Toyota India has launched the CNG version of its popular MPV, Innova in the Indian market. Doing so, Innova has become the first energy efficient MPV in the country.
The CNG version will be available with all grades of the Petrol Innova and comes with 12 Kg fuel tank. The engine in question is a 2.0 Litre VVTi unit which can run either on CNG or Petrol at the flick of a manual selector switch. The estimated running cost is Rs 1.6 per kilometer. Taking into account the increased mileage, increased engine oil life and reduced maintenance costs, the CNG version claims to offer about 50% in savings over the diesel variant in running costs.
Announcing the launch of the first ever CNG Innova in India, Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director, TKM, said that Toyota is an environment conscious company committed to the cause of nurturing and protecting nature in its myriad forms. With CNG having established itself as an eco-friendly, reliable and economic fuel, TKM is pleased to announce India’s first ever energy efficient MPV in India. This is yet another step in our efforts to make the environment more inhabitable.
Toyota Kirloskar Motors have tied up with Minda Auto Gas Ltd. to supply and retrofit the CNG kits. The kit is an sophisticated unit in itself and comes with an advanced lambda control system to ensure that it meets the EURO III emission norms along with increased mileage and performance.
The CNG Innova will only be available in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad during it first phase of launch. All Toyota dealers in the cities mentioned are equipped to sell and service the CNG Innova.
Toyota Innova was launched in the Indian market in 2005 and has been the market leader ever since with cumulative sales of more than 1.62 Lakh units. Toyota has launched the facelifted version of Innova recently in India.
The CNG Innova will cost approximately Rs. 85,000 over the equivalent petrol version.