Launched: Toyota Innova Zenix – TNGA Base, Hybrid Option, 3-row Seats, From RM165K

New generation TNGA-based Toyota Innova Zenix officially debuts in Malaysia earlier today.

Whilst the new-generation Alphard and Vellfire luxo-MPVs duo that debuted earlier today might take a while to hit our shores, here’s another Toyota TNGA-based, three-row MPV, albeit a smaller one, that's packed with luxuries and an electrified powertrain to consider now. Best part: it comes with an official warranty from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).

Spotted locally on transporters late last month, the new generation Toyota Innova Zenix has made landfall in Malaysia, with UMWT officially launching it today in both hybrid and non-hybrid forms. Revealed globally in Indonesia late last year, the new MPV model arrives as a fully imported (CBU) offering from said republic across the Strait of Malacca too.

Predictably, specs in both the 2.0 V and 2.0 HEV variants for Malaysia mirror the Indonesian-spec model mentioned earlier, the latter positioned as the range-topper. Interestingly, this new TNGA-based Innova Zenix will be sold alongside the existing ladder-framed and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Innova model it’s meant to replace – more details in this separate report.

Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV hybrid variant pictured.

2.0 HEV adopts the same fifth-gen hybrid tech as seen in latest-gen Prius. It consists of a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle 4-cyl petrol plus a 6.5 Ahr nickel metal hydride battery and electric motor.

Powering the range-topping 2.0 HEV hybrid variant is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson Cycle 4-cyl petrol mill primed with Toyota’s signature hybrid electric setup. In fact, this is the same fifth-gen hybrid tech seen in the latest-gen Prius, featuring an electric motor plus a 6.5 Ahr nickel metal hydride battery.

Combined, the package serves up 183 HP and up between 188 NM (petrol) to 206 NM (electric) of twist to drive the front wheels via an E-CVT box. Like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, this electrified variant has limited full-electric drive capabilities that boosts its overall efficiency further.

Innova Zenix 2.0 V employs a familiar 2.0-litre Dynamic Force 4-cyl petrol and 10-speed CVT powertrain setup instead.

The 2.0 V variant, on the other hand, employs a familiar Dynamic Force 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cyl petrol mill instead. Primed with a 10-speed CVT automatic, this package serves up 172 HP and 205 NM to drive the front wheels.

Also different are the second-row seats. You get a bench (left) in the 2.0 V whilst the 2.0 HEV gets captain seats (right) instead. 

Panoramic glass sunroof is also another feature exclusive to the range-topping 2.0 HEV.

Besides its electrified mechanicals, the range-topping Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV adopts a posh 7-seat layout (2-2-3) featuring second-row captain seats. This range-topper also gets a novel panoramic glass sunroof feature as standard equipment too.

The 2.0 V variant still offers seats across three-rows, but for up to 8 occupants instead thanks to a second-row bench that allows a 2-3-3 seating layout. This variant also makes do without the hybrid range-topper’s panoramic glass sunroof, but it does share plenty of common features on board.

Both variants feature the same basic dash design that houses a 10.1-inch central touchscreen.

Different too are the instrument displays, but both run off the same 7-inch full-colour screen.

Key features and traits shared in both include keyless entry and ignition, powered rear tailgate, all-LED forward and rear lighting modules, 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic parking brake, cabin ambient lighting suite, posh leather seats and cabin upholstery, as well as automatic multi-zone climate control with dedicated second-row vents and controls plus dedicated third-row vents.

Automatic multi-zone climate control (top two), powered tailgate (left) and 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (right) are some key premium amenities present on board.

Shared too are the 7-inch full-colour multi-info display in the instrument panel, as well as the 10.1-inch centre capacitive infotainment touchscreen unit offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity paired with a six-speaker hi-fi setup. Both USB charging ports and 12-volt accessories sockets are available throughout all three rows too.

TSS 3.0 ADAS suite grants L2 semi-autonomous driving through features like ACC with Full Speed Range, LDA plus LTA.

Also shared across both as standard equipment is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) active driver assist (ADAS) suite, with its adoption enabled by the model's new TNGA architecture underpinnings. Powered by new and upgraded optical and radar sensors, it allows the Innova Zenix to feature a bevy of driver assist that grants Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Key highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Full Speed Range, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) and Braking PCB) with Brake Assist (PCBA), Intersection collision avoidance support, Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), low-speed acceleration suppression, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Forward-facing DVR or dashcam (left) is standard, whilst rear-facing unit (right) is a cost-option.

Interestingly, both a full-sized spare (left) plus an emergency patch kit (right) are equipped too.

Other notable additional safety features present include a 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a forward facing digital video recorder (DVR or Dashcam). All of which comes on top of core basics that includes no less than 6 airbags, ISOFIX childseat anchors, ABS with VSC, and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Range-topping 2.0 HEV commands a whopping RM202,000.

Sans insurance, the new TNGA-based Toyota Innova Zenix commands RM165,000 in 2.0 V form, and RM202,000 for the range-topping 2.0 HEV. Included is UMWT’s standard 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage. For the 2.0 HEV specifically, UMWT also includes an 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage for its hybrid battery pack, Inverter and Power Management Control ECU.

Check out more images of the new Toyota Innova Zenix in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this new TNGA-based three-row MPV in the comments section below, as well as our social media platforms.