Moments ago, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix in Malaysia. Two variants are up for grabs, and with prices ranging from RM 165k to RM 202k, it's quite a leap from the 'older', IMV ladder frame-based CG-generation Innova.

An Innova in name only

Despite the Innova nameplate, the Innova Zenix is seen as a totally seperate model from the older CG generation Innova - which will still remain on sale for customers who are looking for something simpler, cheaper, with 'more load-carrying' capacity.

Hence, the Innova Zenix reaches up to a more premium slice of the market. For starters out goes the Hilux platform, and in comes new Dynamic Force engines and hybrid power, along with loads more driving assistance (ADAS, or as Toyota calls it, Toyota Safety Sense or TSS) technology, and convenience features, including a panoramic glass roof.

At this juncture, it's vital to note that it's also the most technologically-advanced hybrid UMWT sells: its 5th-gen Toyota Hybrid Electric System is the first of its kind here (the Corolla Cross Hybrid's powertrain is 4th-gen), just as its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 ADAS suite is.

TSS 3.0's improvements come in the form of autonomous emergency braking that now works in intersections, in addition to cameras and radars that now have better detection ranges, while the newest hybrid system nets class-leading 41% thermal efficiency and more power.

So why only CBU, and will there be CKD later on?

For the time being, the Innova Zenix will remain as a CBU-only model, imported from Indonesia. The business case for locally-assembled (CKD) variants are still being explored, said UMWT when contacted for a comment.

UMWT clarified that the decision to import the model for now is due to its smaller volume, which is to be expected given its higher starting price, as well as it being a different platform from the old CG Innova. 

Against this background, the CBU approach would be the fastest way to launch the Innova Zenix here, explained the company.

Although the Innova Zenix rides on the same TNGA-C platform as the Corolla Cross that is being produced at Toyota Bukit Raja's plant, there are significant differences between the two, mainly due to its different dimension, especially the Innova Zenix's longer 2,850 mm wheelbase, versus the Corolla Cross' 2,640 mm.

However, UMWT also said that CKD is not ruled out entirely, and a CKD programme will definitely be considered if demand is strong enough to sustain it.

As it is, UMWT CKDs 8 models in Malaysia: the commercial vehicle / ladder frame chassis models Fortuner, CG Innova, Hilux, Hiace is produced at their Shah Alam plant, and the monocoque passenger cars Vios, Yaris, Corolla Cross at Bukit Raja. The Toyota Rush is contract manufactured at Perodua's Rawang facility.