UMW Toyota just launched the second generation Toyota Innova here in Malaysia. My first thoughts were:
1. It's not so ugly anymore...and..
2. I wonder if it would make my daughter sick like the previous one when we were driven around in one when we were in Indonesia.
Aside from that, I think Toyota has brought it up to a decent specification with good safety equipment and that it looks more like a SUV instead of a neither here nor there SUV cum MPV styling . Which made it look quite dumpy looking. And ugly. I did mentioned ugly earlier right? It's not ugly anymore More like a lowered Toyota Fortuner than third world van (especially the side profile picture above) .
UMWT are projecting annual sales of 4,000 units. With EEV status and a price starting at RM109,000+ for the manual and a top spec of RM126,000+ I think it could sell to those who want a decent sized MPV/SUV that's not ugly anymore. I mean, the previous, facelifted one was just a large grille plastered on the MPV. Not everything looks good with a big grille. .
This, is my favourite composite photo of the new Innova - maybe in Indonesia this scene could be true. Here, I doubt anyone who flies around with a private jet got to their plane in an Innova. I am trying hard to imagine this scene in real life....really hard.
PRESS RELEASE
All-New Toyota Innova Launched In Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 5 December 2016 - UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the sole authorised importer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, today launches the all-new Toyota Innova.
The all-new Innova is now classified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) by the Malaysian government, the first Toyota MPV to have this qualification. With the EEV incentive, UMWT has passed back the benefit to customers and reduced the price. Without it, the price would be higher than that which is shown in the pricelist. To view the full price list, click here.
At the media launch event, Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor said, “Toyota Innova has been introduced in many markets including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. We are very glad that it has been well accepted in these markets and we are confident that it will be well accepted here in Malaysia.”
Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor said in his speech, “UMW Toyota Motor was among the first companies in Malaysia to offer MPVs, from as far back as the mid-1980s. Since that time, we have had various models in our range and the Innova has catered to those who require a mid-sized MPV.”
“For the second generation, Toyota has upgraded the Innova to be more premium in both appearance as well as features. From our market studies, we found that there is demand for MPVs of this size by families and the new model has therefore been developed in response to this need,” he said.
The launch event was also attended by Mr. Hiroki Nakajima, Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation.
The new exterior design of the all-new Innova reflects the premium image with a chrome upper grille, headlamp accents and an elegant side profile. The vehicle interior has been enhanced to suit the premium positioning with LED ambient lighting around the ceiling, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob with silver and chrome trim (2.0G variant).
Many convenience features are now available in the all-new Innova, including the Smart Entry and start system, automatic climate control for front and rear passengers and a cooler box at the front. Noise levels are also lower inside the cabin, thanks to improved insulation and elimination of noises at their source.
The all-new Innova is powered by a proven 2-litre 1TR-FE 4-cylinder petrol Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine that provides improved performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, various parts inside the engine have been redesigned to reduce friction and reduce weight, further contributing to fuel efficiency.
Safety has always a top priority for Toyota and more so with models like the Innova which carry families. With the all-new Innova, significant upgrades in safety equipment are being offered. Active Safety systems that include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) with Hill-start Assist Control are available for the Innova G Variant. Additionally, up to 7 SRS airbags are provided for increased protection in the event of an accident and all variants include an airbag to protect the driver’s knees from injury during a frontal collision.
The body structure of the all-new Innova has been strengthened with high tensile steel used in many areas. As a result of the improved structural strength and enhanced safety features, the all-new Innova has been rated 5 stars for Adult Occupant Protection by ASEAN NCAP in January this year. The vehicle also recently received a Grand Prix Award (MPV category) for its highest points scored in Child Occupant Protection. The award recognises vehicles for their Crash Worthiness Performance in their respective vehicle segments.
As before, the second generation of the MPV model is assembled at UMWT’s own manufacturing facilities, Assembly Services Sdn Bhd, at Shah Alam, Selangor.
The all-new Innova comes with a 5-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions. UMWT is targeting to sell a total of 4000 units in 2017 and so far it has received around 500 bookings.
The all-new Innova will be available at all showrooms nationwide from 9 December 2016 onwards. For more info, visit toyota.com.my or call Toyota freephone line 1- 800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
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