2016 Toyota Line-up (Malaysia)
UMW Toyota is set for four new
introductions this year, and they are the Sienta (August), new Innova
(end-2016) and “improvements” to the Vios and Camry sedans. This was revealed
by UMWT president Datuk Ismet Suki at the launch of the 2016 Toyota Alphard and
Vellfire.
The Toyota Sienta needs no introduction,
as the curious-looking car has been displayed to the public on more than one
occasion. This includes a preview during My Auto Fest 2016 back in May,
followed by a display at Toyota’s showroom in Mitsui Outlet Park. It’s good to
know that the seven-seat MPV will be making its official debut here shortly
after its larger siblings (Alphard and Vellfire).
Available in two variants – base 1.5G
and 1.5V – pricing for both have also been revealed, with the former wearing a
RM 92,900 sticker and the former retailing at RM 99,900 (prices are on-the-road
with insurance). However, in both times we’ve seen the Sienta, it is only the
high-spec 1.5V, and not the base 1.5G.
As for the “improvements” to the Vios
and Camry, the former could possibly be a reference to the refreshed model
already available in Thailand. We’ve already gotten up close with the new Vios
during the 2016 Bangkok Motor Show, which comes with some pretty significant
abbreviations.
Chief among them is the inclusion of VSC
(Vehicle Stability Control), joining the already-standard ABS with EBD and
brake assist. The other is the CVT that replaces the current model’s four-speed
automatic gearbox, with a seven-speed stepped-ration mode. Said transmission is
mated to a new 2NR-FBE 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i engine capable of running on E85
biofuel.
Should the new Vios be introduced in
Malaysia, we will most likely not get the 2NR-FBE powertrain, but instead, the
regular 2NR-FE Dual VVT-i (Sienta engine), without E85 capability. In terms of output, the Thai-spec engine
outputs 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm, slightly down in torque
(by 1 Nm) from our current 1NZ-FE Vios.
As for the Camry, we’re not certain as
to what improvements can be introduced to it. If we had to guess, it could be
something like the previous pre-facelift Camry 2.0G X. Should
that be the case, a new 2.0G X should slot in between the current 2.0G and
range-topping 2.5 Hybrid, with more kit.
Finally, the new Innova, which has
already been revealed for the Indoesian market. Featuring a brand-new design
inside and out, the MPV has been made a little more upmarket than before thanks
to its more expansive equipment list. This extends to the vehicle’s safety kit
as well, which includes seven airbags and VSC electronic stability control for
the top-spec variant there.
Engine options in the Republic include a
2.0 litre Dual VVT-i 1TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine (139 PS/ 183 Nm) or the
new 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that debuted on the Hilux, with
149 PS and 359 Nm of torque from 1,200 to 2,600 rpm. The engines are mated to
either a six-speed torque converter automatic with manual mode (replacing the
four-speed auto) or a five-speed manual.