Toyota Tarago – the car that popularised the concept of modern people-movers – has become the first vehicle of its type to pass 100,000 sales in Australia.The historic landmark confirms Tarago has been the vehicle of choice for almost twice as many Australians as any other vehicle of its type.
Arriving in Australia shortly after Bob Hawke became Prime Minister in 1983, Tarago gained in popularity with its ability to carry up to eight people and their luggage.
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said Tarago was unique in offering practicality and individuality that had appealed to Australians for more than 30 years.
“Tarago has continually set benchmarks in interior space, comfort, safety and flexibility required by families and businesses,” Mr Cramb said.
“It has been refined through four generations into the ultimate vehicle for transporting families and friends – as well as a valuable asset for businesses such as hotels, city tour agencies and rental companies,” he said.
Tarago has played an integral part in the development and appeal of people-movers in this country.
First-generation Tarago established the concept of modern people-movers in the mass market. In 1986, it became the first people-mover to undergo a crash test in Australia.
The second generation, launched in 1990, broke new ground. It was the first vehicle of its type to offer a chassis not shared even in part with a commercial vehicle, offering increased crash protection and a major step forward in handling and ride.
The switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, with the release of third generation Tarago in 2000, allowed for design improvements in space, accessibility and aerodynamics.
Tarago continued to evolve with the fourth generation in 2006, introducing a new level of style, package efficiency, performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The first V6 Tarago was launched in 2007.
Tarago’s 202kW 3.5-litre V6 is matched with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with artificial intelligence and a sequential-style manual gear select shift. The 125kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder uses just 8.9 litres to travel 100km**.
GLi models and four-cylinder GLX models have eight seats, including a three-passenger second-row seat with 60/40 split. V6 GLX and Ultima grades offer seven seats, including two adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row which feature integrated ottomans.
Four-cylinder Tarago GLi is priced below $50,000 – the same price bracket that applied more than eight years ago in March 2006.
Tarago is covered by the capped-price Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $170 per service^.
TARAGO PRICES*
4-cyl GLi – $48,990
4-cyl GLX – $51,990
V6 GLi – $53,990
V6 GLX – $59,408
V6 Ultima – $71,135
Option: Premium paint $550
