Dec 10, 2007 11:59 AM
27337 Views
(Updated Jun 11, 2008 08:11 AM)
I've done about 7 months and 7000 km so far in my diesel Innova. Here is some feedback that may be useful in your decision process.
*Why the Innova:
My short list was the Innova, Safari Dicor, and Mahindra Scorpio. I did not consider the Tavera since it has relatively old technology and is due for an upgrade. Here's what I found.
Power: People look at three metrics: power-to-weight ratio, torque-to-weight ratio, and torque curve. A higher power-to-weight ratio(horsepower/ vehicle weight) indicates better acceleration. A higher torque-to-weight ratio(torque / weight) indicates better ’pulling’. A'flat' or constant torque curve(torque vs. engine rpm) means optimum engine performance over a wide range of engine speed.
Vehicle power-to-weight torque-to-weight torque range
(bhp/tonne) (Nm/tonne) (rpm)
-
Safari 67 157 1700 - 2700
Scorpio 65 157 1800 - 2800
Innova 63 126 1400 - 3400
The peak power of the Innova is marginally lower than the peak power of the Safari and Scorpio. But look at that torque curve! The Innova delivers it's maximum torque over a very wide range(1400 – 3400 rpm) all the way from just above idling to top road speeds. This is really useful in stop-and-go city driving where you need power right from start and all the way through a very wide range of rpm.
Build quality: This one was a no-brainer. The Innova is miles ahead of the competition in build quality. The Safari interiors are surprisingly cramped considering its external dimensions. The back seats of the Scorpio are similarly very cramped. And both the Safari and the Scorpio have a tacky fit and finish—they are more jeep than car.
Service: *Not much to differentiate here. All three vehicles have a wide and competent service network. Sure, the quality may not be consistent across dealerships, but the standards are generally okay.
Reputation: * While the Tatas and Mahindras have made a name in India for rugged vehicles and are starting to take their brand internationally, they are nowhere near as reputed as Toyota which consistently figures among the top brands in J.D. Power, Interbrand, Consumer Reports and other global rankings. The implication is that a globally respected brand like Toyota would never compromise on quality and performance in any market.
[Update and example: In Jan 08, Toyota recalled about 20, 000 Innovas manufactured between Apr-Oct 2007(including mine) to check and correct the differential joint assembly for leak tightness. Was I surprised that the defect happened? A little yes, considering their quality culture. But was I reassured by their approach and process to correct the defect? You bet.]
Price: *This is a personal decision on what you consider to be value-for-money. The Innova costs a bit more than the Safari and the Scorpio but I think it’s worth the difference.
Post purchase:
The big concern you initially have with the Innova is whether this minivan would be easy to drive and to park in the city.
Okay, size *is *an issue while parking and reversing in crowded areas especially if you are used to hatchbacks and the smaller sedans. And do be careful during turns-this is a l-o-n-g vehicle! One strong recommendation: fit a reverse parking sensor. It costs about Rs 4500 and is really useful in judging distance.
But it’s surprising how quickly you get used to the Innova’s size. And on the plus side, the Innova is such a pleasure to drive—it’s smooth, powerful, and maneuverable. I recently drove from Bangalore to Chennai and back on the same day. In my previous experience with sedans, such a 12 hour, 750 km drive is tiring. In the Innova, I was surprisingly unfatigued. Says something about the ergonomics of the vehicle.
The only negatives I can think of at this stage is that getting to the 3rd row involves tumbling the 2nd row(mine is an 8-seater) and removing the spare tire involves assembling a lever and fiddling with it to access the loosening screw.
Will put up an update after a few thousand km more. So far, it’s been all good.
