UMW Toyota Motor to launch second hybrid model for Malaysia in 2023; Innova Zenix Hybrid MPV coming soon?
UMT Toyota Motor (UMWT) has revealed that the company will introduce a second hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to join the Corolla crossbreed in the Malaysian market next year, as part of the automaker’s new direction for the region.
The company has yet to reveal what the new hybrid model is, but one that is likely to fit the bill is Innova 2023 made its debut in Indonesia last month. UMWT President Ravindran Kurusamy said in a statement that hybrid electric vehicles are arguably “the most accessible and affordable option for car owners to begin their carbon-reduction journey”.
Hybrid-electric drive connection with Innova Zenix is provided by hybrid powertrain was offered to the Indonesian market at launch and includes the M20A-FXS 2.0 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, which produces 152 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque. 187 Nm from 4,400 rpm to 5,200 rpm.
In this configuration, the internal combustion engine is combined with a 113 PS/205 Nm electric motor to deliver a combined output of 186 PS. Transmission to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
This is third generation for the Innova nameplate and marks a significant difference from the ladder frame structure of past modelbecause the new model uses a monolithic structure on the GA-C variant of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
It is this platform change that determines the horizontal engine layout, different from the vertical engine, the rear wheel guide as before, such as with the Hilux and Fortuner. Toyota revealed at the launch of the Innova Zenix that the third-generation model has dimensions of 4,755 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,795 mm high, the height unchanged from its predecessor. In addition, its stroke height is 185 mm.
That said, whether this is the second hybrid model that will join the electrified Corolla Cross in UMW Toyota Motor’s hybrid lineup for Malaysia remains to be seen. If so, is this the shortlist for your next family car?
LIBRARY: Toyota Innova Zenix 2023
