Toyota Mark X Zio (ANA10/ANA15/GGA10) -Phase II-

Created exclusively for the Japanese market, Toyota's Mark X Zio is the next generation of multipurpose passenger vehicle. It does not share the platform from the Toyota Mark X, currently on its second generation, it only shares the name on it. With the Mark X sedan reached its second generation, the Mark X Zio received a mild refresh, keeping it more updated and gained the concept of "Samurai Wagon" much like the Mark X's "Samurai X" concept, designed and appealed for spirited people.

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

With the Mark X sedan made for spirited executives, the Mark X Zio is made for spirited adventurers looking for some thrills on the outside world because it was made for everyday lifestyles. On front, the Mark X Zio receives its aggressive stance, giving it more of a killer look than the previous pre-facelift model. What's more is the revised grille on the Aerial variant of the Mark X Zio. The standard Mark X Zio has a sporty face while the Aerial variant gets even more elegant with the new grille. The rear lamps also changed, giving it some sporty character on this Samurai Wagon. On the inside, it retains the Zio's trademark arrangement of being a sedan-type, wagon-type, and minivan-type. Most Zio variants can seat up to six or seven people, depending on which side they're on. However, the Mark X Zio 240 Five Style is the only Mark X Zio variant that can seat up to five people, minus the third-row seats, providing more space and more practicality for the spirited adventurer.

Despite minor change, the Mark X Zio retains two available engines; the 2AZ-FE (4-cylinder DOHC) engine and the 2GR-FE (V6 3.5L) engine. The 2AZ-FE engine is the entry-level engine that comes with the power output of 163PS and the fuel economy of 13.2km/L. The top-of-the-line 2GR-FE engine has the power output of 280PS and the fuel economy of 10.2km/L. The 2.4L variants of the Mark X Zio are the only ones to get additional Four-Wheel Drive to keep the adventure off and running.

My thoughts about the Mark X Zio:
Just like in the 2009 TV Commercial with Japanese actor, Koichi Sato, the Mark X is the Samurai X. Now on the Zio's facelift, this will be forever know as the "Samurai Wagon", With the Mark X Zio destined as the Samurai Wagon, expect to see the face of Japanese actor, Yusuke Iseya, to go along with its Zio marketing campaign. Yusuke Iseya is the new TV commercial character for the Mark X Zio's facelift.

I'm glad that the Zio's now refreshed to keep more "Samurai" oriented.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation