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Where then, does this new Mark X Zio stand, with today’s wide array of modern family-oriented carriages?
 Not too long ago in a not so far-off land, the Lexus RX300/Toyota Harrier was considered the ultimate status symbol-SUV for the well heeled family. Many “towkays” (Chinese businessmen) and their “tai-tais” (socialite wives) had one. With its luxurious interior and lofty seating, the vehicle was soon associated with elitism and the bourgeois.
Obviously, Toyota has not forgotten the other target markets (except maybe sports coupes) and we jumped at the opportunity to satisfy our curiosity with one of their “mixed offerings” – a luxury MPV/estate-wagon that houses seven.
When we first set eyes on our ride of the day, it hardly set pulses racing. With a name like Mark X Zio, one would expect it to be sculpted like the muscular and aggressive Mark X sedan. However with its unusual chrome front grille, elongated body and belta-like snout, we could not help but feel a little disappointed.
The rear LED tail lamps, curved wheel arches and the huge ‘X’ logo on its bonnet was the redeeming point of the overall design, and gave a classy, sporty touch to an otherwise uninspiring exterior. Our test drive unit came with optional HID headlights, which were useless in broad, sunny daylight anyway.
Comfort
Staring at the Toyota keyless entry system, a technologically klutzy driver, or more aptly put, yours truly, didn’t know where the ignition keyslot was, because there was none! But of course, depressing the brake and pressing the ‘engine start’ button isn’t rocket science. The gentle purr of the engine, followed by the lighting up of the Optitron meters, was a sight for sore eyes.
In the sweltering heat, the icy cool aircon was a treat. It was like experiencing an evening breeze during Perth’s winter season, and soon, the interior climate felt like a Genting highlands trip. We started caressing the smooth velour fabric seats, which really feels like upholstery material used for luxurious furniture.
Exploring the various storage spaces and cubby holes like Indiana Jones, we discovered a hidden cup holder, two dashboard storage compartments….and not much else.
One could probably increase the value of this vehicle by throwing in a DVD player and maybe a reverse camera as standard.
The Zio easily sits up to 8 normal human beings (barring the fact that some people consider Shaquille O'Neal normal). Of course the rear seats will be a little crammed if the people in the middle section have long legs, but overall the vehicle was well spaced out.
For the physically active weekenders, the rear and middle seats fold down easily for huge amounts of storage space where one can place a cooler box, bicycle, golf bags, picnic basket, and still have space for a foldable deck chair. As a passenger transporter, the rear seats prop up to carry granny and that pesky kid from next door. Well, that’s what grandmothers are for anyway.
When one goes for a black tie event, the rear seats can be folded in and covered by a removable luggage compartment lid. That should more than conceal the ice cream stains left by the abovementioned, pesky youngin’.
Driving Impressions
Releasing the footbrake pedal, we drove off into the dark (-ish) tunnels of the KPE. The 163bhp, 2AZ-FE engine switched from a gentle purr to a melodious hum. Handling was nothing short of divine. The responsive steering turned sweetly and smoothly, and the brakes, though sensitive, were as alert as a Gurkha soldier when activated.
In the dim lights of the tunnel, the Optitron meters displayed outside temperature, fuel consumption and mileage so clearly that we were tempted to drive the vehicle only where total darkness engulfed the cabin, just to see their beautiful glow!
Higher than usual speeds were easily attainable, and yours truly did not have to floor the throttle to get the best out of the 2.4 l DOHC engine. Overtaking, switching lanes and slowing down were all executed as gracefully as a ballerina, all this with a rested left arm, half closed eyes and casual demeanor too.
Glancing into the rear view mirror, we noticed our colleague in dreamland, snoozing like a baby, while the photographer in the front passenger seat was snapping away from every imaginable angle possible.
In fact, we regretted not placing a cup of water in the cupholder, then speeding at tight corners to put the Zio to the sword, very much like the protagonist in Initial D. (ed. And you wonder why we do not get our work done...) Our colleague would still be asleep though, pretty much due to the vehicle’s excellent noise insulation characteristics.
Why would you get one?
The Zio retails for $98,380 from Fabulous International, the kind souls who allowed us to take this vehicle for many a spin. This is correct as of 28th February 2008. the Zio goes for S$98,380. That’s slightly more expensive than its fiercest rival, the Honda Odyssey, which as of 28th February 2008, goes for $94,800.
Of course, the basic Odyssey model seems aesthetically more stylish. But although Mark X Zio may not possess the angular, sporty styling of its Honda competitor, it wins hands down in terms of comfort and refinement.
And even though on paper the dimensions of both vehicles seem too close for comfort, the Zio gave the team enough space to stretch their tired legs, and even sleep on the job.
We might suggest throwing in a DVD player, reverse sensor camera, and body kit with 16 inch sports rims, and maybe a navigation system for that price though…
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