World’s First Toyota Innova Hybrid+CNG Arrives in India!
February 25th, 2025.jpg)
With innovation at the top of the priority list in the automotive industry, Toyota is always coming up with something extraordinary, be it the lighter plastics used in the making or hybridization for efficiency, reliance on fossil fuels or sustainability. Toyota Innova Hycross stands as an example in many of its efficient and sustainable applications.
A premium SUV, seating seven with a lot of comforts, the Innova Hycrosscombines ultra-modern strong hybrid technology with comfort. The groundbreaking achievement is that one customer has gone ahead and fitted a CNG kit in the hybrid Innova, which is the first-ever in the world-Toyota Innova Hybrid+CNG.
Let us now go into further detail about this remarkable innovation and find out how the world's first Toyota Innova Hybrid+CNG car performs on Indian roads.
Toyota Innova Hycross: The Perfect Base for a Hybrid+CNG Vehicle?
Among India's many seven-seater SUVs, the Toyota Innova Hycross claims to be one of the most fuel-efficient. Unlike its predecessor, Innova Crysta, run also on diesel and petrol, the new Hycross is only available with petrol and hybrid options.
Strong hybrid technology has been used in the Toyota Innova Hycross, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a combined output of 173 bhp and 209 Nm of torque. The power goes to the wheels through an e-CVT, ensuring smooth and efficient driving.
The strong hybrid system helps in running on electric power at low speeds for reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. Installing a CNG kit on this already efficient setup was certainly a daring move, possibly adding to further fuel economy figures while keeping operational costs low.
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CNG Fitment on the Innova Hycross: How Was It Done?
The Toyota Innova Hybrid+ CNG is installed for the very first time at Saifuelvadodra, CNG fitment specialists. This modification involved fitting the CNG kit from Euro Gas Poland, a well-known manufacturer of CNG conversion systems. The kit consisted of a complete set of installation components that included:
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)-to monitor fuel delivery
ECM (Engine Control Module)-for real-time adjustment of engine functions
CNG bearing and reducer-to control flow of gas
The Innova Hycross being a three-rowed SUV, this was one of the biggest concerns-interior boot space. With seats already installed in the third row, this would encroach on already limited boot space, further compromised by the installation of a CNG cylinder. However, the modification clocked the balance between practicality and efficiency.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Did the CNG Kit Affect the Drive?
The biggest fear with every CNG conversion is the issue of loss in power. In several cases, CNG kits have dented the performance of engines: reduction in engine output and throttle responses which severely affect acceleration. The customer who modified his Innova Hycross did not observe any feeling of significant drop in pickup and power delivery after the installation.
Thus, though there is no official mileage data available, the best hopes are for the hybrid + CNG combination to be far better in mileage than the stock hybrid setup. Since the petrol variant already claims roughly 16-23 kmpl, that means a CNG kit can add some cuts and provide a good gain in economy while significantly cutting running costs.
Potential Benefits of a Hybrid+CNG Innova Hycross
1. Unmatched Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Innova Hycross is already winning a majority of accolades for its segment-leading fuel economy, and CNG applications would indeed enhance its efficiency even further. Given that CNG is much cheaper than petrol, running costs are expected to decrease drastically.
2. Lesser Emissions With Environmental Gains
CNG is one of the cleanest alternative fuels, causing less carbon emission than petrol or diesel. The hybrid system significantly reduces emissions by running on electric power under certain conditions. Thus, hybridization with CNG could very well put the Innova on the green list among large vehicles on Indian roads.
3. Lesser Running Costs
With rising fuel prices, CNG has grown temptingly attractive due to a cheaper cost per kilogram compared to petrol. Hybrid vehicles consume less fuel as a rule, but when put into CNG use, the cost savings could be large in favor of frequent users.
4. No Compromise in Performance
According to the earliest available reports, power delivery and throttle response were retained with the installation of a CNG system. This is paramount because in traditional petrol engines power conversion is sacrificed.
Challenges and Concerns with a CNG Hybrid Setup
1. Boot Space Reduction
Loss of boot space by all means is one of the disadvantages causing CNG conversions in the Innova Hycross. With all three rows occupied, this SUV already offers limited cargo space, and CNG cylinders take away more space.
2. Warranty And Reliability Considerations
Given that an aftermarket CNG kit for the Innova Hycross is not factory-installed directly by Toyota, the operation could likely make the car's warranty void. This throws up apprehensions as to long-term reliability, especially of an already highly delicate hybrid powertrain with equally delicate electronics.
3. Availability of CNG Refueling Stations
Metro cities might be having a decent number of CNG stations but availability is still a challenge in smaller towns and rural areas. Owners traveling frequently may find it inconvenient to refuel as compared to petrol or diesel.
Pricing of the Toyota Innova Hycross
The Toyota Innova Hycross costs between Rs 24.63 lakh and Rs 38.86 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Justifying all the premium price tag is the perfect mix of comfort, safety, and efficiency that this vehicle has to offer.
Conclusion
The Toyota Innova Hycross is already behaving in a purely practical way, rendering one of the most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs in India. It could suit people who prefer to drive long distances with a CNG facility attached or improve fuel economy and reduce costs with such a CNG fitted upon the car.
Several reasons, including limited boot space, worry around warranty that usually accompanies this type of modification, make it hard to call this an acceptable fact, but the overall argument seems pretty strong for many buyers wanting to reduce costs on fuel consumption.
For long-haul drivers, who have access to CNG stations, converting the Innova Hycross with a CNG kit may be a prudent decision. However, it is not clear if Toyota has any plans to introduce this blended version as a factory-fitted model, considering the growing demand.