Toyota Innova Zenix arrives: RM165K (non-hybrid) and RM202K (hybrid)

SHAH ALAM: The Toyota Innova Zenix arrives in two 2.0-litre variants, namely the 8-seater V model with a 10-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) and the 7-seater hybrid with a 6.5Ahr nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) battery.

The Innova Zenix is priced at RM165,000 (2.0 V) and RM202,000 (2.0 hybrid) on the road without insurance and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

The hybrid battery pack has a separate warranty of up to eight years (also with unlimited mileage).

It’s worth noting that UMW Toyota Motor’s warranty package includes the inverter and power management control ECU (engine control unit) for the same length of time.

However, there will be a minimal administrative cost for battery disposal.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor will continue to offer the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G (referred to as Innova CG) currently assembled locally.

While both variants have similar comfort and safety features, the hybrid can be differentiated by its panoramic sunroof and Captain seats in the second row, with a walk-in slide and side table.

Besides the switch to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new Innova Zenix also has new powertrains which have transversely-mounted engines that send power to the front wheels instead of the rear wheels.

Both Dynamic Force powertrains use the Toyota M20A 2-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine, with the hybrid model using a fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain.

The 2.0-litre V’s powertrain produces 174ps at 6,600 rpm and 205Nm between 4,500 and 4,900rpm via a 10-speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic and shift paddles.

Meanwhile, the hybrid variant’s 2.0-litre engine features an Atkinson Cycle and develops 152ps at 6,000rpm with 188Nm between 4,400 and 5,200rpm with an E-CVT for power delivery.

With the electric motor providing extra power, the system output is up to 186ps.

The hybrid variant also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode for short distances.

With the TNGA platform, Toyota says benefits include greater rigidity, better agility and improved ride comfort and a lower centre of gravity to improve stability.

Up to 170kg is saved when compared to the Innova CG and with a better weight-to-power ratio of the hybrid, there is improved fuel efficiency.

The new Zenix’s monocoque construction (like a passenger car) also provides a more spacious interior with a flat floor for added comfort.

The suspension of the new Zenix is also similar to a front-wheel drive passenger car with Macpherson struts in front and a torsion beam at the rear.

Together with TNGA, this means better ride comfort on all road surfaces.

The exterior design of the new Zenix has a “Premium and Tough” theme.

In terms of size compared with the Innova CG, it is 20mm longer, 15mm wider, with a 100mm longer wheelbase, and has a similar height.

Standard features include automatic LED projector headlamps with automatic high beam, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), 18-inch alloy rims with 225/50 tyres, automatic front air conditioning, automatic rear cooler, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, six-speaker audio, black leather seats, powered back door, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and USB charging ports.

There’s also a seven-inch full-colour Multi-Information Display (MID) and Road Sign Alert system which warns of speed limits, as well as a 3D panoramic view monitor, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and a front Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

The Zenix is the first model in the Toyota line-up with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) which has 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).

Other standard safety features include front and rear disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), front and rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an electronic parking brake, and six airbags.

Besides a security system with an immobilizer, ultrasonic cabin sensor and glass breakage sensor, the Zenix has a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) as standard.

This system, which uses GPS/GSM signals, can constantly track the car’s location.

The owner can use a proprietary app installed on a smartphone or tablet to view information on the vehicle’s location.

Besides location, the app will also provide and record information on vehicle speeds and other operating conditions, with data sent by email.

The 24-hour command centre does not continuously monitor vehicle movements.

It will only access such information when contacted by an owner via a dedicated phone number.

VTS will be available at no charge for the first three years of ownership.

The Innova Zenix is offered with five exterior body colours: Metallic Gray, Attitude Black (with mica finish), Avantgarde Bronze, Silver and Platinum White Pearl.

For fleet customers, there is Super White with a solid finish.