The all-new 2024 Toyota Zenix, yes, Toyota has dropped the Innova name for this one, is set to launch on June 22 for the Philippine market. 

The new model brings with it two variants that are revolutionary to the nameplate. The first is a new 2.0-liter gasoline-only variant, while the second is the anticipated 2.0-liter hybrid model.

The Zenix also rides on a new monocoque chassis design that enhances the comfort and handling of the all-new MPV.

But as the new Zenix brings new technology and features, some buyers are still hesitant to shift over as many still love the diesel model. And that's why Toyota Motor Philippines has decided to keep this Innova generation on sale alongside the newer Zenix.

That said, we will quickly examine why the old Toyota Innova diesel still makes sense and why it has become a household name in the Philippines.

Tough chassis

Unlike the new Zenix, which has a monocoque chassis, the older model shares a ladder-frame chassis with the Toyota Fortuner and the Toyota Hilux. It meant that the MPV was ready to take on anything its siblings could do but at the cost of some ride comfort.

The tough chassis made the car a hit living up to its name as a Multi-Purpose Vehicle. It could easily haul seven or more people over great distances and be used to carry cargo and other items a family might need. 

The Philippine market just isn't ready to let go of such a trusted partner it has grown accustomed to over the years.

Its iconic turbodiesel engine

Filipinos love turbodiesel engines. This is evident in the wide selection of pickup trucks and SUVs with these motors.

For that reason, the Toyota Innova became a hit in the Philippines as its turbodiesel motor would provide instant low-end grunt when needed, making you feel like you were in a faster vehicle. The turbo also helped alleviate the feeling of a heavy car when fully loaded.

It also helped that Toyota Philippines put the more powerful 2.8-liter turbo diesel motor for the second generation of the MPV instead of the smaller 2.4-liter turbo diesel motor found in other countries.

After all, who doesn’t want 174 PS and 360 Nm of torque under the hood in a rear-wheel drive car?

Plus, diesel has always been the go-to fuel for the masses. It's readily available anywhere and a liter of it can last longer than gasoline. And with the engine being around so long, parts and servicing are easy to come by even outside the casa.

Seating versatility

The older Toyota Innova is an MPV through and through, as it comes with flexible seating arrangements that benefit the typical Filipino family. 

The third row can be folded to the sides if more space is needed in the back for cargo. Conversely, they can be put back down when more seating is required. The second row can also be folded to create more room to carry cargo. 

The seating versatility and the ability to adapt to many situations are why the Innova has become a hit for Toyota. 

Fair pricing

While the old Toyota Innova diesel has experienced a few price increases over the past few years, its pricing has remained fair and attractive. 

The MPV is currently priced at ₱1,236,000 – ₱1,804,000, which puts it above the affordable 7-seater segment but just below the price point of most SUVs in the country. Thanks to its positioning, the Toyota Innova was able to carve a niche for itself in the local market, where it remains largely unchallenged by MPV entries from China. 

It isn’t as feature-rich as the other 7-seater rivals. Still, it has just the right features to keep a typical Filipino family happy, as a recent update has given the vehicle access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

“di lang pampamilya pang sports pa”

Thanks to its tenure on the market, the old Toyota Innova has developed an extensive aftermarket parts portfolio. Other markets such as Thailand and Vietnam have multiple examples of highly modified Innovas pushing well beyond their factory power outputs.

It means that for those who want to modify their second generation, there is an online parts catalog for them to choose from.

Those who want to maximize the engine power from their older Innova can also do so with many performance parts available. Some shops have even safely pushed the 2.8-liter to 200 whp and 500 Nm with just a few bolt-on modifications. 
 

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