Samurai Selections

Toyota Mark X

Back when the second-generation Toyota Mark X (known in Mainland China as the Reiz) launched in mid-October 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation adopted the SAMURAI concept for the new model. The term "SAMURAI X" really scored a spot for the new Toyota Mark X because of its sharp design and a powerful aura only a spirited driver can wield its true power of this executive sedan. In February 14, 2011, Valentines Day, the Toyota Mark X Zio (unrelated to the Mark X sedan) multipurpose vehicle made a mid-life refresh and it has an aggressive face on the regular and a elegant front grille on the Aerial variant. How are these two Samurais differ?

2010 Toyota Mark X

First of all, the second-generation Toyota Mark X is an improved version of the first-generation Mark X. The Toyota Mark X was the successor of the legendary Toyota Mark II sedan and it rivals the Nissan Fuga, which is the successor of the legendary Nissan Cedric and Gloria twin sedans. Upon taking a peek on the second-generation model, I'm impressed that the new Mark X is the SAMURAI X within reach, just like the TV commercial with Koichi Sato. Three styles are offered for the new Mark X; Standard Type for basic, Premium Type for enhanced luxury, and Sports Type for the aggressive driving. My pick was the Sports Type because this is the best style suited to be called a samurai.

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

Dubbed as the Grand Station Wagon, the latest facelift for the Mark X Zio is now worthy to be called "SAMURAI WAGON" and its probably thanks to the latest TV commercial starring Yusuke Iseya. In 2007, the Mark X Zio is a new station wagon, highly unrelated to the Mark X sedan. The name "Zio" is an acronym for "Zone in One". By terms of Zone in One, the interior can be set to either Sedan type, Wagon type, or Minivan type, perfecting different arrangements offered on this Samurai Wagon. Two styles are offered on the Zio; the regular Mark X Zio boasts an aggressive face while the Mark X Zio Aerial has an elegant front grille, making it more sophisticated for the spirited adventurer. It can seat up to six, while some can seat up to seven. There's also a Mark X Zio variant, called "Five Style", that can allow up to five people to seat.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Mark X's concept is "SAMURAI X" and the new Mark X Zio's concept is "SAMURAI WAGON", both of these Samurai Selections are a deadly combo for Toyota. Think about it, the Mark X sedan is made for the spirited businessmen while the Mark X Zio station wagon is made for the spirited adventurers. Which samurai will you take on?

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