Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid Gets AVAS for Enhanced Pedestrian Safety

Toyota has introduced a new safety feature in its best-selling Innova Hycross Hybrid – the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System or AVAS. The feature aims to enhance pedestrian safety, especially where the car moves quietly at slow speeds. The system has been developed such that pedestrians get alerted that the vehicle is approaching.

Why AVAS is Important?

Electric and hybrid cars like the Toyota Innova Hycross are quiet, particularly while driving on electric mode at slow speeds. This quietness may be a gift to passengers, but it's hazardous for surrounding pedestrians who don't get to hear the approaching vehicle. Enter AVAS. The system has a low-intensity warning tone that alerts the pedestrians and surrounding drivers of the approaching vehicle.

The feature is now offered on the hybrid variants of the Innova Hycross, including the VX, VX(O), ZX, and ZX(O) variants. Maruti Suzuki also offers this feature on their Grand Vitara, and it will be offered on the Maruti Invicto, a rebadged Innova Hycross.

Toyota Innova Hycross Features

The one significant addition made to the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is the incorporation of AVAS. Everything else is unchanged. The Innova Hycross gets a 10.1-inch screen, a 7-inch digital driver's display, and dual-zone aircon. The front seats are ventilated as well, and the vehicle comes with a panoramic sunroof and wireless mobile charging.

For safety purposes, the Toyota Innova Hycross has 6 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree camera. The car also has front and rear parking sensors and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that consist of lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and auto-emergency braking.

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Innova Hycross has two engine choices. The first is the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine, and the second is the 2.0-litre power-hybrid gasoline engine. The hybrid engine delivers an output of 183.45 bhp and torque of 188 Nm. The non-hybrid engine delivers 172.60 bhp and a torque of 209 Nm. Both the models have various kinds of transmission: the petrol car has a CVT, whereas the hybrid model has an e-CVT. Toyota also tells us that the hybrid version of the Innova Hycross has a fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl, more fuel-efficient than other cars for those who want to save fuel.

Pricing and Competition

Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is priced between Rs. 19.94 lakh and Rs. 31.24 lakh (ex-showroom). It is positioned against the Maruti Invicto, Toyota Innova Crysta, and Kia Carens.

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