2011 Toyota Innova and Fortuner Facelift

The Toyota IMV series; comprising Innova MPV, Hilux truck, and Fortuner SUV, is one tired model line. Launched in 2005 with much fanfare, the series was given a mid-life update in late 2008. And the model looks to continue selling for a couple more years, with a minor change nip-tuck to extend its shelf life. Looks like a full model change won't come anytime soon.

Image credits Kompas.com

Since the IMV line-up's launch, the competition has upped the bar considerably. In Malaysia, Nissan's Grand Livina has overtaken both the Avanza and Innova in the sales charts. While Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport now leads the Fortuner, although Toyota still boasts of a healthy lead in Thailand and Indonesia. The Hilux is an exception though. It's in a segment where pragmatic considerations trumps any frivolous new features / design. Nissan much touted "most powerful Mother-Trucker truck in its segment" Navara is pretty much a dud in the local market. Neither have the newer offerings from Mitsubishi (Triton) and Ford (Ranger) able to dethrone the Hilux. Would be interesting to see how long can the Hilux hold on to its lead, increased competition from a new RT-50 Isuzu D-Max and a new Ranger looms in the horizon.

We would have to wait for spyshots of the Hilux facelift / minor change to surface from Thailand, the hub for the Hilux. This round of spyphotos are all coming from Indonesia, Toyota's hub for both the Innova and Fortuner. UPDATE : Read about the Hilux 2011 facelift here.

It looks like the ageing Innova, Fortuner and Hilux will continue to soldier on for a few more years with no new models in sight. Else, there won't be a second minor change in the car's model lifecycle.

Photo credits for the series of shots below : TMCblog.com

Photo of unknown origin. But left hand drive suggests this is a Vietnamese specs model. The Innova's tough ladder frame structure and high ground clearance makes it a Vietnamese taxi driver's favourite.

Fortuner Minor Change 2011. Photo credits :TMCblog.com No clearer shots though.

Expected launch date is sometime around Q3 / Q4 of this year. No significant changes under the skin are expected though. Most probably just minor tweaks on the grille, lights and bumpers, some accessories. Do expect minor bump up in the prices though, ageing model or not. After all, it is a Toyota that we're talking right?

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