New Toyota Kluger – More Car, More Space, More Value

Posted on Mar 11 2014 - 11:06am by Editor2

Toyota has launched a new seven-seat Kluger sports-utility vehicle (SUV) that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability and safety at value pricing.

TOYOTA KLUGER

The third-generation Kluger is designed to meet the needs of families and business buyers with an expanded array of standard features, a host of in-cabin technologies and increased cargo capacity.

Engineers have liberated more interior space by developing a slightly longer and wider body, adopting a new space-efficient double-wishbone rear suspension, and moving all three rows of seats forward.

As a result, the third row is easier to access, the two-seat bench is wider and offers more comfort, while the luggage area behind is longer, deeper and wider, expanding capacity by one-third.

Kluger’s driving experience is more dynamic with new technologies and optimised steering and suspension that have undergone significant local development to suit the demands of Australian drivers and local conditions.

AWD models include standard Dynamic Torque Control for maximum traction and cornering ability and Downhill Assist Control that automatically controls the brakes to maintain a constant low speed when descending slopes, helping to reduce wheel lock.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said development of the new Kluger had focused on expanding its visual appeal, developing an even better package for families, and providing greater driver enjoyment.

“The styling has been made more aggressive, enhancing Kluger’s emotional appeal to attract new customers in addition to impressing our strong band of loyal owners,” Mr Cramb said.

“New Kluger has advanced features that really make a difference, with convenience and peace-of-mind technologies that help create a safer and more enjoyable vehicle for the entire family.

“We have also dialled up the fun-to-drive factor with extensive under-the-skin improvements that have been developed and tested in Australia to take Kluger’s dynamics and steering to the next level.

“With standard features including a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, touch-screen display audio systems and Toyota Link multimedia, the new Kluger offers remarkable value – not just against the superseded model, but against comparable vehicles in its segment,” he said.

Kluger’s exterior design is sleek and strong, displaying a more aggressive face, subtle sculpting of the sides, prominent wheel arches and a newly designed tailgate.

A totally redesigned interior raises the bar on overall quality with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, bright accents and greater refinement and functionality.

Smart storage solutions include an under-dash tray shaped to prevent items sliding out and a 24.5-litre roll-top centre console that doubles as an armrest and is big enough to store a large handbag.

Kluger is available in three well-equipped grades – GX, GXL and Grande. Each is available in two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) and provides even better value than before with prices starting at $40,990* – $2,200 less than the previous-model equivalent. AWD is $4,000 across the range, down $500.

All Kluger grades feature a 3.5-litre V6 engine and new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with selectable manual sequential shifting and artificial intelligence that adapts to driving styles and provides engine braking on downhill runs and minimises gear hunting. Fuel economy has been improved while maintaining power output at more than 200kW.

Every Kluger has a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, seven airbags, cruise control, air-conditioning, front fog lamps, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link multimedia and a multi-information display.

Kluger GX also has 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lamps, tilt-and-telescopic steering adjustments and Toyota’s active safety package of stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist.

Compared with the current seven-seat price leader, the price has come down $2,200 to $40,990* despite the all-new generation and the inclusion of at least $2,000 of additional features.

Mid-grade GXL grade adds three-zone climate-control air-conditioning, keyless smart entry and start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, leather-accented interior and premium steering wheel and shift knob.

With at least $1,000 of extra features, the GXL price of $49,990* is $1,500 lower than the equivalent outgoing variant.

At the top of the range, the Grande is the Kluger with the lot, including safety technologies that help avoid a collision or mitigate the impact if a collision is unavoidable – Toyota’s Pre-collision Safety System and Active Cruise Control, which utilise a grille-mounted radar. It also gains Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor#.

It picks up 19-inch wheels, projector LED headlamps with Auto High Beam, tilt-and-slide moonroof, ventilated front seats, eight-inch display audio with navigation and DAB+ digital radio##, second-row sunshades, nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player, power-operated tailgate, woodgrain-look pattern highlights and a full-colour 4.2-inch multi-information display.

Grande is better value with more than $7,000 of specification at $63,990*.

Toyota Service Advantage remains at $170 for each of the first six scheduled services^.

7-SEAT KLUGER PRICES*

GRADE 2WD PRICE PREVIOUS
GX $40,990 $43,190
GXL $49,990 $51,490
GRANDE $63,990 $60,635

Options:
AWD: $4,000 (-$500)
Premium paint: $550 (Eclipse Black: no cost)