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The New Toyota Kluger Review

The large crossover SUV segment was brought into the mainstream thanks to the Toyota Kluger. With unique aerodynamics, great relative fuel economy while still retaining the ability to carry many passengers, the Kluger became the car to buy for families. Now with the release of the latest Kluger, Toyota has added a number of new features that are sure to impress any car enthusiast and family man alike.

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Statistics:

Toyota Kluger
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol
Power: 201kW and 337Nm
Transmission: Six-speed auto, front-drive or all-wheel-drive
Spare tyre: Full size
Towing capacity: 2000kg (braked)
Service intervals: Six months, 10,000km
Capped price Servicing: Yes
Warranty: Three years/100,000km

Features:

Some of the new features on the Kluger include,

– A new double-wishbone rear suspension system that helps provide a more streamlined driving experience.
– Fine-tuned platform, suspension and electric power steering
– Improved handling and traction, especially on uneven surfaces
– More cabin space thanks to rearranged layout of the rear suspension
– Increase in mounting rigidity for the strut suspension

In addition, the new Kluger will still retain the safety features you have come to expect including seven airbags, a reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, among other things.

The higher-end models will feature a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beam headlights and more.

Safety:

The new Kluger still boasts the current model’s five star safety rating. The seven airbags, various sensors along the rear side of the car, traction control and hill-descent control all help contribute to the Kluger’s impressive safety reputation. The high-end models include additional safety features including blind-spot monitoring, brake assist and enhanced cruise control.

Technology:

In addition to the features that help enhance both your safety and your general enjoyment when it comes to driving, the new Kluger boasts a range of new technologies. If anything, this car will certainly enthuse the tech enthusiasts among you.

Toyota has tailored the Kluger to be a family car and as such, offers a number of new features that specifically tailor to that market. For instance, there is a function that allows the driver to broadcast his voice to the rear speaker. Rather than having to turn your head to speak (or yell!) at your kids while driving, you can simply broadcast your voice without running the risk of getting in an accident.

The Kluger also features a rear camera, rear parking sensors and even a “lane-wander alert” feature. For the lane-wander feature, a camera helps verify whether you’re driving within your lane with the system beeping you if you accidentally step out of line. While the more experienced drivers among you will scoff at such a feature, there’s no denying that this will be useful for new car drivers that haven’t quite mastered the rules of the road and still need a little assistance.

Verdict:

Overall, the new Toyota Kluger is a big improvement over its predecessors and a standout in the SUV market. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, or a family vehicle you should take a good look at the Toyota Kluger and see if it fits your needs. While it doesn’t quite boast the most inviting price-tag, the five-star safety rating, the many new technologies that it offers as well as its greatly improved fuel economy all contribute to make a very solid vehicle. We don’t think you can buy a family SUV without considering it.

While author Erin Warbrook normally drives a Corolla, she just had to test-drive the Kluger from New Town Toyota to see what all the fuss was about. She is not quite an SUV convert, but didn’t mind the smooth ride at all. Erin lives in Perth, WA and is a freelance writer.

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