There are still many pristine natural wonders in the Philippines, and one of the best ways to ensure they stay that way for generations to come is to visit them with low emission vehicles.
Just last month, Toyota presented a new way to visit such amazing sights with their first full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) seven-seater MPV in the local market, the all-new Zenix Hybrid.
Why drive around Bohol? Well, aside from really nice beaches and touristy places to visit, it has also just recently been made a UNESCO Global Geopark. It just makes sense that the hybrid vehicles Toyota brought in for us to drive have much less of an environmental impact than any other car on the road there. Also, these vehicles don’t require any special technique to minimize emissions. They are as equally easy and fun to drive as their internal combustion engine (ICE) versions.
In case you haven’t already heard, the Zenix is the lates version of the popular Innova. Like what the Veloz is to the Avanza, the Zenix is a more premium version sold alongside the existing diesel-powered predecessor. The Zenix is available in two variants; the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT and also a 2.0 V CVT internal combustion version.
For this drive, we’ll focus on the 2.0 Q Hybrid. Its exterior has a mix of sharp lines and muscular curves giving it a sporty look. Up front is a big grille which adds to its buff appeal, flanked by LED headlights, DRLs and fog lamps. Around back is a power tailgate. The Q Hybrid variant rides on 18-inch alloys and fender flares to give it a stance not seen on other MPVs.
Inside, you get an engine start button, paddle shifters, leather seats in black and dark chestnut. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for audio, display, voice, phone, cruise control and lane departure. The driver’s seat is nine-way power adjustable. The second row captain’s chairs can slide and have power recline and are equipped with power ottomans. The third row can split 50/50 and can also fold flat. The instrument cluster has a seven-inch display to show hybrid system information.
The entertainment system is made up of a six-speaker system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with AM/FM, wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and voice command. There are USB type A and C charging ports
for the driver and front passenger and 2 type C charging ports for the second row occupants.
Under the hood is the hybrid powertrain which consists of the chain driven 2.0L 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-I gasoline engine (152-Ps at 6,000 rpm) and an electric motor/generator (113-Ps). This adds up to a total combined max power output of 186-Ps, and max torque of 188-Nm. They’re paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. The transmission comes with selectable Power and Eco drive modes.
The Zenix has driver and front passenger and curtain shield airbags, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, and ISOFIX tethersfor child-seats. Other safety features include a Panoramic View Monitor and front and rear clearance and reversing sonar, emergency brake signal,
This car also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LTA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The all-new Zenix is priced at P1,953,000 for the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT and P1,670,000 for the 2.0 V CVT.
We foresee the all-new Zenix to easily be the most popular addition to Toyota’s hybrid line up. After all, it can carry the most family members or friends, and makes it easy to see the country’s pristine sights while also doing your part to help preserve it.