LA MOTOR SHOW: Bigger Toyota Kluger for Oz
Toyota Australia will debut new Kluger Down Under just weeks after its US launchThe centrepiece of Toyota USA’s Los Angles Motor Show stand was the new Highlander. And it's coming Down Under.
But before you run to Wikipedia to ask what the hell is a Highlander, be aware that in Oz we call the car Kluger.
The all-new up-sized Kluger is a key car for Toyota in the USA and Australia. And it’s a measure of that importance that Toyota Australia is pulling out all stops to land the car Down Under as soon as possible.
In fact, it will go on sale in Australia in March 2014, just weeks after the car’s launch in the USA.
Toyota Australia is still keeping mum on full specification details of the new vehicle which for the first time it will source directly from the USA.
We can tell you it’s around 70mm longer and 15mm wider but that doesn’t deliver the full impression of the up-size – there’s no doubt despite the fact it rides on the same wheelbase it’s a big’un... Part of that impression could be the imposing Subaru Tribeca/Chrysler 300C-style grille.
The other part of the equation is the redesigned interior. The cabin certainly appears to take up a larger proportion of the overall length of the vehicle. It’s cavernous and both design and materials appear to have been moved upmarket.
Australia will get both front and all-wheel drive versions of the new Kluger. Unlike the USA, however, our three-row Kluger will be a seven-seater... The yanks get eight.
Aussie Klugers will feature V6 petrol-only powertrains for the time being – no four-cylinder version will be offered.
LA Auto show, however, saw Toyota USA roll out a “prototype’ hybrid version of the vehicle -- a variant Toyota Australia says remains under consideration for local [Aussie] introduction.
The new Kluger Hybrid combines the standard variant’s V6 with front and rear electric motors. On paper that delivers the Hybrid a theoretical power boost of 173kW! Alas, the nominal electrical output of the battery system is around a third of that.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Don't forget to register to comment on this article.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
