materials for its segment. While the G Fleet might not have all the bells and whistles of top-end variants, it focuses on essentials for a comfortable journey.

Key Features

• Infotainment System: A user-friendly infotainment system is standard, though the screen size may vary. It supports essential connectivity options.
• Connectivity: Expect features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports for seamless device integration.
• Air Conditioning: Powerful manual air conditioning with rear AC vents ensures comfort for all occupants.
• Seating Flexibility: The 8-seater layout with configurable seats offers excellent practicality.
• Power Windows: All power windows for added convenience.
• Keyless Entry: Standard keyless entry for easy access.

What is the Ground Clearance of

The Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR boasts a ground clearance of 185 mm. This is a crucial figure for Indian roads, helping the vehicle navigate uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and potholes with ease, reducing the risk of underbody damage.

What is the Boot Space of

While specific boot space figures for the 8-seater variant when all seats are in use are crucial for families, the Innova Hycross platform is known for its generous cargo capacity when rear seats are folded. For the 8-seater, expect sufficient space for everyday luggage behind the third row, with the flexibility to expand it significantly by folding down the third-row seats.

What is the Dimensions of

The Toyota Innova Hycross measures approximately 4755 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1795 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm. These dimensions highlight its substantial road presence and the spacious interior it offers.

Powertrain Options

The G Fleet 8STR variant is exclusively offered with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission. This combination prioritizes smooth operation and fuel efficiency over outright performance, making it a sensible choice for its intended purpose.

Safety Features

Toyota is synonymous with safety, and the Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR comes equipped with essential safety features:

• Multiple Airbags (Driver, Co-Driver, Side, Curtain)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Hill Start Assist
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Ratings

It's important to note that specific Bharat NCAP (BNVSAP) ratings for the Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR are yet to be officially released. However, the Innova Hycross platform has demonstrated strong safety credentials in global testing. For reference, cars from Toyota often perform well:

• Global NCAP Rating: While not directly applicable to the Indian model's final rating, similar Toyota models have achieved commendable ratings, often 5-star for adult occupant protection. We await the official Bharat NCAP rating.
• Bharat NCAP Rating: (Awaiting official BNVSAP rating for this specific variant and model. Toyota prioritizes safety, so expectations are high.)

Rivals of Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR

The Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR competes in a segment with established players. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Invicto (sharing platform with Hycross)
• Mahindra XUV700 (especially 7-seater variants)
• Tata Safari
• Hyundai Alcazar
• Kia Carens

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Toyota Reliability: Legendary Toyota build quality and reliability assurance.
• Spacious 8-Seater Cabin: Excellent practicality for larger families or groups.
• Smooth CVT Automatic: Comfortable and fuel-efficient driving experience.
• Good Ground Clearance: Adequately handles Indian road conditions.
• Strong Resale Value: Toyota vehicles are known for retaining their value well.
• Comfortable Ride: The platform offers a refined and comfortable ride quality.

Cons

• Feature Set on G Fleet: The G Fleet variant may miss out on some premium features found in higher trims.
• Performance: The naturally aspirated engine might feel less punchy compared to turbocharged rivals, especially when fully loaded.
• Price: While positioned as a more accessible variant, it still commands a premium due to the Toyota badge and platform.

Conclusion

The Toyota Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR emerges as a compelling option for those prioritizing space, comfort, and the unwavering reliability of the Toyota brand, all while keeping an eye on practicality for a larger family or fleet usage. It offers a smooth automatic driving experience, a practical 8-seater layout, and the peace of mind that comes with Toyota’s robust engineering. While it might not be the most feature-loaded or performance-oriented car in its segment, its strengths lie in its fundamental usability and long-term value. If you’re looking for a dependable, spacious, and comfortable MPV that can handle the demands of Indian roads and family life with ease, the Innova Hycross G Fleet 8STR is certainly worth a serious look. Test drive one today to experience its true capabilities!