Toyota’s best-selling MPV takes on ‘Zen’-form
Text and photos by Ronald de los Reyes
Last month, the local motoring public were all glued to their own smartphones as news broke about the arrival of Toyota Motor Philippines’ third-generation Innova–the all-new Zenix.
After all, the Innova, being TMP’s most sellable product together with the Vios and Hilux, alone churning out about 17,800 units last year, is one of the hottest commodities in the local automotive market today.
As a cool addition to the company’s stable of hybrid electrics like the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4, this new offering proves to be another game-changer for the Japanese marque.
The seven-seater, positioned to be an electrified mobility, brings to the table a new versatile vehicle. With its comfort, spaciousness and reliability combined with its self-charging system, it is touted as an all-around people-mover with lesser emissions, and a smoother and quieter drive.
At the onset, the vehicle dons a sporty exterior with its rugged and more robust profile. Up front is its large grille, complementing its LED daytime running lights, overfenders and chrome body for the top-tier, not to mention its 18-inch alloys.
Inside, the impact of its striking features from the outside spills over. With its captain seats featuring power ottoman, power recline and a side table, its premium feel is like no other in its segment.
Furthermore, its spacious cabin is likewise highlighted by the dark chestnut colored seats and ambient lighting. Third-row seats, meanwhile, are foldable for bigger storage. Front and center are its seven-inch Thin Film Transistor Multi-info display and 10.1-inch display audio with Apple Carplay (wireless) and Android Auto. Plus, an electronic parking brake is likewise in place for added ease.
Also, a push start ignition and smart entry come standard for both variants.
Safety is top-of-mind–always
Like any of the Japanese carmaker’s latest models, the vehicle is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) that features the following: Pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), and dynamic radar cruise control. It also comes with other features like anti-lock brake system and vehicle stability control.
For the top-of-the-line variant, added technologies are the panoramic view monitor (PVM), blind spot monitor (BSM) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA).
The all-new Zenix is now being offered in all 72 Toyota dealerships nationwide at a starting price of P1,953,000 for the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT and P 1,670,000 for the 2.0 V CVT.
The hybrid variant comes in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Blackish Brown Mica and Dark Steel Mica, while the gas variant is available in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic and Attitude Black Mica.
According to TMP first vice president for Vehicle Sales Operations Danny Cruz, the company believes that a good way to help boost widespread adoption of electrified vehicles is by giving customers the power to choose.
He then concluded, “Our customers have been waiting for a hybrid option that is perfect for more sustainable rides for the whole family, and so, we are very proud to welcome this newest model in our MPV category.”
