Now in its 7th year since it first rolled off Toyota's Santa Rosa plant, the second generation Innova has become a well loved vehicle that continues to be a sales success for Toyota. But since it's been 7 months since the introduction of the all-new, redesigned-from-the-ground-up Innova Zenix in Indonesia, people have been wondering, "Will Toyota Motor Philippines be launching the new Innova model soon?" Speculations, discussions, and anticipation have been buzzing around the automotive industry about this model. Now, with its debut in Indonesia, it's time to take another detailed look at what this new incarnation of the popular MPV has to offer.

The 2023 Toyota Kijang Innova Zenix (as it's called in Indonesia) marks a significant departure from its predecessors. For the past two generations, the Innova was known for its MPV-like design, but the third generation seems to break away from tradition. The new model sports a more crossover-like design; an overall styling that brings it closer to its stablemates, the Corolla Cross and RAV4, and is based on the flat floor variation of the TNGA-C platform.

Its new design also boasts a more prominent front bumper, fender bulges and chiseled corners, giving it a more robust look. The automaker has also adorned the lower half of the car with plastic cladding, adding to its new SUV-like aesthetic. The rear of the car features high-set wraparound tail lights and a wider tailgate opening, a feature that promises to make loading cargo easier.

In terms of size, the new Innova has been considerably enlarged for its primary markets, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. The vehicle's overall measurements have increased somewhat, but it's the reconfiguration of the whole formula that allows it to offer more space.

Moving inside the car, the new Innova brings a refreshing change. The dashboard features a wraparound design inspired by newer Toyota crossovers and SUVs. With the shift to a front-wheel-drive platform, the cabin is said to be wider and roomier than the outgoing model. The new design also includes fold-flat third-row seats for improved space efficiency. Toyota even claims that three passengers can fit in the third-row area comfortably. Moreover, the Innova Zenix now comes with the option of a panoramic sunroof. The car also includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring advanced safety systems such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist and Automatic High Beam.

The third-generation Innova Zenix has also seen significant changes in its mechanical aspects. Unlike its predecessors that shared the same frame as the Hilux and Fortuner (IMV platform), the new Innova utilizes the TNGA-C chassis, the same one used by the Corolla Altis and Corolla Cross. This shift also means that the new Innova is a front-wheel-drive car, a stark departure from its previous iterations.

The engine options for the new Innova have been overhauled as well. The major news here is the discontinuation of the turbo-diesel option. The new Innova comes with the Dynamic Force M20AFKS-based 2-liter gas and a 2-liter hybrid-gas powertrain. The non-hybrid engine boasts 172 hp and 205 Nm of torque, a significant increase from the previous Innovas. The hybrid version packs a total system output of 184hp. The manual transmission has also been discontinued, replaced with a ten-speed CVT. Power is sent to the front wheels, aligning with its new front-wheel-drive platform. The Kijang Innova Zenix indeed marks a new chapter in the model's history, with its design, interior, and mechanical features significantly revamped.

Now Toyota Motor Philippines has just announced their latest stride towards carbon neutrality: the introduction of the All-New Toyota Zenix to its Hybrid Electric Vehicle line. Slated to officially launch in the Philippines on 22 June, the highly anticipated Toyota Zenix will soon be available for purchase at Toyota dealerships across the country. TMP's strategy for combating the climate crisis includes expanding the range of electrified vehicles on offer to meet the unique demands of the current market and infrastructure conditions, whilst also tailoring these vehicles to suit the specific needs of their customers.

Danny Cruz, Toyota Motor Philippines' First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations, expressed his enthusiasm about the new addition to their fleet. "We are very excited to finally bring in the All-New Toyota Zenix, further boosting Toyota's wide range of electrified vehicle choices for Filipino families," he said.

Cruz went on to acknowledge the growing demand for electrified vehicles in the Philippines, expressing his appreciation for customers who make conscious efforts to choose sustainable mobility options. "Widespread adoption of electrified vehicles is one of our goals and we would like to support this by providing practical and suitable choices," he stated.

With this new addition, Toyota continues to provide tangible solutions for those who want to make a difference in their environmental impact while meeting their mobility needs. The All-New Toyota Zenix is more than just a new vehicle; it's another significant step in TMP's journey towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.

There are also many questions to be asked, however. With the popularity of the current IMV based Innova, is the Philippine market really ready to say goodbye to the popular turbo-diesel option? The Vietnamese market just launched a facelift for the said model. With the new Zenix dropping the Innova name, would it be possible that TMP will offer the old Innova with the new, hybrid Zenix as a way to slowly transition? Will reformatting the model line be a good move in the eyes of the market?

Soon the new Toyota Zenix will take center stage in Toyota's upcoming HEV activities, and both the HEV and gas variants of the vehicle will be on display in selected dealerships nationwide. The disclosed pricing for the new Toyota Zenix starts at P1,670,000 for the gas variant, and P1,953,000 for the HEV.

The Zenix is indeed a significant debut in the MPV segment, and it will be interesting to see how Toyota Philippines will position it alongside the Innova, as the latter is such a beloved nameplate and its use cases are such a match for the Filipinos' way of life. Watch this space for more news regarding Toyota's new player in the MPV market.