UMW Toyota had launched the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix, offering a petrol and a hybrid variant. The ‘Zenix’ designation denotes a more premium flagship offering of the Innova range. The Innova was originally one of the products developed under the Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) programme which set to establish complete development and production bases outside of Japan.
The Innova has since evolved from a rear-wheel-drive MPV built on a body-on-frame chassis derived from a pickup truck, to a front-wheel-drive crossover with a unibody construction on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) C platform. Keeping with the intention of the Innova, the Zenix remains as a spacious 3-row people mover. The TNGA platform offers designers a versatile, rigid and lightweight base that also provides improved agility, ride comfort and fuel efficiency. This platform saves up to 170 kg compared to the previous generation a.k.a. Innova CG. Furthermore, with a monocoque construction like a passenger car’s, and a switch to a front-wheel-drive layout, there is more space for the interior, including a flat floor due to the absence of a rear drive shaft. The new structure also allows the overhangs to be shortened i.e. by 55 mm in front and by 25 mm in the rear, to give the same approach and departure angles as the Innova CG, and maintain the generous ground clearance of 185 mm. The turning radius of 5.67 metres also helps with manoeuvrability in tight conditions.
The suspension of the Zenix is also similar to a front-wheel drive passenger car with front Macpherson struts and a rear torsion beam. Developed in ASEAN, the Zenix’s suspension is more effectively tuned to specific local conditions which includes rough kampung roads as well as smooth highways.
The 2 variants available in Malaysia are the Innova Zenix 2.0 V and the hybrid Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV. New to the Innova is the 2.0L M20A Dynamic Force engine that is tranversely mounted in the bay. Output from the M20 A-FKS engine in the Zenix 2.0 V is 174 PS (128 kW / 171 hp) @ 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm @ 4,500 – 4,900 rpm. This engine is paired with a K120 10-speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. This newly developed transmission features a ‘launch gear’ mechanism used with a conventional belt and pulley mechanism to offer better fuel efficiency, quietness and strong acceleration from low speeds. Shift paddles are attached to the steering wheel to make use of the Sequential Shiftmatic to manually select the virtual gears. Meanwhile, the Zenix 2.0 HEV features the M20A-FXS engine which produces 152 PS (112 kW / 150 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and 188 Nm @ 4,400 – 5,200 rpm. This engine boasts enhanced fuel efficiency with D4-S (Direct & Port Injection), Atkinson Cycle to extract more energy from the fuel, and a 41% thermal efficiency. Working together with the engine in this 5th generation Hybrid Electric powertrain is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor. Energy to power the motor is supplied by a 6.5 Ahr nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery which is charged by the running engine thus doing away with the need to search for a charging station. This hybrid setup provides a total power output of 186 PS (137 kW / 183 hp) and is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT specially designed for HEV models.
This transmission functions like a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with an infinite number of gear ratios to suit every driving situation as the system constantly analyses vehicle operation to provide the optimal ratio for maximum efficiency. Besides the 3 selectable drive modes to optimise engine performance (Normal, ECO, and PWR), the Zenix 2.0 HEV also has an EV mode which can allow it to run only on electricity, but for short distances. In normal driving conditions, the HEV system will automatically adjust usage of the engine and electric motor power but EV mode allows only electric power to be used (subject to the level of charge in the battery). In contrast, the Zenix 2.0 V features only the Normal and ECO drive modes.
Zenix Hybrid
Zenix 2.0 V
The difference between the 2 variants also continue to the interior where the Zenix 2.0 V is an 8-seater (2-3-3 layout) while the Zenix 2.0 HEV is a 7-seater (2-2-3). The seats offer a premium design in faux black leather upholstery that is contrasted by the illumination bars on the ceiling. The HEV variant gets Captain Seats in the 2nd row which are fitted with side tables. Access to the 3rd row is via the walk-through space in between the 2 seats. The HEV also comes standard with a panoramic sunroof.
Meanwhile, the Zenix 2.0 V’s 2nd row seats fit 3 passengers and have a 60:40 split (with a centre armrest built in). This centre row can be folded down as well as slid forward for easy access to the 3rd row which has a 50:50 split. Additionally the last row’s centre headrest has a dedicated slot in the cargo area for stowing away when this row is folded down to carry bulky items. The preceding Innova’s 3rd row seats were folded sideways to the wall instead of flat down.
The more premium positioning of the Zenix also means a cabin with high-quality soft materials and creature comforts. Both variants have climate control though the rear passengers are only able to regulate the rear blower’s fan speed via the digital panel behind the centre console box (operation can also be set to automatic). There are also a number of USB ports for charging, 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 (Type C and 2.0) as well as a pair of 12V sockets (one at the rear), along with numerous cup holders. Additionally, the rear liftgate is motorised for effortless opening and closing.
The Zenix also features a 10.1″ infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a 7″ full colour Multi Information Display (MID). The MID informs the driver on the vehicle’s operation including real-time and average fuel consumption as well as warnings of speed limits with the Road Sign Alert system (RSA).
RSA is a new addition to the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0. The system’s camera detects and analyses specific types of road signs and informs the driver via the MID. At this time, RSA is able to recognise signs showing speed limits but will have added capability to recognise other types of signs in future as well. RSA can also be set to integrate with DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control) to override the set cruising speed if it is higher than the speed limit detected. For example, if you have set 110 km/h as the cruising speed and the system detects the speed limit for a particular stretch of road is 90 km/h, it will reduce speed to 90 km/h and save you from a potential speeding ticket.
It should be noted that recognition of signs is dependent on environmental factors as well as the condition of the signs. As with a dirty windscreen which reduces visibility, the camera may not fully detect a speed limit sign in bad weather. Therefore, the driver will still have to maintain focus while driving.
The Zenix is the first to be installed with TSS 3.0. Besides offering safety features never seen before in the Innova, TSS 3.0 also gives the Zenix a best-in-class advanced safety package. TSS 3.0 includes 5 Active Safety Systems:
- 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)
These systems have been further expanded in their capabilities in version 3.0 mainly due to a new camera sensor which allows for an expanded detection angle (up / down and left / right) with greater forward detection (approximately 2 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 when the camera has limited visibility. The latest radar sensor for TSS 3.0 has expanded the detection target range of obstacles closer to the sensor. TSS 3.0 also has reinforced detection technologies for recognition of driving lanes and obstacles. These technologies include Motion3D with expansion of the object detection as well as enhancement of Deep Neural Network for more complex processing.
Further, the PCS not only activates Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) upon detection of vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists ahead but can also respond at intersections to prevent collisions with cross traffic or vehicles making a left / right turn. PCS also includes Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) and Acceleration Suppression at low speed to prevent accidental collisions. The DRCC is also much more advanced now as it can evaluate the driving situation 2 vehicles ahead so that it is prepared for a faster response. It can also adjust the speed when making a lane change while DRCC is active.
Other safety features include a Blind Spot Monitor System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). The PVM images can be switched to various views and there is even a simulated view which is like observing the whole vehicle from outside or above. Other notable 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
- Electric Parking Brake
- 6 SRS airbags
- Front and rear seatbelt warning
- ISOFIX points for compatible childseats
There is also a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) which is factory-installed to be more integrated with the vehicle. The DVR is specially designed for Toyota models and manufactured to Toyota’s high-quality standards and provides audio and video recordings of each drive. Additional vehicle security includes an immobilizer, ultrasonic cabin sensor and glass breakage sensor, as well as a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS). This system uses GPS / GSM signals to track the vehicle’s location. In the event of vehicle theft, it will be easier to locate for faster recovery by the authorities. A proprietary mobile app is needed 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 to a designated user. Owners are assured of privacy as 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. The VTS service is available at no charge for the first 3 years of ownership.
Designed with the theme of ‘Premium & Tough’, the exterior of the Zenix has been given a crossover silhouette and a more dynamic style. Although its size is similar to the Innova CG, the Zenix is more spacious thanks to the extra 20 mm in length and 15 mm in width, as well as the extra 100 mm in the wheelbase (2,850 mm) coupled with a redesigned interior. Exterior features include LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights. The wheels are 18″ alloys with 225/50 tyres fitted.
The all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is available with a choice of 5 exterior body colours i.e. Metallic Gray, Attitude Black (with mica finish), Avantgarde Bronze, Silver and Platinum White Pearl. For fleet customers, there is Super White, a solid finish which gives a clean appearance and is suitable for branding to be added.
The Innova Zenix 2.0 V is priced at RM165,000 while the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV is priced at RM202,000 (on the road without insurance for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia). The Zenix is imported from Indonesia.
The Zenix comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. This factory warranty is transferable to the next owner if it is still in effect when sold. For extra peace of mind, the hybrid battery pack in the Zenix 2.0 HEV has a separate warranty of up to 8 years (also with unlimited mileage). Furthermore, UMW Toyota Motor’s warranty package includes the Inverter and Power Management Control ECU for the same duration.
While Toyota has high standards of manufacturing and quality, there may be very rare occasions when defects may occur and should such parts need replacement, the owner will not be required to bear any of the cost. However, there will be a minimal administrative cost for battery disposal.
And 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). These are assembled in Malaysia.
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Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV
Innova Zenix 2.0 V
Keyword: Toyota Innova Zenix Launched In Malaysia; Includes Hybrid Variant