Covering all bases with Toyota's Kluger

In the case of the latest Toyota Kluger, the strategy to copy the success of the Ford Territory by offering the Kluger as a 2WD for the first time seems to have paid immediate dividends. September VFACTS - the industry new car sales statistian - reports that Toyota have closed to within less than 20 vehicles on the almost unassailable Territory. The Kluger is offered as a 2WD?as well as an all-wheel drive. It is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. It comes in three model grades for both 2WD and AWD - KX-R, KX-S and Grande - with seating for up to seven people. All models are fitted with the widest range of standard safety features in the medium SUV class, including a total of seven airbags.

There are advanced driver and front passenger airbags, plus side air-bags for the front seats, a driver's knee airbag and roll sensing curtain side airbags along both sides, protecting occupants in all three rows of seats. A reversing camera is fitted as standard across the range - and it doesn't have to be tied to a satellite navigation system. The bonnet and front guards are designed with special crumple characteristics that offer added protection to pedestrians in the event of a collision. All Klugers are fitted with Electronic Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Active Braking with Intelligence - the combination of Anti-skid Brakes, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Kluger is also equipped with Hill-start Assist Control as standard and in AWD models, Downhill Assist Control for slippery off-road conditions. Kluger's safety and chassis control is enhanced by larger wheels and tyres - standard 17-inch alloy wheels on KX-R entry models or 19-inch alloy wheels on upper grades. Powering the Kluger is an efficient 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 with dual Variable Valve Timing. Developing 201kW of power, it drives through an electronically controlled five-speed intelligent automatic transmission with sequential automatic shift. At the same time, next-generation Kluger is more fuel efficient than its predecessor - using just 11.0 litres/100km for all models except the AWD Grande which is rated at 11.6 litres/100km.

Kluger rides on a new chassis with a longer wheelbase and greater ground clearance. Inside the cabin has been redesigned to offer a sophisticated as well as practical and versatile interior. The completely redesigned passenger compartment is open and airy, providing more space for passengers - particularly between each row of seats. The middle seat in the second row can be easily removed to enable the two remaining seats to become captain's chairs. Levers to move the seats are placed in easy to reach positions. The second row seats can fold forward and flat to provide more space. The two person third row seats have foldable headrests that enable the bench to fold into the floor, creating a flat rear cargo area.

Models
Toyota's new Kluger Sports Utility Vehicle has the choice of two drivetrains and three equipment grades, which makes it available in six models in total. All models have a 3.5-litre dual-VVT-i engine and electronically controlled automatic transmission. The driveline choices are two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The model grades in ascending order are: KX-R, KX-S and Grande. Kluger KX-R is offered as a five-seat wagon, with the combined option of a third-row seat and manual rear air conditioning. The KX-S and Grande have seven-seat capacity as standard. Kluger is well specified throughout the model line-up.

All models have the safety features of seven SRS airbags, including driver's knee airbag, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC). Standard equipment also includes air conditioning, reversing camera, electric power-assisted steering, alloy wheels, steering wheel audio and multi-information display controls, MP3 compatible CD/tuner with audio input, split-fold second row seat with stowable centre seat, glass hatch in the tailgate, glass-mounted radio antenna and Optitron instruments. Kluger KX-S has 19-inch alloy wheels (instead of 17-inch) and additional exterior features, over KX-R, of smoked chrome radiator grille, front fog lamps, halogen smoked headlamp and rear lamp treatment, and dark silver roof rails.

Inside, KX-S has the added features of front dual zone climate control air conditioning, rear climate control air conditioning, third row seat, power front seat adjustment, driver's variable cushion length adjustment, front seat heaters, leather seat trim, four spoke leather steering wheel with air conditioning controls, leather gearshift knob, stainless steel Kluger scuff plates and six-disc CD changer with Bluetooth telephone compatibility. KX-R and KX-S have a 3.5-inch screen for the rear reversing camera. Top of the range Kluger Grande has the added features of chromed front grille, clear treatment halogen head lamps and rear lamps, silver roof rails and power-operated tailgate. It also has auto head lamps, Smart Entry and Smart Start, steering wheel telephone and voice control, electrochromatic rear view mirror, wood pattern trim, tilt-and-slide moonroof, satellite navigation with eight-inch screen, AVN four CD changer audio with Bluetooth telephone compatibility and DVD rear seat entertainment system.

Specifications: Toyota Kluger
Engine
Type: 3.5-litre petrol six cylinder
Bore &?Stroke: 94.0 x 83.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: Sequential multi-point electronic port fuel injection
Max. Power: 201kW @ 6200
Max Torque: 337Nm @ 4700 rpm

Transmission
Type: 5-speed automatic, electronically controlled with sequential shift and flex lock-up torque converter
Transmission control: Electronic
Gear ratios: 2WD/AWD
1st 4.235:1
2nd 2.360:1
3rd 1.517:1
4th 1.047:1
5th 0.756:1
Reverse: 3.378:1
Diff ratio: 3.478:1

Suspension
Front: Independent, MacPherson struts. L-arms, coil springs, gas dampers and ball joint-mounted stabiliser bar
Rear: Independent. MacPherson struts, coil spring/damper units, dual lower transverse links, lower trailing arm, gas dampers and ball joint-mounted anti-roll bar

Wheels/tyres
Type: 17 x 7.5J alloys front & rear
Tyres: 245/65R17 front &?rear
(19" available)

Steering
Type: Rack &?pinion
Turning circle: 11.8 metres
Turns lock to lock: 3.1

Brakes
Front: Ventilated discs
Rear: Solid discs

Safety
Standard ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Holder system.

Dimensions & weights
LxWxH: 4785 x 1910 x 1730mm
Wheelbase: 2790mm
Ground clearance: 206mm
Track, front/rear: 1630/1645mm
Angle of approach/departure: 29/24
Breakover ramp angle: 17 degrees
Towing: braked/unbraked: 2000/700kg
Fuel tank: 72 litres

Pricing:
KX-R - $39,990; KX-S - $49,990;
Grande - $59,990
Options
- 3rd row seat - KX-R only - $2,500
- AWD - $4,500