Toyota Mark X Zio

http://jdmpire.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/toyota-mark-x-zio/

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/0926.html

The new Mark X ZiO embodies the refined quality and outstanding cruising performance characteristic of the acclaimed Mark X series, while adopting an interior based on a new concept that allows for flexible arrangements to suit the vehicle's use.

A stylish new "4 + Free" concept creates a high-quality interior space that uses four independent seats that can accommodate four adults in comfort and luxury, as well as a flexible "free space" in the rear that can be changed according to the vehicle's specific use. This allows the cabin to be modified into various configurations to achieve a "three-mode cabin" that can be used like a sedan, a station wagon or a minivan. In addition, a 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engine provides ample driving performance and the vehicle boasts safety at the top levels of its class2 as well as outstanding environmental performance. The ZiO is a vehicle that can easily support the lifestyles of adults seeking varied and exciting experiences.

http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/future/ftsx/photo_1.jpg
FT-SX concept

looks hot! i would buy

This might be the new vehicle Toyota is rumored to be bringing here within the next 12-18 mo's. A 'Camry wagon or something'. It makes sense with the 2.4L and 3.5L engines driving it.

This must be the new crossover that Toyotafanfan was telling me about.

Is this the "segment busting" vehicle we're expecting?

If so, that is cool. That concept is ok (I forgot the name... HS or sth?) but the idea of that flexible vehicle is cool. Plus it has the same engines as the Camry.. you know what that means... 2.4 HSD system!

What i find disappointing about this one is that it is the wagon (actual more a mpv/wagon crossover) version of the Mark X. The Mark X starts with a 2.5l V6 and is RWD (or AWD). But this one starts with a 4 cil engine and is FWD. AWD is optional, but only for the 2.4l 4 cil engine, not for the V6.

The design looks clean. I like the wheel arches :thumbup:

http://bp1.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvn7s8FTplI/AAAAAAAAC5I/yLNO_t8r5AM/s400/02.jpghttp://bp0.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvsa_MFTprI/AAAAAAAAC54/oDa1Z8gue-g/s400/02.jpghttp://bp1.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvn7s8FTpmI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/ZxZTCAdaSx4/s400/03.jpghttp://bp2.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvn7tMFTpnI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/WpPKyxgdwaY/s400/04.jpghttp://bp2.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvn7tMFTpoI/AAAAAAAAC5g/jFxejexbjus/s400/05.jpghttp://bp0.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvsa_MFTpsI/AAAAAAAAC6A/WR8N5WLA2tI/s400/03.jpghttp://bp2.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/Rvn71MFTppI/AAAAAAAAC5o/99YQucq_6Ks/s400/06.jpg

http://toyota.jp/markxzio/

L 184" x W 70" x H 61" x WB 109.4", curb weights I4 CVT FWD 3461lbs - V6 6AT FWD 3660lbs

I have a Mazda5, which has similar dimensions:
L 181" x W 69" x H 64" x WB 108", weight 3333lbs

This to me is not very pleasing. The pictures above looks very much like a ho hum boring van, I hope that doesn't pass because I really really dislike that. The concept is a lot better but I doubt the final version would be anything like that, and rather not have it as a Mark X.

^^^Are you kidding? Really? I think it looks very handsome and just cool and sleek. But each to his own I guess.

thats not bad looking! it would own the shit outta the kia rondo and mazda 5 in the us market

This is what I have been able to piece together, from reviewing the Japanese websites and the previous posts:

1. Despite being named Mark X and having a front-end that looks like a Mark X (which is a RWD vehicle and shares a platform with the Lexus GS), this multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is a FWD vehicle (with AWD option).

2. The dimensions of this vehicle, with exception of the wheelbase and height, are somewhat smaller (shorter and narrower) than the Camry. It is similar in size to the Mazda 5, although it looks much larger, to my eyes.

3. The engine is mounted laterally (sideways, with the transmission beside the engine), as in the Camry, rather than longitudinally (lengthwise, with the transmission behind the engine), as in the Mark X.

4. These items would seem to suggest to me that this vehicle, despite being named the Mark X, is actually built on the Camry / Avalon / Highlander platform.

5. If it is a Camry station wagon, it could be sold (and assembled) in North America sometime in the next year or so as the Camry-based crossover that has been rumoured. If the other rumours are true, this would then be the replacement for the Solara.

This type of vehicle would be new to North America, but is quite prevalent in Southeast Asia and Europe (various Toyota models available such as Corolla Verso and Toyota Wish).

If anybody has any more information, please confirm (or disprove) my speculation. My knowledge of Japanese is very weak to non-existent. ;)

We are in the market for this type of vehicle (if I can talk my wife into trading in her Civic for another Toyota to join my current Gen6 Camry). The new Highlander just seems a bit too large for easy in-town driving.

Based on these pictures, the prodcution model is not nearly as exciting as the concept... (Some of these pictures have already been posted hers, but there are also some new ones).

http://www.zercustoms.com/photos/Toyota-Mark-X-ZiO.html

:sosad:

Dang, it's almost the size of a Mazda5? I thought it was bigger!

Hmm.. that 3rd row seat design is very very familiar... the RAV4??

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/images/Toyota/Toyota-Mark-X-ZiO-4.jpgIt doesn't appear that the MXZio 3rd has the same design as found in the RAV4 (and Sienna) as there's no rear well for the folded seats to drop into. Definitely better behind-the-3rd row cargo space than the MZ5.

Dang, it's almost the size of a Mazda5? I thought it was bigger!

Hmm.. that 3rd row seat design is very very familiar... the RAV4??


I agree that the 3rd row seat looks like the one from the RAV4, but I believe it only looks similar. From what I saw on the Toyota Japan website, it would seem that the ZiO seatback folding mechanism is more similar to the Volvo XC90 than the RAV4. Whereas the RAV4 3rd-row seat folds back into a well in the rear floor, like the Sienna, the ZiO 3rd-row seat fold-down is a 2-step fold-forward process:

1. Push the seat cushion back, seemingly under the rear floor, similarly to what has to be done with the Volvo XC90 3rd-row seat.

2. Once the seat bottom cushion is out of the way, rotate the seatback forward and down, flush with the rear floor, just like the Highlander's 3rd-row seat.

The tonneau cover is stored under the rear floor, just as it is in the Highlander.

I hope that this design will change when and if we get the car next year: make it similar to the Highlander 3rd-row seat where the seat cushion articulates, sliding forward and lowering automatically when the seatback is rotated forward, making it a one-step process. But I want it to remain a split 50-50 design, unlike the new Highlander's 3rd-row seat, which is not split; that would allow the driver to better balance the extra person and some cargo.

I cannot wait to see this car in person. I personally like station wagons, and one with an occasional-use, 50-50 split 3rd-row seat makes it that much more appealing.

This might be the new vehicle Toyota is rumored to be bringing here within the next 12-18 mo's. A 'Camry wagon or something'. It makes sense with the 2.4L and 3.5L engines driving it.

Toyota has confirmed that this is NOT for the US market. Thankfully, I am relieved to hear that. This model just would not make sense in the North American market. We already have the Rav 4, Highlander, and Sienna ... all of which would heavily overlap with this.

I cannot wait to see this car in person. I personally like station wagons, and one with an occasional-use, 50-50 split 3rd-row seat makes it that much more appealing.
:werd: on the 50-50 split 3rd-row seat. The one on the new Highlander, although it isn't 50-50, is still quite ingenious. What's more clever is the pull-levers that make the 2nd-row seats fold flat :thumbup:


And I don't mind a Camry "wagon" either, although surely it won't be marketed as such in North America. But IMO this Mark X Zio's front-end doesn't look like the Mark X at all. Otherwise I don't mind the styling :)

Toyota has confirmed that this is NOT for the US market. Thankfully, I am relieved to hear that. This model just would not make sense in the North American market. We already have the Rav 4, Highlander, and Sienna ... all of which would heavily overlap with this.


Vasia, do you have any news as to what we will be getting, if not the ZiO, or are the rumours of a Camry station wagon / crossover vehicle just that, a rumour?

I personally would have liked something similar to the Mazda5 -- what the ZiO would have promised -- something larger than a RAV4, but more car-like and smaller than the (overly-)large Highlander.

Despite Toyota denials, I think the NA market is getting something very similar, different nose perhaps? Here's what Autoweek said is coming following the discontinuation of the Solara:

ACE: The crossover arrives as a 2009 model, drawing on crossover and minivan characteristics. Toyota says ACE stands for "advanced concept for empty-nesters" and is derived from the FT-SX concept.

ACE is merely the project code; the vehicle will be renamed before it reaches the market. Styling highlights are expected to include a low roofline with a high beltline and narrow greenhouse.

Expect much component sharing with the Camry. A 3.5-liter V-6 will be the only engine, paired with a six-speed automatic. AWD will be optional.

Link to Autoweek article (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/FREE/70820009/1530/FREE)

I think that we *might* get some sort of new model, although to be honest I fail to see how it would fit in Toyota's North American lineup. It would have to be different enough from the Highlander, Rav 4, and Sienna first of all so as to not cannibalize sales from them. Secondly, there is the fact that wagons just don't sell very well in North America, and I'm sure Toyota is aware of that.

One way I could see this model working is if Toyota replaces the Sienna with this crossover, but I'm not sure Toyota will do that.

Rumour is that the Mississippi plant will build an "unnamed" crossover on a 2nd line in addition to the Highlander which will be the main vehicle built at the plant.

And starlightmica, that Autoweek article is very suspect as it includes a lot of rumours and speculation. Autoweek articles such as these have been wrong in the past.

One way I could see this model working is if Toyota replaces the Sienna with this crossover, but I'm not sure Toyota will do that.

The Zio is one heck of a small crossover, far smaller than a Sienna (L 201" x W 77" x H69" x WB 119", 4270lbs) and no power/remote sliding doors. Not even close to being a minivan replacement.

How about this analogy? Zio:Highlander as to Mercedes CLS:Mercedes E Class. Smaller, swoopier, more intimate. Toyota certainly has the funds$ to try it out in NA, just look at the JDM people-mover overlap (Zio, Wish, Isis, Alphard, Estima, etc).

The Zio is one heck of a small crossover, far smaller than a Sienna (L 201" x W 77" x H69" x WB 119", 4270lbs) and no power/remote sliding doors. Not even close to being a minivan replacement.

How about this analogy? Zio:Highlander as to Mercedes CLS:Mercedes E Class. Smaller, swoopier, more intimate. Toyota certainly has the funds$ to try it out in NA, just look at the JDM people-mover overlap (Zio, Wish, Isis, Alphard, Estima, etc).

...or how about this analogy: ZiO to Highlander as Mercedes R-Class to Mercedes M-Class as Ford Taurus X to Ford Edge (or Ford Explorer)? It seems that every automaker, especially the North American ones, are coming out with more and more 3-row, more station wagon-like crossovers.

The Zio is one heck of a small crossover, far smaller than a Sienna (L 201" x W 77" x H69" x WB 119", 4270lbs) and no power/remote sliding doors. Not even close to being a minivan replacement.

How about this analogy? Zio:Highlander as to Mercedes CLS:Mercedes E Class. Smaller, swoopier, more intimate. Toyota certainly has the funds$ to try it out in NA, just look at the JDM people-mover overlap (Zio, Wish, Isis, Alphard, Estima, etc).

But is it THAT small compared to a Rav 4 or Highlander? Fact is, just like the Highlander and Sienna, the Zio uses the same Camry platform. And exterior dimensions do not always accurately indicate interior space. The Zio is large enough that it offers a third row.

The JDM market is much different than the North American market. Toyota can afford, and actually needs to offer many different kinds of vehicles to suit niche and individual tastes in Japan. That's how the market there works.

In all other worldwide markets except Japan (as it is unique), Toyota has offered very clear and differentiated model lineups.

I will state again that considering wagons are not at all popular in North America, and that a Zio-like vehicle would heavily overlap with the Rav 4, Highlander, and Sienna, I continue to have doubts that such a vehicle will be offered here. Toyota officially has said the Zio is NOT for the US market.

Will there be a "Zio-like" vehicle for North America then? Time will tell.

Toyota has confirmed that this is NOT for the US market. Thankfully, I am relieved to hear that. This model just would not make sense in the North American market. We already have the Rav 4, Highlander, and Sienna ... all of which would heavily overlap with this.

Whatever the new vehicle is it will be shown to the dealers and principals this weekend at the annual dealer meeting in Hawaii. Maybe some word next week.

I think that we *might* get some sort of new model, although to be honest I fail to see how it would fit in Toyota's North American lineup. It would have to be different enough from the Highlander, Rav 4, and Sienna first of all so as to not cannibalize sales from them. Secondly, there is the fact that wagons just don't sell very well in North America, and I'm sure Toyota is aware of that.

One way I could see this model working is if Toyota replaces the Sienna with this crossover, but I'm not sure Toyota will do that.

Rumour is that the Mississippi plant will build an "unnamed" crossover on a 2nd line in addition to the Highlander which will be the main vehicle built at the plant.

And starlightmica, that Autoweek article is very suspect as it includes a lot of rumours and speculation. Autoweek articles such as these have been wrong in the past.

Til now it's true that wagons have been a stepchild vehicle since the 80s. But if there is a mass exodus away from SUVs of all types as fuel goes up and up what do these buyers go into?
A Prius? Possibly but some still need another 10 yrs of road testing to believe hybrids work and that they are not the product of the devil.
A Matrix? Kind of spartan if they've been in a $35000 vehicle with nice amenities.
Sedans? Possibly but there's limited utility.

A very nice wagon-or something - makes sense.

But is it THAT small compared to a Rav 4 or Highlander? Fact is, just like the Highlander and Sienna, the Zio uses the same Camry platform. And exterior dimensions do not always accurately indicate interior space. The Zio is large enough that it offers a third row.

The JDM market is much different than the North American market. Toyota can afford, and actually needs to offer many different kinds of vehicles to suit niche and individual tastes in Japan. That's how the market there works.

In all other worldwide markets except Japan (as it is unique), Toyota has offered very clear and differentiated model lineups.

I will state again that considering wagons are not at all popular in North America, and that a Zio-like vehicle would heavily overlap with the Rav 4, Highlander, and Sienna, I continue to have doubts that such a vehicle will be offered here. Toyota officially has said the Zio is NOT for the US market.

Will there be a "Zio-like" vehicle for North America then? Time will tell.

Toyota said they'll launch a "segment-busting" vehicle which means that the Zio won't have to fall into anything that Toyota currently offers.

Just like the Mazda5, it won't interfere with Corolla/Camry/Sienna sales just as the Mazda5 is to the 3/6/MPV

Sulu, the R-Class to M Class analogy works better.:clap:
I don't see what's the point in the M-B CLS 4 door "coupe", but you're talking to a guy who drives 2 minivans who really appreciates the sliders.

vasia, I own both the Zio-sized Mazda5 and the 2nd gen Sienna, there's not much market overlap from a size standpoint.

I see a possible niche for these new crossovers like the Zio that have the upright seating position and packaging, but without the extra ground clearance of the boxier SUV's (RAV4, etc) that try to emulate look of body-on-frame SUV's. The Zio isn't styled to look like the traditional station wagon with the box-on-back, either, despite the fact that it would fall into that EPA classification.

Til now it's true that wagons have been a stepchild vehicle since the 80s. But if there is a mass exodus away from SUVs of all types as fuel goes up and up what do these buyers go into?
A Prius? Possibly but some still need another 10 yrs of road testing to believe hybrids work and that they are not the product of the devil.
A Matrix? Kind of spartan if they've been in a $35000 vehicle with nice amenities.
Sedans? Possibly but there's limited utility.

A very nice wagon-or something - makes sense.

Well typically these buyers would get into a Rav 4 or Highlander.

Whatever the new vehicle is it will be shown to the dealers and principals this weekend at the annual dealer meeting in Hawaii. Maybe some word next week.

Whatever is shown, hopefully it will clarify things.

No sir, I don't like it.

so, how much space for the third row? specs? cargo capacity? as big as the mazda 5.....yes, it is one little cute crossover :D

I think it looks like an R-Class from the side and the rear.

Of course the concept was very cool, even thou the production model isnt that bad at all, looks nice, seems it is very flexible. Why buy this one over a highlander or a sienna? is it the purpose to be a combination of both....