Toyota Motor Philippines ushers a new era in MPVs with the unveiling of the first-ever Zenix (Innova Zenix in other markets—Ed.). Built on the brand’s tenets of quality, durability, and reliability, the new 7-seater is now backed by advanced technology headlined by a self-charging gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
The top-of-the-line Zenix 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT is powered by Toyota’s latest gasoline-electric hybrid system. This pairs a 152ps Dynamic Force 2.0-liter gasoline engine (M20A-FXS) with a 113ps electric motor giving a combined output of 186ps. Torque, meanwhile is rated for the engine at 187Nm, while a further 206Nm is provided by the electric motor. Energy is stored via a nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery located beneath the front seats. With 60 percent of driving done using electric power alone, it equates to a 50 percent improvement in both fuel mileage and CO2 emissions compared to the current Innova.
A conventional internal combustion engine version—the 2.0 V CVT—is also available. This one, powered by the M20A-FKS Dynamic Force engine makes 174ps and 205Nm.
Designed for the modern Filipino family, the Zenix draws inspiration from an unlikely source: Toyota’s rich global SUV heritage. With that, it features a muscular and tough design with a raised hood line and a large hexagonal grille with barbell-like inserts. Standard exterior features include LED headlights and front fog lights (with LED daytime running lights on the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT), 17 (2.0 V CVT) or 18-inch (2.0 Q Hybrid CVT) alloy wheels, chrome accents, and black overfenders (2.0 Q Hybrid CVT).
Dimensionally, the Zenix is slightly longer (4,755 mm) and wider (1,850 mm) than the current Innova, but is slightly shorter (1,790 mm). Its wheelbase is a generous 2,850 mm, while its ground clearance is a manageable 185 mm.
The Zenix rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The shift to the TNGA-C means it sports a unibody construction for a car-like ride and handling, and improved interior space and flexibility. Its driven wheels also shift from the rear to the front. This lends it a flat floor across three rows. The third row, when not in use, can be folded down flat into the floor creating a long, continuous load space.
The interior design expresses seamless luxury and comfort. The use of horizontal tones gives a sense of space, while the vertical tones used for the central cluster and doors mirror the powerful exterior. The styling also ushers improved cabin aesthetics, with a two-tone black and dark chestnut color scheme. The dashboard features soft-touch surfaces, while the interior itself is lined with aluminum-like accents.
Standard features include a leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic climate control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, a partial-digital gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, ambient lighting, second-row Captain Seats, and a power tailgate. The 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT, meanwhile, goes all out with an 8-way power driver’s seat, power second-row Ottoman seats, and two-tone black and dark chestnut leather seats.
Safety is a high priority for Toyota and the Zenix. The Zenix 2.0 V CVT comes with features such as dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill start assist control, front and rear proximity sensors, and a rear back-up camera. The 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT adds a full suite of airbags (seven), as well as the Toyota Safety Sense or TSS system. This bundle features segment-first features like Pre-Collision System, Automatic Highbeam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This is on top of blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera.
The Toyota Zenix is available in six colors: Dark Steel Mica (2.0 Q Hybrid CVT), Blackish Brown Mica (2.0 Q Hybrid CVT), Attitude Black Mica (2.0 V CVT), Gray Metallic (2.0 V CVT), Silver Metallic (2.0 V CVT), and Platinum White Pearl Mica (2.0 Q Hybrid CVT and 2.0 V CVT). Pricing is pegged at P1,670,000 for the 2.0 V CVT and P1,953,000 for the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT. A P 15,000 premium is added to the Platinum White Pearl Mica color.