All New 2014 Toyota Kluger Launched in Australia

In Australia, Toyota has launched a new seven-seat Kluger sports-utility vehicle (SUV) that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability and safety at value pricing.

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Engineers have liberated more interior space by developing a slightly longer and wider body, adopting a new space-efficient double-wishbone rear suspension, and moving all three rows of seats forward.

As a result, the third row is easier to access, the two-seat bench is wider and offers more comfort, while the luggage area behind is longer, deeper and wider, expanding capacity by one-third.

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Kluger’s driving experience is more dynamic with new technologies and optimised steering and suspension that have undergone significant local development to suit the demands of Australian drivers and local conditions.

AWD models include standard Dynamic Torque Control for maximum traction and cornering ability and Downhill Assist Control that automatically controls the brakes to maintain a constant low speed when descending slopes, helping to reduce wheel lock.

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Kluger’s exterior design is sleek and strong, displaying a more aggressive face, subtle sculpting of the sides, prominent wheel arches and a newly designed tailgate.

A totally redesigned interior raises the bar on overall quality with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, bright accents and greater refinement and functionality.

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Smart storage solutions include an under-dash tray shaped to prevent items sliding out and a 24.5-litre roll-top centre console that doubles as an armrest and is big enough to store a large handbag.

Kluger is available in three well-equipped grades – GX, GXL and Grande. Each is available in two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) and provides even better value than before with prices starting at $40,990 – $2,200 less than the previous-model equivalent. AWD is $4,000 across the range, down $500.

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All Kluger grades feature a 3.5-litre V6 engine and new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with selectable manual sequential shifting and artificial intelligence that adapts to driving styles and provides engine braking on downhill runs and minimises gear hunting. Fuel economy has been improved while maintaining power output at more than 200kW.

Every Kluger has a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, seven airbags, cruise control, air-conditioning, front fog lamps, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link multimedia and a multi-information display.

Kluger GX also has 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lamps, tilt-and-telescopic steering adjustments and Toyota’s active safety package of stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist.

Compared with the current seven-seat price leader, the price has come down $2,200 to $40,990 despite the all-new generation and the inclusion of at least $2,000 of additional features.

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Mid-grade GXL grade adds three-zone climate-control air-conditioning, keyless smart entry and start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, leather-accented interior and premium steering wheel and shift knob.

With at least $1,000 of extra features, the GXL price of $49,990 is $1,500 lower than the equivalent outgoing variant.

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At the top of the range, the Grande is the Kluger with the lot, including safety technologies that help avoid a collision or mitigate the impact if a collision is unavoidable – Toyota’s Pre-collision Safety System and Active Cruise Control, which utilise a grille-mounted radar. It also gains Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor.

It picks up 19-inch wheels, projector LED headlamps with Auto High Beam, tilt-and-slide moonroof, ventilated front seats, eight-inch display audio with navigation and DAB+ digital radio, second-row sunshades, nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player, power-operated tailgate, woodgrain-look pattern highlights and a full-colour 4.2-inch multi-information display.

7-SEAT KLUGER PRICES IN AUSTRALIA

GRADE	2WD PRICE	PREVIOUS
GX	$40,990	$43,190
GXL	$49,990	$51,490
GRANDE	$63,990	$60,635

Photo Gallery: 2014 Toyota Kluger

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