Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Toyota
Japan: Toyota reveals Mark X ZiO
Joe Camel spends a night with an R Class, and what do you get? The Toyota Mark X ZiO. Surprisingly stylish, the "new class vehicle" from Toyota is further proof that the rest of the world gets their interesting stuff while we're stuck with the geriatric Corolla, fugly Solara, and various bulbous Utility Giants. The production realization of the FSC concept from 2005, the ZiO is available in two versions, the four-cylinder 240G, or the more sprightly 350G with a 3.5-liter V6. With four large doors and a well appointed interior, not to mention the car-like demeanor, this is a far more useful and practical vehicle than, say, the Highlander. Its pricing puts it in the mid-to-high $20,000s for Japanese consumers -- RAV-4 territory. The target customers are up and coming 30 and 40 year olds, and were it to ever come Stateside, there might be family appeal for people that'd buy a Camry wagon if afforded the choice. Not everyone wants to pretend they're Ivan Stewart.
[Source: Winding Road]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
RPM 10:05AM (9/27/2007)
Looks pretty good, though the front end isn't perfect. I think this could sell in the US, maybe even better in Canada.
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coldwarmth 10:31AM (9/27/2007)
I agree this would sell well. Lets hope they will bring it this way.
Anonymust 10:18AM (9/27/2007)
Looks like everything Toyota's competitors have already put out..namely the Hyundai i-Blue
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Johari 11:07AM (9/27/2007)
Actually, it's an evolution of their FT-SX concept crossover.
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/ftsx.html
Blacknimbus 10:19AM (9/27/2007)
Hrm...front end is the only good part. It's a 4 door station wagon.
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Menice 10:45AM (9/27/2007)
god i hate the nose of these toyo's
just looks dopey, lame and pug-dog-ish.
(no offense to cute pug dogs)
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Bonehead 11:09AM (9/27/2007)
please bring this to the states! I want a Camry SE wagon manual but they dont make it. My WRX cna barely fit car seats and carry my windsurfing equipment. And now that the camry SE is more a sports car than the new WRX, im considering it for my next purchase. Only prob is that the SE doesnt have foldable seats. So this with a V6 and manual please!!!
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SherbornSean 11:10AM (9/27/2007)
I'd like to see Toyota move the front wheels forward half a foot and slim the D pillar. Otherwise, quite nice.
I'd like to see more vehicles of this size - the Mazda5 and Rondo don't quite have the formula down pat yet.
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Quarry 11:30AM (9/27/2007)
Love the wagon, bring them on!
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starlightmica 11:50AM (9/27/2007)
Gallery doesn't show it but there's a small 3rd row: http://toyota.jp/markxzio/
Concept car version: http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/ftsx.html
This vehicle is supposed to replace the slow-selling Solara.
Dimensions:
L 184" x W 70" x H61" x WB 109.4", 3461-3660lbs
Mazda5 by comparison:
L 181" x W 69" x H64" x WB 108", 3333 lbs
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MUSASHI66 5:24PM (12/19/2007)
I hope it looks like these - R class on the budget. With AWD, perfect people hauler.
Rene Curry 12:16PM (9/27/2007)
I think Joe Camel was getting it on with Ms Honda Stream.
I like the look!
The rear reminds me of the Mazda 6 hatch. I think Toyota did the right thing by not carrying the nose shape into the grille like the Camry. I am always glad when design beats out branding. I agree with Sherborn that the D pillar should be thinned out.
It's a winner. What is scary is there are a lot of good designs over in Asia that have not reached our shores. When they do it will really be tough on the domestics. Hopefully the weak dollar will save the day.
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J 12:23PM (9/27/2007)
Yeah big achievement, woo pee, same ole ugly crap,,,please DON'T bring this to the states.
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Anthony 1:02PM (9/27/2007)
bodykits already available
http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Toyota-Mark-X-ZiO-body-kit.html
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Rick 5:09PM (9/27/2007)
I'm not really a fan. Some angles it looks good, some angles it looks bland and some angles it's horrible.
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SPG 8:06PM (9/27/2007)
Crossovers are perfect for people that don't want a mini-van and can't fit their things in a gas guzzling SUV.
This one would be great for a young family that just outgrew thier sedan or compact wagon.
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