NEWS
Toyota rolls out upgraded Kluger
Better driving behaviour promised for new generation of popular SUV due in early MarchToyota has promised the new third generation Kluger SUV will deliver better steering, handling and traction than its predecessor, which created headlines six years ago when one was rolled during testing for Wheels motoring magazine’s prestigious car of the year award.
The magazine’s then editor Ged Bulmer was driving the Kluger on a dirt road at Holden’s Lang Lang test track when it tripped up and rolled on to its roof. Bulmer escaped injury.
Wheels questioned the car’s chassis set-up and the tune of its stability control system, while Toyota claimed the magazine’s test methods were unscientific and temporarily ceased advertising.
The new Kluger, which is one of Australia’s most popular SUVs, will go on-sale here in early March and Toyota is claiming local fine tuning of the platform, suspension and electric power steering to “ensure” the Kluger “hugs the road more precisely and communicates more directly to the driver.
“Improved handling and traction, particularly on rough surfaces and when cornering, allows drivers to enjoy their time behind the wheel while passengers will appreciate added ride comfort and safety,” the company says in a press statement.
Aiding the retune is a new compact double wishbone rear suspension system that replaces less sophisticated trailing arms and an increase in mounting rigidity for the front MacPherson strut suspension.
Toyota rejects any suggestion the retune is in response to the criticism of the current Kluger’s on-road behaviour – which came from a variety of motoring reviews and not just Wheels – but rather through a desire to “make a good car better,” said Toyota spokesman Stephen Coughlan.
“In line with Toyota’s direction in terms of driver focus and trying to ensure all our vehicles have an increased level of engagement for the driver, that was something they really wanted to focus on,” he said.
Australian buyers have already proved to be Kluger fans, with more than 100,000 sold since the original went on-sale in Australian in 2003.
For generation three, Toyota will continue to offer three specification levels, all powered by a fundamentally unchanged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 201kW and 337NM. A six-speed auto with sequential shift and sport mode replaces the current five-speed unit.
No turbo-diesel is available with Kluger and the new petrol-electric hybrid sold in the USA is judged to be too expensive for Australia for now. A 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine also offered in the USA won’t come here either.
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will both continue to be offered across all grades, the latter system swapping from a permanent to on-demand system.
This change, along with the extra gear ratio, is expected to produce a slight improvement in fuel economy compared to its predecessor, which averages between 11.0L/100km and 11.6L/100km.
Pricing is not expected to move much, despite the shift in production site from Japan to Indiana in the USA where it is badged as the Highlander, which means the Kluger will come into Australia tariff free.
Indeed, pricing is almost certain to rise on the base model because it will join the higher grades in having seven seats standard, rather than five.
Depending on the grade Klugers will come with either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and tyres, halogen or LED headlights, roof rails and cloth or leather trim. All will get a full-size spare tyre mounted on an alloy wheel.
Other equipment of note includes a moonroof, tri-zone climate control, auto high beam, smart key, heated front seats, powered tailgate with memory and a new ‘Driver Easy Speak’ that uses the microphone from the Bluetooth system so front row passengers can talk to kids in row three without shouting. These features will make it into the top grade.
All Klugers will include seven airbags, a reversing camera vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill-start assist control. Top of the line versions will feature a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic high beam headlights.
The Kluger’s restyled body lengthens by 80mm, all created by adding 40mm at each end to the body. This helps Toyota claim significant increases in interior space including an extra 8.3cm in shoulder room across the fold-away third row seat, more storage and 34 per cent more luggage capacity.
Toyota is also claiming a significant improvement in cabin quality and quietness.
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Written byBruce Newton
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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