Both the Innova Zenix and the Proton X90 are scheduled to arrive in 2023.
Which 7-seat SUV will you buy next year? We are asking this question as Toyota unveils a brand new upmarket Innova in Indonesia with the rest of ASEAN nations (including Malaysia) planning for the arrival of this rather impressive family vehicle.
Plus, there are strong rumors that Proton will be launching their first 7-seat SUV, the X90 very soon, which happens to be a re-badged Geely Hao Yue which is already selling rather well in Philippines (which is a left hand drive market)
Meanwhile, we in Malaysia have a few 7-seat SUV’s in the same segment like the Mazda CX-8 and the Nissan X-Trail and they are all selling rather well as Malaysians like the SUV shape and with 3 row seating which adds to the purchase decision.
Furthermore, with this soon to arrive all new Toyota Innova, the current competition will have some worry as this time around the Innova has transitioned to a monocoque TNGA-derived chassis with a transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive. This means leaving behind the rear-wheel driven IMV ladder chassis for a GA-C platform with torsion beam rear suspension.
What’s more, Toyota engineers have decided on a more modern powertrain. On the basic petrol powered model, a 2.0L M20A-FKS ‘Dynamic Force’ naturally-aspirated engine with 40 percent thermal efficiency.
This motor features both port injection and direct injection, reaping the benefits of both. It has an output of 174hp at 6,600rpm and 205Nm of torque between 4,500-4,900rpm.
Then there is also a hybrid powertrain option like with the best selling Corolla Cross. This mates a slightly different 2.0L naturally aspirated Dynamic Force petrol engine (M20A-FXS) to an electric motor.
The total system output here is 186PS with the petrol engine contributing 152PS and 187Nm of torque with 113PS and 205Nm of torque coming from the electric motor. A small Nickel Metal Hydride battery between the front seats is the source of electric power.
Now, the 7-seat ‘Proton X90’ will be powered by Geely’s latest 1.8TD engine paired with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission or it might arrive with a mild hybrid 1.5L turbocharged engine.
In terms of size, both the 2023 Innova and the X90 are quite similar as the Innova is 4,755mm x 1,850mm x 1,795mm which makes it 80mm shorter, 50mm narrower, and 10mm taller than the X90.
However, this new Innova has a 2,850mm wheelbase which is 35mm longer than the X90. With the current wheel and tyre setup, this new Innova is taller, but its 185mm ground clearance will probably be just 9mm less than the X90’s.
Both have similar space-efficient suspension layout which consists of independent MacPherson struts up front and a compact torsion beam at the rear.
Like the Corolla Cross, this new Innova will have high safety features which is Toyota Safety Sense and the Proton X90 will not be left behind with Geely’s full suite of safety features which is shared with Volvo.
The only question left will be possible selling price. We are guessing a price of RM138k for the X90 and a possible RM148k for the Innova.
