Cars Service

Toyota Kluger CV Review

OVERVIEW

This is the best automatic I have had any experience with. Very smooth in both up shifts and downshifts. No drag and no clunk as it goes into gear after being in Neutral.

The fact that you have this problem points to something different in your vehicle that must be fixable. It is a pity that Toyota/Lexus does not appear to take responsibility. The fact is that they are not alone - just check out horror stories from other manufacturers. When you get a lemon you are in trouble. The sooner that Australia has anti-lemon consumer laws like the US (surprise on this) the better for consumers.



Toyota Australia wanted the Highlander name, but Hyundai -- which uses it as a grade name on the Terracan four-wheel drive -- would not relinquish the moniker. Hence Kluger, which is said to mean clever or very clever in German.

The Kluger is a deceptively large vehicle, appearing in pictures to be no bigger than a Subaru Forester. In fact, the Kluger is 4.7m long, 1.83m wide and around 1.7m tall, making it between 10-25cm bigger than Forester in all dimensions. A Commodore sedan, by comparison, is another 10cm longer than Kluger.

Klugers basic wagon package surrounds a powerful 3.3-litre V6 engine mated to all wheel drive and high ground clearance. Toyota believes the Kluger, and vehicles like it, will be the next big thing in Australia. So much so that Toyota hopes to build a solid enough business case to stop importing and start producing the vehicle at its Altona plant by 2007.

For that to happen Australians must show an annual appetite for 30,000 Klugers, or around 2500 per month. Initially Toyota believes it can sell around 500 a month, but expects sharp rises in sales and popularity when Holdens six cylinder Adventra and Fords Territory join the fray -- and increase market exposure of crossover vehicles -- late in 2004.

The Kluger is available in three models, CV (tested), CVX and Grande.

The Kluger range is powered by a 3.3 Litre quad cam V6 that produces 172kW at 5,600rpm and 328Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. The entry level CV and mid grade CVX have a viscous coupled centre limited slip differential and a limited slip rear differential. The Grande has electronic all-wheel-drive control using the electronics of its vehicle stability control and traction control systems.

SAFETY

Klugers safety story begins with its vehicle dynamics, which are far more impressive and responsive than a traditional four-wheel drives. Though not quite at the level of a passenger car, Klugers relative sure-footedness will improve your chances of avoiding a crash.
All Klugers get all-wheel drive, as well as anti-lock disc brakes with EBD and BA (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - sends braking force to the tyres with the most grip; Brake Assist - detects a driver-initiated panic stop and applies maximum braking).

Vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC) are standard on the Grande, an optional extra on the CVX and not available on CV.

Passive safety includes front airbags for driver and passenger and pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters. Klugers bodyshell is said to be "highly rigid" by Toyota, which provides both a strong protective shell and the basis for a nimble and responsive chassis.

COMFORT

Toyota vehicles are nothing if not efficient and practical, sometimes to the detriment of emotional attraction. No matter, because theyre also supremely capable and keenly priced, and Klugers no different.

Interior space and features are unremarkable in their efficiency. Both the front and second row of seats are comfortable and roomy enough for an average sized adult. The front seats are slightly moulded to reduce body sliding, particularly the backrest, though not enough for our liking. Headroom is good in both rows, and access to each is made easy by wide opening doors and cars high stance.

The third row of seats -- fitted standard to CVX and Grande models, optional on CV -- is a kids-only domains. Adults will have difficulty getting their bigger feet into the footwell, the depth of which leaves knees awkwardly high. The third row does fold perfectly flat when not in use, freeing up plenty of luggage space in the boot area.

We had some difficulty finding a comfortable driving position, despite the fact the drivers seat slides, tilts and raises. The steering wheel only tilts, meaning the pedal to wheel ratio is always a compromise. That said, driving the car is no problem, visibility is very good in all four directions, and large wing mirrors are easy to use.

Swing-type arm rests on the two front seats come in handy on longer trips.

FEATURES

Klugers most attractive features are undoubtedly its people-carrying capacity and on-road performance, coupled in a four-wheel drive body. The popularity of traditional four-wheel drives has grown phenomenally since 1990, due as much to their high driving position and carrying capacity as to their off-road ability.

Toyota calls Kluger a car-based SUV, which "offers passenger car-like comfort and performance." Well take a closer look at that statement in the "On The Road" section, but for now lets check out the range.

Three models comprise the Kluger range in Australia -- CV, CVX and Grande -- with pricing starting at $43,990 and topping out at $58,990. All three models share the same engine and transmission package, namely a 3.3-litre V6 mated to a five speed automatic transmission. All three models have all-wheel drive, mechanical on the CV and CVX and electronic on the Grande.
All Klugers include power steering, cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, tinted rear-side windows, trip computer, CD player and full-size spare wheel. Features and safety equipment increase from model to model in tune with the price; the CVX and CVX are the best value for money, and are expected to appeal to more than 90 percent of all customers.

The higher grade CVX adds alloy wheels, roof rails and fog lights on the outside. Power front seats, a six-stack CD player and rear-seat heater controls compliment the interior.

Top of the line Grande adds bigger 17-inch wheels, sunroof and a rear spoiler outside, touch-screen satellite navigation inside. In addition, front side airbags and curtain airbags, electronic four-wheel drive, traction control and vehicle stability control make the Grande the safest of all Klugers.

ON THE ROAD

Kluger fulfils Toyotas claim of having more passenger car-like on-road manners than a four-wheel drive, but its still a little way off handling like a true passenger car. Excessive bodyroll in corners is Klugers main problem in an otherwise faultless repertoire.

Kluger handles bumps and ripples in the tarmac with sure-footed efficiency, never losing a step or troubling the steering wheel. Taken to the edge of tyre grip the Kluger pushes gently wide as the tyres squeal their displeasure. At cruising speeds the Klugers independent suspension delivers a smooth unruffled ride to occupants enjoying the well-insulated cabin.

The 172kW V6 engine is more than adequately suited to this application, providing strong acceleration off the mark, and never short of herbs on steeper climbs. It settles comfortably into a 100km/h cross-country jaunt, the engine noise barely registering in the cabin. Kluger, like some other Toyota products, is limited to 180km/h -- which is unlikely to be a problem on Australias heavily policed roads.

The five-speed automatic gearbox is inconspicuous in its operation, smoothly transiting between the gears. Its reluctant to change down, requiring an exaggerated push on the throttle to encourage a cog-swap. For those, like us, who prefer a little more control, Toyota offers manual selection on all five gears via the overdrive button (4) and 3-2-1.

Klugers power assisted steering is slow to wind on, requiring too much input for the desired result. Weighting is on the too-light side of perfect, with little weight build up under stress. It is accurate, and cushions the driver well from road bumps, but lacks feel. Klugers turning circle is slightly larger than the average family sedan, but certainly smaller than most big four wheel drives.

Which is really what the Kluger is all about: A very good attempt to build a true crossover vehicle that successfully combines passenger car dynamics and performance in a four-wheel drive. Is it worth buying? Yes, if youre after a psuedo-four wheel drive for mostly urban use.

Verdict

One of the most competent of the soft-roaders with impressive performance. Styling is fairly bland and not as striking as its sister-under-the-skin Lexus RX330. It ought to be called the RAV6.