New generation Toyota Innova Zenix Debuts – New TNGA base, FWD, and hybrid powertrain

The all-new and third generation Toyota Innova Zenix has made its global debut earlier today in Indonesia. Known as the Toyota Kijang Innova Zenix in said republic, Toyota’s staple, made-for-ASEAN 7-seat MPV has been fully reborn in this latest form thanks to its new platform, marking several firsts in the process too.

For starters, the third-gen MPV model sees itself underpin the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) chassis platform, thus allowing it to harness a new direct-injected powertrains including a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain package, as well as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup – both seen for the first time in the Innova model’s history.

This is good news considering the archaic ladder frame chassis, powertrains and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setups it replaces.

Toyota have also gone to town in styling the new Innova Zenix. The firm says the design ethos called for merging both glamorous, premium elements with traits of rugged toughness of an SUV. Notable exterior traits include a prominent front grille design with a rather sporty front bumper to match, new all-LED forward and rear lighting, as well as stylish 16, 17, and 18-inch alloy wheels (depending on variant).

On board, the spacious new cabin has been fully revamped, sporting a new premium look with a dash of current tech and amenities. Depending on variant, highlights include a floating-type central infotainment touchscreen unit plus a digital instrument display panel, a panoramic glass sunroof, dual 10-inch rear entertainment screens, as well as a voice-command powered tailgate.

Like its predecessors, the new Toyota Innova Zenix continues to offer seating for up to 7 occupants across 3 rows. Interestingly, the outgoing model’s ‘Captain Seats’ present in the second row are retained, but they’re now enhanced thanks to the addition of new built-in ‘Ottoman’ features plus both a footrest and hybrid table/cupholder feature.

Moving on to the powertrain, the switch to the TNGA platform has led to the Innova Zenix’s adoption of Toyota’s current Dynamic Force 2.0-litre 4-cyl mill and CVT automatic transmission primed in all variants. As for the new Hybrid variant, said powertrain works in tandem with dual electric motors plus battery setup which, according to Toyota, is similar to the ‘5th Gen HEV’ tech primed in the new Prius.

Altogether, Toyota is claiming up 25% improvement in performance, plus 50% boost in fuel efficiency and greater 50% in CO2 emissions in this new generation Innova thanks to the new powertrain range. Apart from that, there’s also the promise of a better drive too thanks to the improved power steering and suspension systems primed.

Crucially, the switch to the new TNGA platform also makes for a much safer Innova than before too thanks to the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite. This adds a number of advanced driver assistances (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), as well as lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assist (LKAS).

All in all, its plain to see this new third-gen Innova Zenix has improved upon its predecessor tremendously. Toyota will begin producing and selling the new Innova Zenix in Indonesia first, with other regional markets – ours included – to follow suit starting next year.

What do you think of the new Innova Zenix then? Excited to see this enter our market soon enough? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…