The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched with two powertrain options.
Toyota has been updating their entire product range in South East Asia with more modern vehicles in the last few years. The latest to hit Malaysian shores will be the mid-sized MPV segment in the form of the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix.
The arrival of the Innova Zenix to Malaysia was accidentally leaked ahead of its official launch by a salesperson on social media. It was debuted globally late last year, so the market hasn’t had to wait too long.
The Innova Zenix is part of a line of products under Toyota’s International Multi-Purpose Vehicle programme, which has its development and production bases located outside of Japan. This latest generation model has evolved to take the needs of Millennials into account. That being said, UMW Toyota will continue to sell the outgoing Innova model as there is still a market for those who just need something simple and large.
Malaysian Specifications for the Toyota Innova Zenix
For Malaysia, there will be two variants: the Innova Zenix 2.0 V (8-seater) and the Innova Zenix HEV (7-seater). That’s right, you the powertrain is being tied to the seat configuration of the vehicle. The 2.0V goes for RM165K while the HEV goes for RM202K.
Fair enough, as a 7-seater MPV has a more upmarket application versus an 8-seater.
The Innova Zenix 2.0 V (8-seater) is powered by a 2.0L Dynamic Force petrol engine with an output of 174PS and 205Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift CVT with sequential shiftmatic.
On the other hand, the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV (7-seater) comes with a 5th gen Hybrid Electric powertrain that consists of a 2.0L Dynamic Force petrol engine and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor. This powertrain is good for 186PS and power gets sent to the wheels via an E-CVT. Combined torque figures are not shared, but the Dynamic Force engine in this application is extremely efficient, achieving 41% thermal efficiency thanks to the D4-S system and the Atkinson cycle. This hybrid powertrain comes with a self-charging 6.5 Ahr nickel-metal hydride battery.
The Innova Zenix HEV can be driven on electricity for short distances in EV Mode.
High Perceived Quality
The Innova Zenix is a lot more high-quality in terms of look and feel versus the outgoing model. This MPV uses the Toyota New Global Architecture for a more car-like and passenger friendly layout that frees up more space for occupants.
Beyond that, Toyota have used much more high quality materials, paid attention to design and given loads of high-tech equipment. There are digital air cond controls and ceiling mounted vents for the rear rows.
Innova Zenix Equipment List
Both petrol and hybrid models come very well equipped in Malaysia. You can expect to find a 10.1″ infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wired Android Auto, the full Toyota Safety Sense system including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
There’s also a 3D panoramic view monitor, an electric parking brake, a 7″ colour info display for the instrument cluster, leather upholstery, keyless entry and go as well as full LED lighting. Both models also come with 18″ wheels.
Toyota are also giving a powered tailgate with both variants.
The HEV model, being the flagship variant, comes with a couple of additional ‘nice-to-haves’, namely, individual captain seats for the middle row with a side table and a panoramic sunroof.
Huge Leap In Safety
The new Innova comes with massive improvements to safety. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is featured for the first time in Malaysia with this model. It includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
A new camera sensor with a wider detection angle and greater range is now employed along with the continued use of an upgraded millimeter wave radar sensor in the grille. TSS 3.0 uses new software and can detect Malaysian road signs. PCS works with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and even works in junctions. It also comes with Emergency Steering Assist and Acceleration suppression at low speed to prevent avoidable collisions.
The Innova Zenix also uses the Toyota New Global Architecture, which is more stable due to its low centre of gravity. Its monocoque construction allows for a more rigid structure too. As expected, there are all the braking and stability aids as well as 6 airbags as standard.
The Innova Zenix also comes with the Vehicle Telematic System free for three years to improve security and convey vehicle information via the accompanying app. Being a UMW Toyota product, the new Innova Zenix comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty with no mileage cap while the Zenix 2.0 HEV comes with a separate 8-year battery warranty.
