Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift Set for November 26 Launch in India with Flex-Fuel Hybrid Engine

Toyota will launch the updated Innova Hycross facelift in India on November 26, bringing a fresh look and a new flex-fuel hybrid engine option.

What Changed Outside And Inside

Spy shots and patent drawings show a redesigned front end with a new grille and slimmer lights. The sides will mostly look the same, but new alloy wheels are expected along with updates to the rear bumper and tail lights. Inside, the cabin keeps its familiar layout with a raised center console and automatic gear lever. The infotainment screen was hidden during testing, meaning a bigger or newer display could be on the way.

The New Engine

The biggest update is hidden under the hood. The car is expected to run on a flex-fuel strong-hybrid system. Toyota previously showed a prototype using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that can run on petrol mixed with up to 85 percent ethanol, known as E85. To handle high ethanol levels, the engine needs special parts like changed spark plugs, piston rings, an ethanol sensor, a new fuel pump, and different fuel lines and tanks. It also gets a cold-start system and updated software to control emissions.

Context

Flex-fuel vehicles run on more than one type of fuel, usually a mix of petrol and ethanol, which helps reduce carbon emissions and cuts down on crude oil imports. Toyota has been testing these green technologies in India as the country pushes car makers to adopt cleaner alternative fuels. This upcoming model will mark Toyota's first passenger vehicle in India to feature flex-fuel technology.