UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially launched the Toyota Innova Zenix. The third-generation MPV, now sporting SUV styling, is available in two variants in Malaysia – the 2.0 V with a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine, and the 2.0 HEV hybrid. They are priced at RM165,000 and RM202,000 respectively, on-the-road excluding insurance.
The Innova Zenix is a CBU import from Indonesia, where it debuted in November 2022, and UMWT says that the CKD locally assembled Innova 2.0 X and 2.0 G of the CG generation will continue to be sold at RM134k and RM142k. This means that the Zenix is a separate model for those looking for a little more style and luxury in their three-row people carrier, and not a direct replacement of the familiar Innova.
At 4,760 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, the Zenix (we’ll call it this from now) has roughly the same footprint as the Innova CG – it’s just 20 mm longer and 15 mm wider, although it looks much more substantial in the metal. Even the height is similar, so the visual bulk is down to the SUV-style design. And proportions – the 2,850 mm wheelbase is a full 100 mm longer. The wheels are 18-inch items with 225/50 tyres for both V and HEV.
Interestingly, Toyota says that the Zenix’s overhangs have been slashed (by 55 mm in front and 25 mm at the rear) without compromising the approach and departure angles provided by the Innova CG. Ground clearance is 185 mm and the cabin has a flat floor. All these were made possible by a new platform and construction.
The Zenix is not just a new top hat but a truly all-new model sitting on a new platform, specifically the GA-C version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). As such, the Innova is now front-wheel drive and has a monocoque body. Since its birth in 2005, the Innova has had a ladder frame chassis and rear-wheel drive (IMV platform, shared with the Hilux), so this is as huge a shift as you can find for different generations using the same name – should they have dropped “Innova” from the badge?
Toyota says that the migration from chassis frame to TNGA brings about greater rigidity, better agility and improved ride comfort, while a lower centre of gravity improves stability. Your pocket will feel it too, as a whopping 170 kg is saved from the switch to TNGA, which of course translates to better fuel economy. The 2.0 V weighs in at 1,595 kg, while the HEV is 90 kg heavier at 1,685 kg.
The Zenix is essentially a three-row MPV with eight seats in 2.0 V form and seven seats in 2.0 HEV guise. The hybrid gets two captain seats in the middle row for a 2-2-3 formation, the two individual chairs replacing a 60:40 sliding bench in the 2-3-3 petrol.
Yes, the Zenix is technically an eight-seater and not a seven-seater as the rearmost row has three sets of seatbelts and three headrests. Three in the third row sounds near impossible though; so perhaps it’s better to treat the MPV as a 6/7-seater. By the way, the middle headrest has its special slot in the boot so it won’t be flung around. As before, the spare wheel is mounted under the car.
It’s all new under the hood too. The Zenix 2.0 V is powered by a Dynamic Force 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. Max power is the highest for an NA engine in Malaysia currently, and much higher than the previous-gen Innova’s 138 hp/183 Nm, although it must be said that the old car’s max output was produced lower in the band, at 5,600 and 4,000 rpm respectively.
By the way, this is the same M20A-FKS engine powering the Toyota Harrier and Lexus UX, which are much higher up in the Toyota premium scale.
Gone is the six-speed torque converter automatic, replaced by a Direct Shift CVT with 10 virtual ratios in its ‘Sequential Shiftmatic’ programme (with steering paddles). This new gearbox has a ‘launch gear’ mechanism used with a conventional belt and pulley mechanism. The switch from 6AT to CVT brings better fuel efficiency, quietness and stronger acceleration from low speeds, Toyota says.
The Zenix 2.0 HEV is powered by a fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain combining a permanent magnet synchronous motor and nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) battery to a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated NA engine from the same Dynamic Force family. The M20A-FXS in the HEV runs on an Atkinson cycle and has high thermal efficiency of 41%. Alone, it has 152 PS/188 Nm, but total system output is 186 PS. The e-motor makes 206 Nm on its own.
The gearbox is an E-CVT and there are three selectable drive modes – Normal, Power and Eco. The hybrid also has an EV Mode button that when pressed, forces the system to run without any involvement from the ICE. Obviously, this will only happen for very short distances as the Zenix’s self-charging hybrid battery capacity is only 1.3 kWh.
No mention of fuel consumption in UMWT’s press materials, but we checked and the claimed combined figure is 6.7L per 100 km (14.9 km/l) for the 2.0 V and 4.6L per 100 km (21.7 km/l) for the HEV. The hybrid’s FC is fantastic for a big people carrier, but buyers would have also forked out a RM37,000 premium over the 2.0 V in the first place.
Moving on to kit. The Zenix 2.0 V gets automatic LED headlamps with auto high beam (manual levelling), LED daytime running lights and foglamps, LED tail lamps, auto retractable wing mirrors with welcome lamp, and the above-mentioned 18-inch silver rims on the outside.
Moving inside, you’ll find keyless entry and push start (key fob has the Innova logo), electronic parking brake with auto hold, a 7.0-inch TFT colour multi-info display (flanked by analogue dials), automatic air con (front and rear), rear AC with fan speed control and roof vents for second/third rows, tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel, leather seats (powered for driver) and an electrochromic rear view mirror (anti-glare).
The head unit is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. On the roof above the middle row are two strips of blue lights – the on/off switch is clustered with the rear AC controls.
Last but certainly not least for a family machine is a powered tailgate. It opens to a cargo space of 239 litres with all seats erect and a massive 690 litres with the third row folded, up to the window line. Note that the third row now folds flat into the floor; previously, they were flipped up to the sides.
Going for the 2.0 HEV means paying mostly for the hybrid powertrain, as the kit count is just slightly longer than the 2.0 V’s. The headlining exclusive items are captain seats in the second row; the two individual seats cutting down max occupancy to seven people (2-2-3). In between the manual chairs is a foldable tray with two cupholders. Occupants also get to enjoy a large panoramic sunroof that covers the front two rows.
The row of buttons next to the gear lever is more populated in the HEV, and that’s because of the EV Mode button. The other button is Drive Mode instead of Eco Mode – that’s because only the hybrid has Normal, Power and Eco modes. Aside from that, and the hybrid-specific graphics in the MID, both petrol and hybrid are identical. Oh, and hybrid badging on the exterior’s sides (unusually, below the wing mirror) and tailgate.
On the safety side of things, both variants get six airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist suite, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS or AEB), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC or ACC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
UMWT says that the Zenix is the first model in the local Toyota line-up with the latest TSS 3.0. Basically, it’s the same functions but with an expanded range of capabilities, like how Perodua’s current ASA 3.0 is better than the original version that debut in 2017. TSS 3.0 gets a new camera sensor with an expanded detection angle and around two times further forward detection. The latest radar sensor is able to detect obstacles closer to the sensor.
If you’re unfamiliar with RSA, basically, the camera detects road signs and informs the driver via the instrument panel. For now, RSA recognises speed limit signs (other types of signs in the future) and it can be set to sync with ACC to override the set cruising speed. Speaking of ACC, the system can now evaluate the situation two vehicles ahead for an earlier response, and it can also adjust the speed when making lane changes when ACC is active. Also, AEB now works at intersections to prevent collisions with cross traffic or vehicles making a turn.
In addition to TSS, the Zenix comes with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The very comprehensive safety package is completed with a 3D panoramic view monitor (360-degree parking camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, dashcam and UMWT’s vehicle telematics system. There are two Isofix child seat mounts for the middle row.
Both the V and HEV are available in five colours – Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avantgarde Bronze Metallic. There’s also a solid white option for fleet customers.
The Innova Zenix comes with a five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty. In addition, the HEV’s hybrid battery pack gets a separate eight-year warranty, also unlimited mileage. The latter includes the inverter and power management control ECU; basically, all the hybrid bits. Once again, the 2.0 V is priced at RM165,000 while the 2.0 HEV is yours for RM202,000, on-the-road excluding insurance.
The Zenix looks way more premium than the Innova CG (I see RAV4 in the rear and am getting some Highlander vibes from the face), and just as well, because it’s priced a fair bit higher too. All-new bones and heart aside, the SUV-esque design sets the Zenix apart and puts it alongside actual three-row SUVs such as the Proton X90, Mazda CX-8 and the soon-to-be-launched Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the market. The hybrid option is unique, but it comes at a price. What do you think of the Toyota Innova Zenix’s looks and package?
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix official photos
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix Malaysian brochure
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Nice
Better than Proton X90
True
“M20A” Dynamic Force
Engine win all already!
Harrier paying 270K u know?
“2ZR-FE” engine Altis (2008-now),
Corolla Cross (2021-now)
can all dapao already!
The real Game Changer, habislah Proton X90!
One word for this Zenix… ‘Hodoh’
I totally agree. Looks so ugly. Really really ugly in fact. Those that say looks nice bust be ah beng or those without taste
X90 more value for money and safer without questionable safety testing results. Remember you and your loved ones lives are priceless and Proton is more safer despite being cheaper.
Lets see how many units UMW can sell in a month.
X90..a massive launch failure of 259 units only.
It is an undeniable fact that there r many frustrated X70 owners who have their suv stranded in P1 workshop due to delay in parts.
Spare parts availability r very critical in a buying decision.
Surely,u dont want to spend over 100 grand,n see your dream car stranded due to delay in warranty parts.
Haiyaaaa ini orang tak read news punya.. percaya words of mouth daripada orang yang uneducated saja. Nak jadi P1 haters pon please be educated one..
253 are delivered. Booking collected close to 5k already.. haizzzzz Nak bash, please bash with a proper fact okay.
Don’t bullshit dude .it takes 20 months to deliver 5000 units?
Eh you yang bullshit with all this shitty talk without the actual fact. Deyyyy google je lah X90 booking is it so hard? Takkan lah official numbers presented to media nak tipu. Betul2 P1 haters ni ya. Go lah buy your toyota. Nobody gives a shit anyway.
Ya, price is better than X90.
2.0 Dynamic Force + 10speed Directshift CVT
0-100km/h 10.8s, TOYOTA Safety Sense 3.0 AEB, ACC, 360cam, BSM etc
2.0L Dynamic Force EV + E-CVT
0-100km/h 9.3s TSS 3.0, AEB, ACC, 360 cam, BSM etc
Finally comprehensive comfortable SUV,
Boleh trade in old VW Toaureg 2.5Tdi 0-100 12,8s,
Jackie Chan’s movie star car
why you skipped innova is still using torsion beam?
We can buy recon Alphards, Vellfires. Why do we need to buy expensive indonesian innova instead?
We are not indonesians that is banned to buy recon cars.
Why so proud buying recond car? Lol. There is no such dignity by being a country where more developed countries dump their car. Its like we are those poor countries from africa. You know in africa recond car is common sight. So you want malaysia stops at that stage?
because alphard/vellfire has a low floor + high ceiling to maximize interior space. and sliding doors. and thicker tyres for ride comfort.
the design of this new zenix is simply idiotic in comparison with its JDM cousins
which part is nice. Interior & Exterior both also ugly. Even Savvy interior is nicer than this :-)
Was the embargo lift set at 8:30PM? – 25 minutes after launch video concluded seems odd.
Toyota can exit this market and be replace by china brand like geely. Totally unacceptable price by UMW.
Because this is imported car from Indonesia
You can’t afford anyways, so no one force you to buy, if you don’t like this
Baik beli detected!!!
Wow! 202k (so close to current full spec Fortune) for full spec, just way too expensive, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro a better buy.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is smaller SUV and not practical than this. Segments between Chery Tiggo 4 and this doesn’t make sense
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro huh…you must dreaming
Where does the next Toyota Fortuner sits in market segment?
Probably RWD/4WD version of this Zenix
Cons
– Cheap Perodua-like reflector headlights. Rear turn signals are not leds
– Halogen interior lighting
– Outdated infotainment and instrument cluster
– The pano roof only available on the hybrid
– Cheap looking rims
– the Mazda CX-8 is old but somehow look better than this inside and out
– Expensive af for what it is.
No matter how much hatred is, people won’t care about haters said since haters have low experience
Complaint complaint complaint…are you having menstruation old man?
If i spend this much money on a car of course i will complain for the shortcomings. This is not Alza you know
[ LIKE ] Innova Zenix Hybrid
[ DISLIKE ] CX8
Better than X90
Which part better than X90?
Priced much higher than indon, dont bring in better. Starting as a cheap large MPV, now bcome premium priced. Now X90 suddenly bcome very cheap…haha..
This is imported car from Indonesia
No spare parts and cheap quality for X90. Better get Toyota for safer
when i commented on the X90 being pricey, so many reacted negatively. and now what i thought would happen, is happening ha. brands are obviously going to use proton/perodua as their baseline to price their new launches. and with proton/perodua stretching their prices of late, it means pricier cars for us. yay! so now this van is basically tak mampu milik lol. granted this is imported from indonesia but with umwt announcing malaysia will continue to get to get the normal innova, i highly doubt the price will go down significantly.
sad that people still think the tax for local cars and foreign brands are the same
Side profile not proportion. Like big body with short thin legs. Front looks like Ah Pek. It is in the DNA, like it’s siblings the Ah Farts. At that price, one would better top up and get Carnival. But wait, I hear ppl said kia no RV. These must be poor ppl but still need a big car to ‘show off’
Is it me or it lools like its under tyres? Like it should have much thicker tyres or something… I think the non hybrid model makes more sense… Probably perfect for highways and long holiday distances… U can just fold the third seats n use it as 4-5 seater.. Not everyone has 7 kids… I actually dont think it competes with x90.. More against horrible ugly shoe box design of the nissan serena and some recond models
It looks like the bigger version of veloz, bigger body on a small chassis where the wheels had to be attached closer to the chassis making it look out of proportion. Like the fridge on wheels, notice the wheels are inside the fender and not parallel. No wonder the ride is like sampan.
How do you know it rides like sampan? Have u been in one already?
Yes of course. Good thing we don’t have to go to river or the sea now to try a sampan. Just pick one from the many ‘land sampan’ on the road today like Vellfire, Alphards and Innova.
the tyre is great and affordable replacement for the family SUV.
otherwise, Nissan Serena have even smaller one.
195/65R15 or 205/55R16
for the Nissan Serena.
Not bad
Same engine as the new harrier and lexus UX at rm165k..
Really look good
Innova name is legend in Malaysia no doubts it will sell very well with this better looks .
Unfortunately, Innova also associated with cheap price… this is charging recon Alphard price. Which one you think will sell?
Innova Zenix safer to buy than Proton X90
SUV safer than MPV
Nice looking TNGA car
Fortuner MPV version
Better Innova now!!
37k more for hybrid n sunroof not worth it. 37k divide 7 yrs is RM440 per mth! Hybrid batt under the front seat makes 2nd row leg space uncomfortable too. Sunroof yes.. just for look not practical. Weather always hot.
V spec 165K.. price OK. But 2nd row no captain seat option is a big let down. I prefer the hybrid setting. Big window but no manual sunshade another miss out. Not full premium features.
High chances a no no for me.. I really now have to consider other again for my family of 5..
May I suggest.. The CX-5 & CX-8
takde bodykit Modellista macam kat jiran kita ke?
Hybrid should be price around 170k. Overpriced product. Hope no one buy and boycott UMWT. Better buy Sorento or Carnival at that price point.
Hybrid should be price around 170k. Overpriced product. Hope no one buy and boycott UMWT. Better buy Sorento or Carnival at that price point.
So by your logic just 5k difference from 2.0 NA? ok.. Did you own any of the kia? So you think the kia is not overpriced but this are? These 3 cars are far superior than your exora ok?
By logic 2.0 NA also should be cheaper by 20k-30k since hybrid version price is around 170k.. can think?
its tyres don’t match the side profile, looks weird
Good car for good price hoping got good specs for good reliable good resell value. Agree or not better than buy stupid battery toy car charging every where like big show in supermarket. To my customer and friends money spend wisely ok
Far lovelier of Toyota Zenix than Proton X90!
RIP Toyota Innova!
Ayoooo recond Vellfire only lah like that
Tbh, like the design, got highlander vibe. Well the package is an all new from the current imv based innova. TNGA-C, monocoque, fwd, dynamic force engine, strong hybrid and also get the latest 5 generation hybrid like the one in prius, also tss 3.0 and global model. after all innova and its predecessor has its own fans, its nameplate is somehow legendary in southeast asia, there will still be buyers (old money) out there queu-ing to get them units. While us here mostly still driving facing perodua logo on our steering wheel all day hahaha
This compare to kia carnival is like a comparison of buying car from chow kit vs petaling jaya. The kia is way better with better interior finishings and quality. Handles well too as compare to milo tin innnova.
Then we have the HelFarts which is from Jinjang. The fridge on wheels look so Lalamui and Ah Beng. And still the stupidity of ppl in Malaysia buying them because they have been worshiping that brand from decades and can’t move out from the coconut shell.
so sliding door is a big turn off.
200 k for and indo developed car huhu
low roof, but tall floor.
large outside, but cramped inside.
This would be okay at 120k for people that live outside the city, that would see rough roads that needs the high ground clearance.
But 165k starting price?
No one would bother.
lots of other better cars for the asking price.
If you want a new MPV, a Nissan Serena S-Hybrid would be much more comfortable than this new Zenix.
If you need to transverse rough roads, X90 would be a better value.
Our hybrid variant has no Ottoman seating, NO BUY – that 2+3+2 petrol is the better deal instead even though its fuel consumption might gravitate towards the hefty side if throttled to the max
OMG UMWT that price aaaaaaaa… Better buy Mazda CX8 or maybe the cheaper Proton X90. Design wise also CX8 wayyyyyy better… Bye2 Zenix.
for the price point better get recon MPV.
Family car for Indonesians. Luxury SUV for Malaysians. Sigh.
Not really,
Indonesia best selling variant is TSS 3.0 equipped Toyota Zenix
to get TSS 3.0 AEB ACC equipped ZENIX @ Indonesia,
minimum starting price is also 528150000 IDR / RM164,542.69.
Malaysian have to fork out additional ~RM37K for this premium Hybrid, at the same time not enjoying fuel subsidy soon.
Ok not too bad since this contribute to gov coffer.
ALL NEW KIJANG INNOVA ZENIX Indonesia 2.0V Rp 471 million or RM 146,660 and Hybrid Rp 464 million or RM 144,480 , why come to M’sia Hybrid price become RM 202k (+ RM57K) , V model RM165K (+ RM18K).
Why Malaysia high tax for Hybrid model ? …
U need to look into the spec, you aren’t comparing apples to apple.
The one you mentioned doesn’t come with TSS 3.0, panaromic roof, captain seat.
Malaysian model is more related to Q trim
You contribute to the government before you contribute to the country. Look at the Langkawi price!
OMG the price! Why gomen no discount for hybrid car?
Seats of Malaysian version with dark gray colorway look better than Philippine version, which has gray and brown colorway. Feels like ur grampa’s car
Crazy meh rm200k, buy 2 veloz then 7 + 7 seaters lolz…
Bagila morah2 skek .. adoiii
Tak ada remote engine start????
Tak ada auto parking????
Tak ada walk-away auto lock????
Tak ada “Boss” switch?????
we wanted the noah/voxy, this is what we get instead
Huhu, full spec doesn’t come with Modellista set
Boring. Looks dated. For RM 165k – RM 202k, there’s a lot of better choices.
I just got my Innova Zenix V today after 1 mth plus booking, giving up on my previous booking of Veloz on March which needs to wait for 1 year.
Despite my 1.83m height, I’ve tried sitting at the second and third row of seats without touching the back rest with my knees, 1850mm width, this car is really quite spacious. Power wise are moderate, with this dynamic force engine, I don’t feel under power with 6 adults sitting in it.
The cons are the carpets provided, are of cheap quality for this price tag.