Launched Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 – MPV based on TNGA; The 3rd generation is bigger, has hybrid power and active safety
Here it is, the all-new Toyota Innova. Officially known as the Kijang Innova Zenix in Indonesia, where it just made its global debut, the redesigned MPV adds a new chapter to the 45-year Kijang story and over two million units have been sold (including older models are known simply as Kijang or internally as Toyota Utility Vehicle).
While the name Kijang holds a lot of weight in Indonesia, the rest of us will just mention Third generation MPV like Innova. In its latest form, the Innova presents a significant departure from its predecessors in many respects, starting from what’s underneath the metal.
While previous versions of the MPV were built on the IMV ladder chassis also used by the Hilux and Fortuner, the latest Innova switched to a monolithic structure based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically. could be the GA-C variant of the platform.
Thus, the engine is placed vertically, driving the rear wheels is no longer available, instead there is a horizontal engine and front-wheel drive. According to Toyota, the new platform allows to reduce the car’s overhang and lengthen the wheelbase, the rear wheelbase is now 2,850 mm compared to 2,750 mm before.
Other dimensions include a length of 4,755 mm (+20 mm) and a width of 1,850 mm (+20 mm), while the height remains unchanged at 1,795 mm. Toyota decided to maintain the same approach and departure angle of the second generation modeland so is the stroke height of 185 mm.
Visually, the latest Innova has some SUV-like design cues with sculpted sides as well as black body panels on the wheel arches and undersides of the doors. Meanwhile, the front end features a hexagonal grille and angular headlights, separated from the slender lower air intake by a horizontal LED strip placed on the wide H-shaped dashboard.
Viewed from the side, the Innova boasts a more dynamic, less boxy styling thanks to the D-pillars being moved forward and the A-pillars moving back. At the rear, the taillights have a simpler shape than before, when combined with the upright tailgate, bearing the sound of the RAV4.
Inside, the panel is new and has a more elegant look than the previous swipes and curves. Contrasting trim colors accentuate the layers of the dashboard, with the centerpiece being the floating center console integrated with the center stack. This area contains the gear lever, digital control buttons for the air conditioning system, central air vents and a 9/10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Elsewhere, there’s a separate panel between the front seats for cup holders, USB ports and armrests. Without the rear axle prop, the Innova boasts more interior space than before, with some variants equipped with a second-row leader’s seat with a long bench.
As for other available equipment, the Innova can have 16- to 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 10-inch rear-seat entertainment screen, panoramic sunroof and especially Toyota Safety sensor suite includes driver assistance and safety systems (including automatic emergency braking).
It was known that New Innova will get hybrid powerand thanks to the TNGA platform, Innova gets it for the first time. The setup includes a Dynamic Force engine – M20A-FXS 2.0 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder – delivering 152 hp at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm.
This is boosted by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS. Toyota says the nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is preferred due to Indonesia’s hot weather and it is stored under the two front seats so as not to take up cabin and trunk space.
Besides the hybrid powertrain, the Innova will also be offered in Indonesia with a 2.0-liter M20A-FKS engine that produces 174 hp at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of peak torque from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. . Both setups also have a CVT (e-CVT for hybrid) transmission and have more power than the current 2.0-liter 1TR-FE engine that makes 139 hp and 183 Nm of torque.
The second-generation Innova is also available with the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV turbodiesel in Indonesia, offering more torque at 360 Nm and less horsepower at 149 PS, but no option for third generation diesel engine.
In Indonesia, the new Innova has two petrol-only versions, namely G for 419 million rupiah (RM121,891) and V for IDR 467 million (RM135,854). The hybrid powertrain also comes in G and V grades, priced at IDR 458 million (RM133,246) and INR 522.15 million (RM151,909).
The hybrid version also adds a top spec Q priced at IDR 601.15 million (RM174,893) and the top-of-the-range as well as the V can be offered with the Modellista accessory for an extra $9.85 million IDR (RM2,866). ). With these numbers in mind, the new Innova now has a higher starting price than its predecessor, ranging from IDR 369.6 million to IDR 471.9 million (RM107,521 to RM137,281).
So, what do you think of the latest Innova? Are you hoping and looking forward to the arrival of MPV in Malaysia?
