KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the sole authorised importer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the all-new Innova EEV (energy efficient vehicle).

The second generation MPV is assembled at UMWT’s manufacturing facility, Assembly Services Sdn Bhd, in Shah Alam.

“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,” said UMWT deputy chairman Akio Takeyama during the launch.

Besides gaining traction in Malaysia, the Innova is available in other Asean countries including Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

As with Toyota’s other models, safety was a crucial element in the development of the Innova.

Significant upgrades in safety equipment such as the Active Safety systems which include the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) with Hill-start Assist Control are made available for the highest-spec Innova G Variant.

As a result of the improved structural strength and enhanced safety features, the new Innova was rated five stars for Adult Occupant Protection by Asean NCAP in January this year.

In addition, 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.

UMWT is targeting to sell a total of 4,000 units in 2017, and so far it has received around 500 bookings.

The Innova, which is available in three variants, 2.0E M/T, 2.0E A/T and 2.0G A/T, is priced between RM109,000 and RM126,000, on-the-road with GST and insurance.