UMW Toyota Motor to launch second hybrid model for Malaysia in 2023; Innova Zenix Hybrid MPV to arrive?

UMW Toyota Motor to launch second hybrid model for Malaysia in 2023; Innova Zenix Hybrid MPV to arrive?

UMT Toyota Motor (UMWT) has revealed that the company will be introducing a second hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to join the Corolla Cross Hybrid in the Malaysian market next year, as part of the carmaker’s new direction for this region.

The company has yet to reveal what that new hybrid model is, however one that likely fits the bill is the 2023 Innova Zenix that made its debut in Indonesia last month. UMWT president Ravindran Kurusamy said in a statement that hybrid electric vehicles are believed to be “the most accessible and affordable option for car owners to begin their carbon-reducing journey”.

UPDATE: The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched in Malaysia with pricing starting from RM165,000.

The hybrid-electric drive connection to the Innova Zenix comes courtesy of its hybrid powertrain that is offered for the Indonesian market right from its debut, and consists of a M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine that makes 152 PS at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 rpm to 5,200 rpm.

UMW Toyota Motor to launch second hybrid model for Malaysia in 2023; Innova Zenix Hybrid MPV to arrive?

In this configuration, the combustion engine is joined by a 113 PS/205 Nm electric motor to yield a combined output of 186 PS. Transmission is to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

This is the third generation for the Innova nameplate and which marks a significant departure from the ladder-frame construction of models past, as the new model employs monocoque construction on the GA-C variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.

It is this platform change that dictates the transverse engine layout, departing from the longitudinal engine, rear-wheel oriented driveline of before such as with the Hilux and Fortuner. Toyota revealed at the debut of the Innova Zenix that the third-generation model measures 4,755 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,795 mm tall, its height unchanged from that of its predecessor. Also carried over is its ride height of 185 mm.

That said, whether or not this turns out to be the second hybrid model that will join the electrified Corolla Cross in UMW Toyota Motor’s hybrid line-up for Malaysia remains to be seen. If it does, would this be on the shortlist for your next family car?

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Seribu on Dec 06, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    Nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Seribu on Dec 06, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    Good to bring more hybrid cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • At least looks better than current Innova

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • X70 Buyer on Dec 07, 2022 at 10:32 am

      This or X70? Defo X70 still the better car and sales has proven it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 18
      • Wrong segment bang!!! And already make your assumption that X70 sales will be better than new Innova sales, how can it be?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
      • Outalingam Crap on May 03, 2023 at 11:02 am

        Stop comparing the Apple X70 to the Watermelon Innova Zenix – period

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nodame-chan on Dec 06, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Finally, the Prius 7 Cross., 2.0EV
    Can trade in old Touareg

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • anonymous on Dec 06, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    this is welcome but please bring in the new Prius too!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
    • Outalingam Crap on May 03, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Beware that the Prius in Malaysia could well be coined as a luxury car, almost the price of the current Lexus ES, sad to say but we could only hope & pray

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hafiz on Dec 06, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    Indonesia is the First the get the Innova Zenix, then India gets it with the HyCross monicker, Thai is still unknown, for MY probably will be called just ‘Innova’

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Vito Aditya on Dec 07, 2022 at 9:36 pm

      Not sure about that. Toyota trademarked the “Innova Zenix” nameplate back in mid-to-late 2020.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Matpan on Dec 06, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    new Vios hybrid

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Piano on Dec 06, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    Innova GRS

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • IT’LL BE DOPE if we can get one variant equipped with the facelifted camry’s powertrain

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Outalingam Crap on May 03, 2023 at 11:14 am

      Most likely 2.0L NA with hybrid system for the top variant Q (Indonesian model)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Pledge on Dec 06, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    Take my money pleaseee

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Corolla altis hybrid?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Econsave on Dec 06, 2022 at 9:29 pm

    Beautiful

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • YAP TAI WAI on Dec 06, 2022 at 10:24 pm

    X90 rival…mpv suv cross….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
    • Roti john on Dec 07, 2022 at 12:35 am

      Proton X90 will be DoA if Toyota release the Game-Changing Innova Zenix. Nobody wants to buy an expensive Chinese SUV

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 9
  • Menarik!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Nugget on Dec 07, 2022 at 12:11 am

    Veloz brother

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • More modern technology, like Geely but smaller version

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • when can start booking?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Ground europe passenger on Dec 07, 2022 at 11:04 am

    rm Zenix = rm veloz + rm alza (av variant)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • No power on Dec 07, 2022 at 1:11 pm

    Look at the power and torque, no need drive already can feel the superb underpowered. No thanks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 16
    • This is not like Innova facelift that still using Dual VVTi engines. Bangun la bro.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • I will only buy if its the same specs as indonesia i.e. Panaromic roof, ottoman seat etc. Then its worth it!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Muhammad Najwan Aqra Bin Sahidan on Dec 21, 2022 at 8:51 pm

    It looks really beautiful but shamelessly,they removed the rear tray table which is really cool and modern,I hope Malaysia market add it back and do add extra charging ports since it was crucial for Malaysian

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Put on hold my booking on Innova 2022… booking for the new one… even if I have to wait longer..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Put on hold my booking on Innova 2022… booking for the new one… even if I have to wait longer..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Suren on Apr 21, 2023 at 4:21 pm

    At Malaysia always late or stop nice cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Outalingam Crap on May 03, 2023 at 11:08 am

    This car’s absolute length may be merely 8 cm shorter than the X90 but its wheelbase is 4cm longer, but what should be compared is both cars’ storage space behind the 3rd row, aside from their fuel consumption and SC reliability

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Toyota on May 03, 2023 at 7:55 pm

    I think this is the best looking innova to date. Kudos….look more rugged ( SUV)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Outalingam Crap on Jun 14, 2023 at 9:21 am

    Combined 186ps equals up to 255Nm torque, right? Or 300Nm?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required