Toyota rolls out 7-seater hybrid EV

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) continues to widen its offerings to its customers in the country with the launch of  a new seven-seater hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

In a statement yesterday, TMP said the all-new Toyota Zenix is its latest addition to its wide HEV lineup.

“Positioned to bring the electrified mobility experience to modern Filipino families, the all-new Zenix is a versatile vehicle with a self-charging hybrid system, combining the comfort, spaciousness, and reliability of a Toyota family carrier with the benefits of an advanced energy efficient ride, with a quiet drive and lesser emissions,” the company said.

“As the pioneer in electrified mobility in the country, TMP continues to expand its HEV lineup as one of the concrete steps in its multiple pathway approach to help achieve carbon neutrality,”it said.

Other vehicles in its wide HEV lineup include the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry and RAV4.

TMP said the Zenix comes in the HEV variant and the gas variant.

“At Toyota, we believe that giving the customers the power of choice is a good way to help speed up the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles,” TMP first vice president for vehicle sales operations Danny Cruz said.

“Our customers have been waiting for a hybrid option that is perfect for more sustainable rides for the whole family, and so we are very proud to welcome this newest model in our MPV (multipurpose vehicle) category,” he said.

According to TMP, the HEV variant has captain seats with a power ottoman and power recline for a luxurious riding experience, complete with a side table for easy access of handheld items.

“The dark chestnut color of the seats and ambient lighting add to the exceptional look and feel of the MPV,”it said.

Meanwhile, the dashboard features a 7-inch thin film transistor (TFT) multi-info display and a 10.1-inch display audio with Apple carplay (wireless) and Android auto.

The Zenix also comes with an electronic parking brake (EPB).

TMP said the new vehicle is available in all 72 Toyota dealerships nationwide at a starting price of P1.953 million for the 2.0 Q hybrid continuously variable transmission (CVT) and P1.67 million for the 2.0 V CVT.

The HEV variant comes in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Blackish Brown Mica, and Dark Steel Mica, while the gas variant is available in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.

“With the introduction of the all-new Zenix, TMP aims to elevate the thrill and joy of moving together into a shared experience among families,” the company said.

TMP remains the market leader in terms of vehicle sales in the country, according to latest data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association.

From January to May, TMP had a 46.47 percent market share of total vehicle sales in the country as it sold 77,194 units.