TOYOTA'S new Innova Zenix 2.0 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model is now available locally in two powertrain variants to suit the occasion: an 8-seater V variant with a 2-litre Dynamic Force petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) and CVT, and the 7-seater with a Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain.
A major change of the imported (CBU) C-segment model over its predecessor are the new powertrains which have transversely-mounted engines that drive power to the front wheels (FWD) instead of the rear.
Both Dynamic Force powertrains use the Toyota M20A 2-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine, with the 2.0 HEV having a 5th generation Hybrid Electric powertrain with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor working together with the petrol engine.
Maximum output from the M20A-FKS engine in the 2.0 V is 174 ps of power at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm at 4,900 rpm. It is paired to a K120 10-speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. This newly developed transmission has a 'launch gear' mechanism used with a conventional belt and pulley mechanism.
The 2.0 HEV runs a M20A-FXS engine that develops 152 ps at 6,000 rpm with 188 Nm at 5,200 rpm. The electric motor raises the output to a maximum of 186 ps. It has enhanced fuel efficiency with D4-S (Direct and Port Injection), Atkinson Cycle to extract more energy from the fuel, and 41 per cent top-class thermal efficiency.
Energy to power the motor is supplied by a 6.5 Ahr nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) battery which, like other Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles, is self-charging. It uses an E-CVT for power delivery and is specially designed for HEV models - this transmission functions like a CVT with an infinite number of gear ratios to suit every driving situation.
The 2.0 HEV also has an EV mode, besides three drive modes, which can allow the powertrain to run only on electricity for short distances.
It has a more premium image with the trapezium radiator grille composed of hexagonal pieces which gradually change from top to bottom to create a mesh-like pattern that 'opens up' at the lower portion. Additionally, the lower half of the radiator grille frame is plated.
As with many of the latest Toyota models it built on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Suspension is also similar to a front-wheel drive passenger car with Macpherson struts in front and a torsion beam at the rear.
It comes with LED headlamps and rear lights, and is fitted with18-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 tyres. Power tailgate is also present.
There are five exterior body colours to choose from: Metallic Gray, Attitude Black (with mica finish), Avantgarde Bronze, Silver and Platinum White Pearl.
An additional Super White is available for fleet customers - a solid finish which gives a clean appearance and is suitable for branding to be added.
Though it shares a slightly similar height the Zenix is slightly more spacious from the previous Innova (CG) with 20 mm more length, 15 mm more width, and 100 mm extra length in the wheelbase.
Moving to the inside, cabin seats are wrapped in artificial black leather upholstery. The HEV variant comes with captain seats (with a walk-through space to the rear) in the centre row which are equipped with side tables. This version also comes with a standard Panoramic Sunroof.
The ICE V variant centre row has space for three people and is divided 60:40 and can be folded down as well as slide forward for easier access to the third row which is divided 50:50 to give variability in cabin layout.
Dashboard features a 7-inch Full-Colour Multi Information Display (MID) instrument panel for the driver and 10.1-inch Capacitive Touch Screen panel in the centre that can connect wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and wired with Android Auto in addition to USB and Bluetooth.
Both versions have Automatic Air-Conditioning with rear passengers being able to regulate the blower volume on a panel behind the centre console box (operation can be set to automatic).
USB ports as well as two 12V sockets (one at the rear), along with numerous cupholders are available for every occupant.
Cargo area is expanded by folding down one or both backrests on the third row, as opposed to the cargo area in the Innova CG which is expanded by folding the third-row seats to the sides.
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, operation of the rear door is powered.
It is the first model in the Toyota line-up with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) which consists of five Active Safety Systems: Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
Besides the systems that are part of TSS 3.0, the all-new Zenix also has Blind Spot Monitor System which alerts the driver with an indicator on the door mirror.
There is also Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). When not required to show the vehicle, the 10.1-inch display can be switched to show route navigation.
Standard safety features include: front and rear disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electrochromic rearview mirror, Front and rear parking sensors, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Parking Brake, six SRS airbags, Front and rear seatbelt warning, and ISOFIX points for compatible child seats.
Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) comes as security standard at no charge for the first three years of ownership. Its 24-hour command centre that does not continuously monitor vehicle movements - only accessing such information when contacted by an owner via a dedicated phone number.
The Innova Zenix 2.0 V is priced at RM165,000 while the 2.0 HEV is priced at RM202,000 - on the road without insurance.
Like all current models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the two comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. The fully-backed factory warranty is transferable to the next owner if it is still in effect when sold off.
The HEV's hybrid battery pack has a separate warranty of up to 8 years - also with unlimited mileage. The warranty package includes the inverter and power management control ECU for the same length of time.
There will however be a minimal administrative cost for battery disposal.
For those who require the load-carrying capabilities and more functional attributes, UMW Toyota Motor will continue to offer the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G (referred to as Innova CG) currently assembled in Malaysia.
Those who test drive the MPV during the Toyota Showroom Weekender from now until June 25 may receive a gift, while stocks last.