JANUARY 17 - 23 | 2020
Kluger ‘club’ turns into big following
Ŷ OLD SCHOOL: The Kluger takes its bold outward cues from the traditional 4WD wagon LIKE the classic hymn book, there’s some- By DEREK OGDEN thing ancient and something modern about This has not gone unnoticed in Australthe Kluger. For starters (literally) the engine in the entry-level GX is fired up by turning the ig- ia where it has sold its socks off, passing nition key in a steering column-mounted lock, 170,000 sales including record sales last year of 14,743 vehicles, making it the best-selling rather than a push button – old school. Then the parking brake is operated by a 2WD / AWD vehicle in the large SUV segpedal – a thing of the past that still hangs on ment. Earlier this year, at the New York Internain one or two new vehicles. Not that the large Toyota sports utility vehicle is creaking at the tional Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the fourth generation of the Kluger, upping the ante in joints. Among the latest in automotive technology safety, comfort, quality and reliability. The new-generation Kluger will be on board is autonomous emergency braking launched first in the United States where it is and a host of driver aids. The Kluger has found its niche as a fam- known as Highlander. Timing for its Australian ily car, with seven seats, plenty of space, introduction has not yet been determined. The Kluger, as Highlander, goes some way powerful petrol engine and a two-wheel drive option, trimming the weight, price and to explaining why the car’s computer registers fuel consumption in the Japanese way fuel consumption.
as kilometres per litre, as opposed to the way Down Under as litres per hundred kilometres. Anyway, during my time with a thirdgen Kluger GX all-wheel drive test vehicle ($48,850, plus on roads), I became adept at converting fuel consumption roughly in my head, so I, at least, learnt something. STYLING In looks, the Kluger steers more to the bulky traditional four-wheel drive wagon, rather than the more modern sleek coupe crossover SUV styling. Styling includes refreshed front and rear with a new grille, LED taillights, newly designed alloy wheels unique to each grade (18inch on GX) and full-size alloy spare. An optional polished nudge bar helps to protect the vehicle from minor knocks, while
adding to the Kluger’s bold street presence. INTERIOR The Kluger boasts more upmarket interiors of better quality, plus premium materials than previously. Every model has cruise control, electric power steering, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link internet connection, privacy glass and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. Cabin surroundings are plain but far from poor quality. INFOTAINMENT The entertainment system has echoes of the past with a miniature 6.1-inch touch screen in the GX. The system includes AM / FM radio, CD player and USB. Ŷ Continued page 2
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