Roadtrip To Udaipur In Toyota Innova Crysta: Here's What We Think About The MUV

We took a drive to Udaipur in the Innova Crysta and here's our review about the MUV.

Innova Crysta

New Delhi: As a new year begins, we decided to head out on a road trip with some family and friends, for which a comfortable 7-seater was our car of choice. We looked around and narrowed it down to one of the most popular ones - the Toyota Innova.

It is the undisputed leader in terms of being a spacious 7-seater for long-distance travel but we tested whether it can also cope with rough roads. We tested the BS6 Innova Crysta which has a 150 bhp 2.4l diesel engine that had an automatic gearbox. You can get a manual of course but looking at an 800km plus drive, we choose the automatic.

The plan was to make the drive to Udaipur on one go with a few stops. Udaipur is a popular destination for Delhiites in search of a long road trip. The total distance is roughly around 700 kms with an 8-hour drive in total.

While loading up the car with luggage we found that the Innova has loads of space along with big door pockets. Driving out of the city, the Innova Crysta does have a bit of heavy steering at low speeds but the SUV like stance along with driving position makes it an SUV rather than an MPV. The interior of the Innova has been more or less the same for a while but still looks classy and is tough in terms of build quality. There is a bit of a plush luxury-like vibe with the Crysta with this top-end version.

The new Innova with the 2.4l diesel automatic seems more refined at low speeds and has a more linear power delivery over the earlier 2.8l. After B6, the Innova is a lot more comfortable now in terms of less engine noise. Before Udaipur, you can stop at Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer or Pushka places that offer a chance to take a break. Being in a hurry, we only stopped twice for tea and one for lunch during our entire 800km stretch going further from Udaipur into the outskirts.

The big Innova was comfortable and seemed more like an SUV with its excellent ground clearance. It was easy to drive big distances without tiring us and a lot of it has to be with its smooth automatic. The Innova comes with a 6-speed torque converter which is smooth enough and offers a relaxed highway cruiser. We did discover that the car does not have the power rush when driven hard like the earlier 2.8l diesel but offers a more linear, smooth drive that fits its personality. In terms of its efficiency, we got around 11kmpl.

One thing for sure, the Innova did not make us feel that it was an 8-hour drive, the spacious car is a tough MUV which is what makes it different. Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur offers stunning views and various tourist attractions. We suggest you start your journey earlier to avoid truck traffic. In Udaipur, you must check out Lake Pichola or Lake Fateh Sagar while exploring the beautiful streets. In fact, every corner has a beautiful view while the sunset at the Monsoon palace is to die for.

In terms of the cuisine on offer, the Laal Maas is a must while vegetarians should try the famous Dal Bati Churma. Udaipur has a lot to offer and seems the ideal destination for a weekend break is not so far from Delhi. As for the Innova Crysta, the driver told us again why it is so popular in the first place!