Toyota Innova sales double in a year despite diesel ban

New Delhi: If you need more proof of how much our market loves the Toyota Innova, here's a quick stat. Sales of the popular MPV have DOUBLED compared to last year. Let's take a moment and realise this isn't a tiny, Rs 5 lakh hatchback that we're talking about, but a full-size, premium MPV that costs well over Rs 20 lakh in its top-spec avatar. For the same period last year, Toyota sold a total of 4,144 units of the Innova. However, with the introduction of the new generation, the Japanese automaker has clocked a cool 8,171 units in sales for June 2016. Notably, the Innova Crysta alone contributes about 7,844 units to the total sales. Dial in the fact that the Delhi diesel ban has dented sales of the MPV in one of its largest markets, the sales figure becomes even more appreciable. The ban prohibits registration of diesel vehicles with engines greater than or equal to 2,000cc. The Innova Crysta is available with a 2.4-litre or a larger 2.8-litre diesel engine. Toyota has also started accepting bookings for a 2.7-litre petrol engine'd variant, deliveries of which are set to commence by the festive season. The sales success isn't a total surprise, though. By revamping every little aspect of the good old people mover, Toyota pushed the Innova Crysta into a space with virtually no competition. Other MPVs, such as the Ertiga, the Mobilio or even the Lodgy cost much less and offer a fraction of the features that the Toyota boasts off. An unlikely rival is theMahindra XUV500, and in case you're stuck deciding between the two, we've got you covered. Here's a detailed comparison review to make that decision easier. Image: cardekho.com