The fourth-generation of Toyota's Kluger large SUV has arrived in Australia sporting for the first time a hybrid option.
Toyota Australia vice president for sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the all-new Kluger had a stylish look, improved safety features and enhanced driving dynamics.
"The addition of a hybrid to Kluger further demonstrated Toyota's commitment to delivering on electrified options in its line-up," he said.
"Kluger is now the eighth Toyota model in Australia that offers a fuel-efficient, environmentally-conscious, hybrid drivetrain and as our sales success proves, it is still the leading option for environmentally sustainable transport," Mr Hanley said.
"While Toyota is continuing to develop a range of alternative powertrains to meet our sustainability goals into the future, right here, right now, for this market we believe a petrol-electric hybrid meets the needs of families for a practical and affordable vehicle perfectly."
The all-new model is available in three trim levels - GX, GXL and Grande - in petrol 2WD guise or hybrid or a petrol AWD configuration.
Prices range from $47,650 for the GX 2WD petrol model to $75,400 for the Grande AWD hybrid.
The new hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with three electric motors that generate a maximum combined output of 184 kilowatts that drives through an advanced electric e-Four AWD system.
"At the same time, it delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 5.6 litres a 100 kilometres with combined carbon dioxide emissions of just 128g/km," Mr Hanley said.
Through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the e-Four AWD system allowed up to 100 per cent of drive to be sent through the front wheels or up to 80pc through the rear, depending on conditions, with a trail mode for challenging off-road environments.
The 218kW/350Nm V6 petrol engine maintained the same maximum outputs as its predecessor but further refinement had improved fuel economy by between four and seven per cent, he said.
V6 Petrol versions are offered with two AWD systems that can split torque from 100pc to the front axle and 50:50 front to rear with the more sophisticated Torque Vectoring system in the Grande able to also adjust torque distribution between the rear wheels for even more secure traction in all conditions.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new Kluger delivered a superb balance of ride comfort and handling giving it a premium feel on the road, Mr Hanley said.
"That same level of refinement is echoed in the cabin with soft touch materials, clever design and its increased space and versatility comfortably accommodating seven occupants.
"The new Kluger features the latest in Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features including pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assist on every model.
"Added to this are active cruise control - with a curve speed reduction function - lane trace assist, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and seven airbags, creating a very comprehensive safety package."
Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and five USB ports.
GXL models have power-heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation for multimedia systems.
The top-of-the-range Kluger Grande has a panoramic moonroof, hands-free opening for the power tailgate, ventilation for the front seats, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, leather-accented seats and a premium 11-speaker audio system.
