Toyota says hybrid is still the most suitable electrification technology for Malaysia – Innova HEV launched in 2023?
In pursuit of carbon neutrality, Toyota has adopted a multi-technology approach to support different customer needs and market conditions around the world. While the Japanese automaker has taken its first step into the world of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) with the release of the bZ4X, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) continue to be its bread and butter.
In Malaysia, the only Toyota HEV currently in the lineup is the Corolla Cross Hybrid, released in January of last year. Unlike previous hybrid services like Prius and Prius c which are imported complete units (CBU) models, the crossover is The first locally assembled petrol-electric vehicle (CKD) in Malaysia.
In 2023, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) said it will add a second HEV model to its offering, adding that hybrid technology is the most suitable form of electrification for the country. we. “We will continue to evaluate different options and introduce them as appropriate. Currently, we believe the HEV is the most suitable vehicle for Malaysians and will add a second HEV model in 2023,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, president of UMWT.
The latest statement repeats what UMWT said in the past, where it mentioned HEV as “the most practical and accessible choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure.” This applies to BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
There’s no mention of what our upcoming next HEV model will be or even whether it’ll be a CKD product, but a car with the most potential (for us at least) to be Latest Innovaget a hybrid powertrain in it third generation.
In Indonesia, the hybrid variant of the redesigned MPV is called the Kijang Innova Zenix Hybrid EV and is equipped with a 2.0-liter M20A-FXS naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers a maximum capacity of 152 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm.
The mill is powered by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS. The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery stored under the two front seats is connected to an electric motor and is preferred in Indonesia’s hot weather.
Innova also swapped the predecessor’s IMV ladder chassis with Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically a GA-C version of the platform also used by the CKD Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Other Toyota HEVs sold in Indonesia include the Corolla Altis Hybrid, C-HR Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, but we’ll pick the Innova as the model most likely to fit the bill. For now, we will have to wait until UMWT makes an official announcement to find out which hybrid car will join this year’s Corolla Cross Hybrid.
