The Toyota Innova Zenix is more than just another variant of the Innova range. While it shares the same nameplate, the Innova Zenix also shoulders UMW Toyota Motor’s carbon neutrality goals. A noble goal moved the company to offer two engine choices with the Innova Zenix – an internal combustion engine and an electric hybrid.
TOYOTA INNOVA ZENIX – TWO ENGINE CHOICES
The Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V is powered by a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine capable of generating 174PS and 205Nm. Power is sent to the wheels through a 10-speed Direct Shift CVT, which features a ‘launch gear’ mechanism that affords better fuel consumption without sacrificing the feel of the performance.
On the other end, the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV gets motivation from a petrol engine and an electric motor. The engine is a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle unit that produces 152PS and 188Nm. The electric motor injects another 113PS and 206Nm into the mix, bringing the system output to 186PS. The powertrain is partnered with an E-CVT transmission that ensures the MPV is always running efficiently. The Innova Zenix HEV features an EV mode that forces the vehicle to run purely on electricity, albeit for short distances and if the battery has enough energy to do so.
TOYOTA INNOVA ZENIX – A MORE RUGGED EXTERIOR
The Innova Zenix’s beefier styling also needs to be highlighted. The visuals of the new Innova move the design from an MPV to a crossover. The theme of the exterior design – ‘Premium & Tough’ – leads the designers to pen a strong crossover silhouette balanced with a dynamic design.
The trapezium radiator grille is composed of hexagonal pieces which gradually change from top to bottom, creating a mesh-like pattern that ‘opens up’ at the lower portion. In addition, the lower half of the radiator grille frame is plated.
The LED headlamps and radiator grill form a centre core structure which is flanked by the side pontoons that create a wide feeling and emphasize the central extrusion. At each corner, 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 tyres are fitted.
At the rear, the core structure seamlessly connects to the fender and is supported by the undercarriage structure to create a sense of power and stability. The centre of the rear door garnish rises up towards the window, creating a trapezoidal graphic for a powerful stance. LEDs are used for the main lighting units at the rear except for the turn signals and reversing lights.
The Innova Zenix is available with a choice of 5 exterior body colours: Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, and Avantgarde Bronze.
TOYOTA INNOVA ZENIX – A PREMIUM INTERIOR
The premium feel of the new Toyota is found inside as well. With its spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, the all-new Zenix redefines comfort with its large dimensions, monocoque construction, and flat floor, providing an enhanced driving experience and an elevated ride for passengers.
The expansive cabin is decked with soft high-quality materials on the dashboard as well as frequent touchpoints. The seats have a premium design with artificial black leather upholstery that is contrasted by the illumination on the ceiling.
The Innova Zenix HEV comes with Captain Seats in the centre row which are equipped with side tables. The two seats are positioned on either side with a walk-through space to the rear. This version also comes with a standard Panoramic Sunroof for an added touch of luxury.
As for the Zenix 2.0 V, the centre row has space for 3 persons and is divided 60:40 and can be folded down as well as slid forward for easier access to the third row which is divided 50:50 to give variability in cabin layout.
The all-new Zenix dashboard features a 10.1-inch Capacitive Touch Screen panel in the middle for the display of information as well as management of the audio system. The same display is also used to display imagery from the Panoramic View Monitor. Connectivity options include wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto (with compatible smartphone and software) as well as USB & Bluetooth.
The instrument panel has large and clear meters with a 7-inch Full-Colour Multi Information Display (MID). The MID shows information on the vehicle’s operation including real-time and average fuel consumption which can help the driver to operate more efficiently. It will also show warnings of speed limits with the Road Sign Alert system.
Both versions of the all-new Zenix have Automatic Air-Conditioning for maintaining the desired temperature throughout the cabin. Rear passengers are also able to regulate the blower volume on a panel behind the centre console box and can set the operation to automatic.
With passengers carrying many personal electronic devices that may require recharging on long journeys, charging points are a necessity. The all-new Zenix comes with USB ports as well as two 12V sockets (one at the rear), along with numerous cupholders for every occupant.
In the Innova CG, the cargo area is expanded by folding the third-row seats to the sides but for the all-new Zenix, the cargo area is expanded by folding down one or both backrests on the third row. Despite the minimal increase in body width, the interior width is 550 mm greater while the floor length is extended by 86 mm. For ease of loading, the operation of the rear door is powered.
TOYOTA INNOVA ZENIX – TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE 3.0 INCLUDED
Furthermore, the all-new Zenix debuted Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS3.0) in Malaysia, setting new industry benchmarks for Best-in-Class advanced safety technologies. These include the improved Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), and more.
In terms of safety, the Innova Zenix is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the first model in the Toyota line-up to have it. TSS3.0 features five Active Safety Systems, namely:
- 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)
While most of these systems are already available, for TSS 3.0, they have been further developed to expand their range of capabilities significantly. This is contributed by a new camera sensor with enhanced features such as an expanded detection angle (up/down and left/right) with greater forward detection (approximately two times further).
Toyota continues to include the use of a millimetre-wave radar sensor in the grille to provide supplementary scanning of the road ahead. This is useful especially in bad weather conditions when a camera alone may have its performance affected. The latest radar sensor for TSS 3.0 has expanded the detection target range of obstacles closer to the sensor.
Both variants of the Toyota Innova Zenix are CBU with prices starting at RM165,000 for the ICE version and RM202,000 for the HEV version.
