The all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is evidently being prepared for launch very soon in Malaysia.
The MPV market in Malaysia is about to get another jolt to the system as UMW Toyota Motor prepares for the introduction of the Toyota Innova Zenix. This is the third generation model to bear the Innova name and the first to be built on the TNGA platform, namely the GA-C derivative, which also underpins the Corolla Cross.
It’s also the first Innova model to be offered without a manual transmission option and without a diesel engine. We knew the Innova Zenix was coming to Malaysia but we had no idea when. Now it’s becoming evident that the model may just arrive in a few weeks.
Our suspicions come down to a post by Facebook user Effie Toyota utara, who is a salesperson operating out of Toyota Bukit Mertajam (Fadason Sdn Bhd). Effie posted a few marketing materials for the new Innova Zenix and left a Whatsapp contact link along with the following message on the 30th of May:
“Innova zenix 2023
Open for booking now!!!!
Fast respon
Fast loan APPROVAL”
Now it’s possible that Effie may be acting on unverified information but salespeople tend to also be the first to let information slip about impending launches. That being said some of the marketing material looks a bit questionable. So let’s see if the new Innova Zenix launches in the coming weeks or not.
My feeling is that the Innova Zenix will be a great success in Malaysia if it’s price between RM130,000 to RM170,000. This is because it’s a huge step up in terms of perceived quality versus the previous model and the only other competitor in the space is the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid which is also sold in Japan. In this generation there is a hybrid option for the Innova so it’ll be interesting to see how these two Japanese mid-ranged MPVs compete if a hybrid Innova Zenix arrives here. The other petrol option isn’t too shabby either. You get a 2.0L M20A, which is an ultra-modern naturally-aspirated engine with 40% thermal efficiency.
