IN GLOBAL phrases, Australia has a singular reference to the Toyota Kluger.
We’re the one nation exterior of the US and Japan to obtain all 4 generations – although we didn’t get technology one till its mid-life facelift – and we’re additionally the one place exterior of Japan to name it ‘Kluger’ courtesy of Hyundai trademarking ‘Highlander’ – the Kluger’s nameplate in all different markets.
So technology 4 is sort of important for Toyota in Australia – not solely as a result of it debuts an all-new GA-Okay platform, shared with the present Camry and RAV4, but additionally as a result of it has the potential to problem Toyota’s personal Prado 4×4 because the reigning gross sales champ amongst giant SUVs.
If the RAV4 is any information, the ace up Kluger’s sleeve is the non-compulsory hybrid drivetrain out there throughout all trim ranges, completely with a complicated ‘eFour’ AWD system and a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT).
Till Hyundai’s Santa Fe Hybrid launches later within the 12 months, the fourth-gen Kluger would be the solely giant SUV to supply a hybrid mannequin in Australia, despite the fact that a Kluger Hybrid has been out there globally since 2005!
The place this fourth-generation mannequin actually must elevate Kluger’s sport, nonetheless, is by way of seating consolation and performance, inside high quality, and journey consolation.
Now that the brand new Kluger/Highlander is a real international mannequin (heading to the UK and Europe for the primary time, solely in Hybrid kind), its ambitions want to increase far past merely pleasing Center America.
The Street to Restoration podcast sequence
