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Spacious new MPV is priced from R249 700.

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• Toyota Innova MPV in pictures       

The market for an affordable, rear-wheel drive MPV is not one that many have braved to tackle in South Africa, a notable exception being the Toyota Condor that was sold here last decade.

In more recent times, Mahindra entered this segment with its Xylo and now Toyota is back to stake a claim with the Innova, although it sits a few notches above its Indian counterpart on the price ladder.

Created as part of Toyota's IMV project, the Innova shares its platform with the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, but Toyota claims it has been tuned to ride more like a passenger vehicle. Its purpose is, after all, to provide seating for up to eight people within its generous 4.58-metre length.

While not likely to win any beauty contests, the Innova's design is neat an inoffensive enough, also making a clear reference to its Hilux and Fortuner siblings with its chromed trapezoidal grille and large headlights up front.

BASIC OR LUXURY?

Two models are on offer in the form of an affordable eight-seater variant at R249 700 and a more luxurious seven-seater at R265 500. While the former has a bench seat in the middle row, the latter sports two individual 'captain' seats with slide and recline functions. In terms of versatility, the back seats fold sideways as per the Fortuner, while the middle seats can be folded flat and tumbled forward.

Both versions are generous enough when it comes to equipment, standard features including dual-zone climate control with vents for all three seat rows, electric windows, trip computer, audio controls on the steering wheel and remote central locking. The Innova also sports a six-speaker CD/MP3/USB audio system linked to a 15.5cm screen and there's a Bluetooth system that connects to cell phones.

In line with its luxury status, the seven-seater adds leather to the seats, steering wheel and gear knob and the aforementioned display system also incorporates a reverse camera. The top model is further distinguished by 15-inch alloy wheels (the eight-seater coming with covered steel wheels of the same size).

Sadly, the cabin has a rather down-market feel, according to our launch attendee Minesh Bhagaloo: "It has a Chinese feel - cheap looking dials, fake wood and chintzy upholstery. It also lacks any real boot space with the third seating row in place."

PETROL POWER ONLY:

Although many would have expected a diesel engine at this level, for now Toyota is only fitting the Innova with its 2.7-litre four-cylinder, 16-valve VVT-i petrol engine. It puts out 118kW at 5200rpm and 241Nm at 3800rpm and Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 11.2 litres per 100km. With a tank capacity of just 65 litres, don't expect to travel too far between fill ups.

Minesh was nonetheless impressed by this engine: "Really cool engine, very perky and can cruise along at 160m/h with no real effort. With no traction control fitted, it has enough gumption to wheel spin off the line if you want to."

Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and suspension is via an independent double wishbone set-up at the front and a four-link design at the rear. The Innova has a towing capacity of up to 1500kg (750kg unbraked). According to Minesh, the ride is typical of the segment - wallowy.

The basic safety features are also in place, these being dual front airbags and ABS front brakes - old-fashioned drums are used at the back.

As you'd expect from the brand, the Innova is sold with a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals pegged at 15 000km.

PRICING:

7-seater - R249 700

8-seater - R265 500

ALTERNATIVES:

Mahindra Xylo 2.5 CRDe E2 (84kW) - R180 200

Mahindra Xylo 2.5 CRDe E8 (84kW) - R210 200

VW Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI (81kW) - R275 300