Toyota Kluger

From Freepedia

The Toyota Kluger (called Highlander outside Japan and Australia) is a model of SUV assembled by the Toyota Motor Corporation under the Toyota brand name. It uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

The Kluger shares the Toyota Camry platform with its Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin and comes in 5- and 7-seater configuration.

Engines:

• 2001-2005 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4, 160 hp (119 kW)
• 2001-2003 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 220 hp (164 kW)
• 2004-2005 3.3 L 3MZ V6, 230 hp (172 kW)

Drive is transmitted to all four wheels (US market some two wheel drives sold) through a five speed automatic transmission. Base models are equipped with a limited slip differential with an electronically controlled stability and braking control providing slip control for more expensive derivatives.

Typical fuel economy using the Australian standard testing regime is 12.3l/100km

Hybrid

Initially, the Kluger/Highlander was a regular SUV driven by an internal combustion engine, but later Toyota introduced a hybrid version, the Kluger Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid was unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Toyota began offering the Highlander Hybrid to the public in July 2005 (with a model year of 2006).

The Highlander Hybrid is priced starting at US$33,030, or US$8,750 more than the base price of the regular Highlander. This price includes additional equipment beyond just the hybrid drive mechanism. A Limited model starts at US$37,890. All wheel drive adds US$1,400 to the price of either the standard or limited edition.

The car uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

Awards

The Highlander was Car and Driver magazine's Best Large SUV for 2001.

References

• CanadianDriver Communications, Inc. (2004). Toyota shows 2005 Highlander Hybrid. Retrieved January 11, 2004 from http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/040105-13.htm