Toyota Australia plans a “significant” boost to its medium SUV sales with the next-generation Kluger, which will be offered with both two- and four-wheel-drive ‘down under’ for the first time.
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The new Kluger – known as the Highlander in some other markets including the US – is due for an August launch in Australia.
“There has been strong desire for two-wheel drive models in the medium SUV market for several years now,” said Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner.
“The introduction of a two-wheel-drive variant… will help meet this demand at an affordable price.”
The new-generation Kluger is longer and wider than its predecessor, with new styling and increased interior space and flexibility.
The Australian-specification engine is a quad-cam 3.5-litre dual VVT-i petrol V6, new to the Kluger and rated at about 200kW.
Only one other vehicle in the medium SUV segment offers the choice of two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, Toyota noted.
Since 2005 the medium SUV market’s current top seller has had a sales split of 55.6% for its two-wheel drive models and 44.4% for its four-wheel drives.
“We expect a similar level of demand for two-wheel-drive Kluger in addition to growing sales of the new all-wheel-drive models,” Buttner said.
“Toyota’s success has been based on meeting customer demand by carefully targeting the number and type of variants within a given model range. The inclusion of two-wheel-drive Kluger is very much part of that strategy.”
The 2WD Kluger will be offered as either a five-seat or seven-seat wagon.
“New Kluger’s larger dimensions allow more room for up to seven passengers who will appreciate a noticeably quieter interior and improved ride comfort,” Buttner added.
Standard safety features will include seven airbags, vehicle stability control with steering assist, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist plus a reverse camera.
While 2WD versions of SUVs are popular in the US, especially in the largely snow-free ‘sun belt’ states, their success here in the UK has varied.
Toyota some years ago tried selling an entry-level 2WD Rav-4 but withdrew it after disappointing sales; Nissan has had more success with its 2WD X-Trail.
