All-new Toyota Innova Zenix: Is it worth the wait?

A few days back, the all-new third-generation Toyota Innova made its world debut in Indonesia with a new ‘Zenix’ suffix in its name and plenty of upgrades. Toyota has practically revamped all aspects of the popular MPV, be it design, platform, powertrain, and safety. In today’s story, we are going to discuss all these aspects in detail to find out - Is the new Toyota Innova Zenix really worth waiting for? So, let’s get started with the design.

Design

The new Innova features an SUV-inspired design on the exterior, dubbed as the “Glamorous and Tough”. The front looks striking with the redesigned hexagonal-shaped grille teamed up with angular LED headlamps. The bumper appears more aggressive with triangular sections on the lower part placed on both sides hosting LED daytime running lights, which also act as indicators.

On the sides, the MPV exudes a luxury-like aura with the fascinating 18-inch alloy wheel, straighter A-pillars and sloping D pillars, which also provide strengthening to the body. Towards the rear lies a three-dimensional structure with the new rear combination lamp reiterating its dynamic impression.

Just like the exterior, the cabin of the upgraded Innova also benefits from several design enhancements. It includes a new two-tier dashboard, a dual-tone brown & black theme, a redesigned steering wheel, and a floating centre console seamlessly merging with the centre stack. The quilted leather upholstery along with faux wood and aluminium finishes add to the cabin’s elegant appearance.

Platform 

The bold new MPV also ditches the ladder frame setup offered with the older model in favour of the new TNGA: GA-C platform with a monocoque structure. It allows the automaker to embed the latest advanced technologies on the upgraded MPV, including the hybrid system. The new underpinnings also helped Toyota engineers to increase the body rigidity, reduce weight, and reduce sound entering into the cabin, for more stability and comfort when in motion.

The new base also leads to a 100 mm longer wheelbase measuring 2,850 mm. Other dimensions are more or less the same at 4,755 mm (+20 mm) length, 1,850 mm (+20 mm) width, and 1,795 mm height.

Engine specifications

As mentioned above, the new platform facilitates the setting up of the hybrid engine. That’s a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper mill paired with an electric motor. The former generates 152 PS of max power along with a peak torque of 187 Nm while the latter is good for making 113 PS and 205 Nm. Combinedly, the setup churns out 186 PS. The power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.

Three drive modes offered with the hybrid MPV are - EV, Eco, and Power. The new EV mode enables a fully electric drive, the ECO mode promises a smooth driving experience and the Power mode offers the maximum engine power.

Other than the electrified mill, the automaker offers the revamped Innova with a 2.0-litre four-popper engine, which churns out 174 PS and 205 Nm. The transmission duties of the pure ICE are handled by a CVT unit.

Features 

The vehicle is equipped with various advanced, luxurious, and best-in-class tech features aimed to fulfil the needs of millennial families. These include - 

• New 10-inch ​​touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• New 7.0-inch digital driver’s display
• New captain seats in the middle with Ottoman (leg rest) function

• New 10-inch ​​Dual Rear Seat Entertainment 
• A Panoramic retractable roof
• New power backdoor with voice command

• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Automatic climatic control with rear AC vents
• Ambient lighting
• keyless entry with push-button start
• Paddle shifters
• wireless charging
• 360-degree camera
• T intouch telematic system

Safety

On the safety front, the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense pack for the first time. The ADAS package includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam. Also part of the safety kit is 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, all-wheel disc brakes, Hill Start Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Vehicle Stability Control, and more.

Summing up 

Overall, the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is an environmentally friendly MPV offering advanced levels of comfort and safety to the occupants, which surely makes it worth waiting for. 

Are you looking forward to the new Innova’s arrival in Malaysia, let us know in the comments.

Also read: Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia wins the Sepang 1000KM endurance race