The original Toyota Innova has been a hit with Malaysians, as it is a rather large MPV that is still rather affordable. In order to keep that model reasonably priced, the Innova was built on the International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform. With the IMV, the ladder frame did make the vehicle rather heavy and not as comfortable as a MPV built on a monocoque chassis.

And to overcome these shortcomings, Toyota built the new generation Innova with the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Named the Toyota Innova Zenix, it will be available as 2 different variants for the Malaysian market. As there is still demand from those who want to use the Innova to load items, Toyota will still be selling the IMV Innova as the Innova CG with 2 specifications – 2.0X and 2.0G.

As for the Innova Zenix, the 2 versions include the Innova Zenix 2.0 V (8-seater) with a 2.0L Dynamic Force engine and CVT and the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV (7-seater) with a Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain. This 2 powertrain follows Toyota’s multipath approach to provide customers with choices and support their goal of carbon neutrality. The new Innova Zenix 2.0V will be priced at RM 165,000 and the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV will be priced at RM 202,000.

With the Innova Zenix, it has a more premium and tough design theme that gives the MPV a strong crossover silhouette and attractive style. Compared to the Innova CG, the Innova Zenix comes with better interior space thanks to the increased length of 20mm, 15mm width, and 100mm of wheelbase. In order to justify its pricing, the Innova Zenix gets a more premium image.

On the exterior, the Innova Zenix comes with a new trapezium radiator grille, LED headlamps, and LED taillights. All around the MPV, it comes with 18-inch rims wrapped in 225/50 R18 rims which both variants share. The new Innova Zenix is available in 5 exterior colors which include Metallic Gray, Attitude Black (with mica finish), Avantgarde Bronze, Silver, and Platinum White Pearl. But for those who want to repurpose their Innova Zenix for commercial use, Toyota will also sell customers the MPV in solid white which is suitable for branding due to the solid finish.

Inside the Innova Zenix, Toyota has fitted the MPV with higher quality inside the vehicle. To match this premium look, Toyota has used artificial black leather upholstery with a quilted pattern on it. For the Zenix HEV, it will come with captain seats in the center row with side tables and also a standard panoramic sunroof. The Zenix 2.0V second row has space for 3 adults, and it can be folded down to slide forward to allow 3rd row passengers to climb on board.

At the center of the dashboard, the Innova Zenix comes with a 10.1-inch Capacitive Touch Screen to be used as infotainment screen, and it features wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Below the infotainment screen, it comes with an automatic climate control. Apart from that, the rear passengers get their own fan controls at the back and they will have their own AC vents that extend all the way to the 3rd row as well.

In front of the driver, they get a 7-inch Full-Colour Multi Information Display (MID) that is large and clear. Other than that, the interior of the Zenix comes with multiple USB ports, 12V sockets, and cup holders. The highlight for the interior is the increased width of 55mm, and the length is extended by 86mm for more interior space. To ease loading and unloading, the Innova Zenix comes with an automatic tailgate.

By adopting the TNGA, the new Innova is more flexible providing the MPV with increased rigidity, improved agility, and enhanced ride comfort. The TNGA also lightens the vehicle, resulting in improved acceleration and fuel efficiency. By not having a separate chassis, Toyota can now optimize the interior with a flat floor while maintaining generous ground clearance and maneuverability. To ensure better ride comfort on Malaysian roads, the Innova Zenix gets a ASEAN specific tuning to suit our roads.

Different from the Innova CG, the Innova Zenix is now a front wheel drive model making the powertrain package more compact than before. Both powertrains in the Innova Zenix are the more modern, and more up to date Dynamic Force engine. Starting with the 2.0V, this engine produces 174 PS and 205 Nm of torque and mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift CVT. But for the 2.0 HEV, the engine is assisted by an electric motor with energy coming from a self-charging 6.5 Ahr nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) battery. In total, this 5th generation hybrid electric powertrain has a total output of 186PS but Toyota did not reveal the total torque for the hybrid powertrain. The HEV is mated to a E-CVT, and it gets 3 driving modes with one of them allowing the MPV to be driving in EV mode.

Safety wise, the Innova Zenix comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), making the vehicle the best in class driving assistance feature. The TSS 3.0 consists of 6 active safety systems which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA) .

With the TSS 3.0, it will have expanded its range of capabilities significantly. This is contributed by a new camera sensor with a wider field of view and longer distance. Other than the TSS 3.0, the Innova Zenix come with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 6 SRS airbags, and ISOFIX points for compatible childseats.

Just like all modern day Toyota, the new Innova Zenix will come with a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. And for the hybrid version, the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV gets an additional 8 year warranty for the Inverter, Power Management Control ECU, and the hybrid battery.