Come In, Kluger

The Age

Saturday October 27, 2007

Cameron McGavin

ROAD TEST: Toyota's Kluger KX-S is the front-wheel-drive for a city slicker's 4WD experience, says Cameron McGavin.

FOR some car makers, the launch of one or two all-new models every couple of calendar years might be considered a fair effort.

Not for Toyota, though. In the past 18 months or so it has introduced the Yaris, a new RAV4, Tarago, Camry and Corolla, as well as the Aurion, seemingly without pausing for breath.

Now we have a new Kluger aiming to emulate the golden sales performance of its siblings in the ever more competitive light-duty four-wheel-drive (or soft-roader) segment.

Mind you, the Kluger tested here can't even be called a 4WD. After witnessing rival Ford's success with rear and all-wheel-drive versions of its Territory - which enticed a whole new range of buyers who just want the practical benefits of a 4WD more than off-road ability - Toyota is now offering a similar choice.

For urban-centric buyers, at least, a front-wheel-drive Kluger could prove very hard to resist, not least because they stand to keep a not-insubstantial $4500.

So what's the catch? Well, for the greater part of the drive, very little. Our KX-S offered little negative evidence of its front-wheel-drive layout on tarmac, aside from a slight tug from the steering wheel when going hard from a standing start.

The handling, too, while a long way from fun or inspiring like the rear-wheel-drive Territory, is competent, composed and predictable. And the Kluger's ability to soak up all kinds of road surfaces quietly and comfortably is undeniably impressive.

If you spend a lot of time on dirt, though, the loss of AWD will be noticed. Directional stability is mediocre at speed, and the handling ponderous in tight going and wheelspin, thanks to dozy traction control, a constant companion. Embark on any spirited loose-surface driving and the nonstop chime of Nana's very own stability control will quickly drive you to distraction.

No such issues with the engine/transmission combo. With a hefty 201 kW of power from its smooth, free-revving 3.5-litre V6, the Kluger's performance isn't found wanting, and the five-speed auto does a smooth job of harnessing the power.

Our test average of 12.1 L/100 km also puts the Kluger right at the sharp end of the petrol soft-roader pack in terms of efficiency, though it's no match for diesel rivals.

The Kluger's cabin also hits the spot. Roomy, comfortable, nicely put together, packed with storage and blessed with seating that folds, slides and reclines every which way, it's sure to be persuasive in attracting buyers to the franchise.

As will value. Even the base $39,990 KX-R gets the full safety regiment of seven airbags, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes and reversing camera, while the $49,990 KX-S tested here brings final-row seating ($2500 in the KX-R) and luxuries such as 19-inch alloys, Bluetooth, leather and heated power front seats. The $59,990 Grande, meanwhile, brings the kind of toys that would do its upmarket Lexus cousins proud.

There are niggles, though. Use all seven seats and luggage space is reduced to almost nothing. And the centre seat in the middle row is too narrow for adults, though its ability to be removed and stored in the centre console (making a six-seater) is unique.

In the end, though, the Kluger is a typical Toyota, in that is does almost everything well and nothing badly. And this well-roundedness, tied to its unquestionable value, is going to do it no harm at all.

NUTS 'N' BOLTS - TOYOTA KLUGER KX-S

HOW MUCH?

$49,990 (auto only), plus options and on-road costs.

INSURANCE

Premium $772 (RACV, wholly owned, 40-plus, rating-one driver, medium-risk suburb, $500 excess).

WARRANTY

3 years/100,000 km.

ENGINE

3.5-litre, double overhead cam V6. 201 kW at 6200 rpm, 337 Nm at 4700 rpm.

TRANSMISSION

Five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive.

STEERING

Rack and pinion, 3.1 turns lock to lock. Turning circle 11.8 m.

BRAKES

Ventilated discs (f);

discs (r). ABS with EBD and BA.

SUSPENSION

Independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabiliser bar (f); independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabiliser bar (r).

WHEELS/TYRES

Alloy, 19 x 7.5-inch. Tyres Bridgestone Dueler H/L, 245/55.

Full-sized spare.

HOW BIG?

Length 4785 mm.

Width 1910 mm.

Height 1760 mm.

Wheelbase 2790 mm.

HOW HEAVY?

1895 kg.

HOW THIRSTY?

11.0 L/100 km, unleaded. Fuel tank 72 L.

EQUIPMENT

Seven airbags, stability/traction control, climate control, power windows, leather trim, powered and heated front seats, cruise control, trip computer, reversing camera, six-stack CD, eight cupholders, immobiliser and alarm.

FOR

Price, well-equipped, good safety, user-friendly cabin, V6 is strong and efficient, comfortable road manners.

AGAINST

Insufficient luggage space, mediocre centre middle-row seat, front-wheel-drive layout all-too obvious on unsealed surfaces, overly sensitive stability/traction control.

SCORE

3.5/5

COMPETITORS

Ford Territory Ghia RWD

3.5/5I

Holden Captiva LX

3/5

Hyundai Santa Fe SLX

3/5

RATINGS

5/5

Dream wheels

4/5

Recommended

3/5

On the ball

2/5

Just transport

1/5

Very ordinary

© 2007 The Age

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