New Innova could switch to FWD, unibody layout Looks set to receive some form of electrification Expect it on roads as early as October 2022The possible front-wheel drive all-new 2023 Toyota Innova has popped up again on our radar, this time in similar guise of a development mule in Bengaluru, India, after first making an appearance in Thailand last month.It was caught by MotorBeam and reshared to Instagram by Indonesian automotive sleuth, Indra Fathan. While they only managed a side and rear pr... 
According to our Indonesian team, the next-gen 2023 Toyota Innova is rumoured to go through a major overhaul inside and out. Also known as the Toyota Kijang Innova in Indonesia, its rumoured for the first time to have a hybrid option. Also read: Toyota patents Innova Hycross name; all but confirms next-gen model will have a hybrid engine? According to sources familiar with the matter, the next-gen Toyota Kijang Innova will be available in five variants, 2 petrol and 3 hybrids. While Malaysians do not get the diesel option, the hybrid appears to be replacing the diesel options in Indonesia. Also read: Goodbye rear-wheel drive as next-gen, 2023 Toyota Innova could get Corolla Cross' TNGA-C platform The next-gen 2023 Toyota Innova is also rumoured to have a significant price increase across the line-up. According to our Indonesian team, here are the price increase comparison between the older and newer models: For petrol variants, a 10% increase for the G spec while the V spec gets a larger increase at 16%. For hybrid variants, the G spec hybrid is only 6% more than the G spec diesel model while the Q hybrid variants is 19% more expensive than the most expensive currently on-sale diesel option. Also read: Next-gen FWD 2023 Toyota Innova rumoured to get CVT, ditches MT and 6-speed AT Nevertheless, the next-gen Innova is also rumoured to feature Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This is Toyota's version of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). TSS is already available on the Toyota Avanza, Veloz (Alza), Raize (Ativa), Corolla Altis, Camry, Alphard, and Land Cruiser in Indonesia. There’s also a report that the next-gen Toyota Innova will come with sunroof on their highest spec. Do note that these are just rumours so take it with a pinch of salt. Currently on sale in Malaysia is the facelifted Toyota Innova, which comes in three variants: 2.0E (RM 123,880), 2.0G (RM 133,880) and 2.0X (RM 141,880). Also read: Ratings: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0X – Excellent comfort, but not fuel-efficient Here it is, the all-new Toyota Innova. Officially called the Kijang Innova Zenix in Indonesia where it has just made its global debut, the redesigned MPV adds a new chapter to the Kijang story that goes back 45 years and over two million units sold (this includes older models that were simply known as the Kijang or internally as the Toyota Utility Vehicle). While the Kijang name holds a lot of weight in Indonesia, the rest of us will simply refer to the third-generation MPV as the Innova. In its latest form, the Innova represents a significant departure from its predecessors in many aspects, starting with what’s beneath the metal. Where previous versions of the MPV were built on the IMV ladder frame chassis also used by the Hilux and Fortuner, the latest Innova makes the switch to a monocoque construction based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-C variant of the platform. As such, the longitudinal-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout is no more, replaced with a transversely-mounted engine and front-wheel drive setup instead. According to Toyota, the new platform allows the vehicle’s overhangs to be reduced and wheelbase extended, the latter now measuring 2,850 mm compared to 2,750 mm previously. Other dimensions include a length of 4,755 mm (+20 mm) and a width of 1,850 mm (+20 mm), while unchanged is the height at 1,795 mm. Toyota decided to maintain the same approach and departure angles of the second-generation model, and the same goes for the ride height of 185 mm. Visually, the latest Innova gains some SUV-like design cues with its sculpted sides as well as black body cladding on the wheel arches and lower sections of the doors. Meanwhile, the front end features a hexagonal-shaped grille and angular headlamps that are separated from the slim lower intake by a horizontal LED light strips set on a wide-width H-shaped panel. Viewed from the side, the Innova boasts a more dynamic profile that is less boxy because of the D-pillars being moved forwards and the A-pillars shifted further back. At the rear, the taillights have a simpler shape than before, which, when combined with the upright tailgate, echoes the RAV4. Inside, the dashboard is new and has a more elegant appearance compared to the swoops and curves of the past. Contrasting trim colours accentuate the dash’s layers, with the focal point being the floating centre console that integrates with the centre stack. This area accommodates the gear lever, digital controls for the air-conditioning system, centre air vents and a 9/10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Elsewhere, there’s a separate console between the front seats for the cupholders, USB ports and armrest. Without the need for a prop shaft to the rear wheels, the Innova boasts increased interior space than before, with certain variants being equipped with second-row captain chairs that have ottomans. As for other available equipment, the Innova can be had with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, LED headlamps, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, 10-inch dual rear seat entertainment screens, a panoramic roof, and crucially, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance systems (includes autonomous emergency braking). It was already made known that the new Innova will get hybrid power, and thanks to the TNGA platform, the Innova gets it for the first time. The setup consists of a Dynamic Force engine – the M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder – that serves up 152 PS at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm. This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS. Toyota says a nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery was preferred due to Indonesia’s hot weather, and it is stored under the two front seats so as not to take up rear cabin and boot space.
Besides the hybrid powertrain, the Innova will also be offered in Indonesia with the M20A-FKS 2.0 litre mill rated at 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. Both setups also feature a CVT (e-CVT for the hybrid) and have higher outputs than the outgoing 1TR-FE 2.0 litre unit that serves up 139 PS and 183 Nm. The second-generation Innova was also available with the 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre turbodiesel in Indonesia, which offers more torque at 360 Nm and inferior horsepower at 149 PS, but there’s no option for an oil burner with the third generation. In Indonesia, the new Innova is available in two petrol-only grades, namely the G for 419 million rupiah (RM121,891) and V for IDR467 million (RM135,854). The hybrid powertrain also comes in G and V grades, priced at IDR458 million (RM133,246) and INR522.15 million (RM151,909) respectively. The hybrid also gains an additional top-spec Q that goes for IDR601.15 million (RM174,893), and the range-topper as well as V can be had with a Modellista accessories for an extra IDR9.85 million (RM2,866). With these figures, the new Innova now has a higher starting price compared to its immediate predecessor that ranged from IDR369.6 million to IDR471.9 million (RM107,521 to RM137,281). So, what do you think of the latest Innova? Are you hoping and looking forward to the MPV’s arrival in Malaysia? Click to enlarge Tags: Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 |
