2007 Toyota Kluger First Drive

Ford's segment-leading Territory is about to face its greatest adversary yet - a new Toyota Kluger that is not only better than its predecessor but this time also available in 2WD guise. By JEZ SPINKS.

If copying is the sincerest form of flattery, then the Ford Territory right now must be blushing bright pink.
Less than a week afterHyundai launched a two-wheel-drive version of its Santa Fe '4WD', Toyota has just introduced its second-generation Kluger that's also available in either 2WD (driving the front wheels) or 4WD configurations.

Ford's Territory has ruled the mid-sized-SUV roost since it launched in 2004, comprehensively outselling rivals that included the original Toyota Kluger thanks to the popularity of Australia's first two-wheel-drive SUV (sport utility vehicle).

Toyotatook note of 2WD Territorys accounting for about 60 per cent of the model's overall sales.

So it's here on the roads around the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria, that we find ourselves driving a mid-spec (KX-S) Kluger '4WD' that sends its power to the front wheels only. The Kluger range also includes entry-level (KX-R) and flagship (Grande) trim levels, for both 2WD or 4WD models.

It looks identical to a four-wheel-drive Kluger, with only the absence of an 'AWD' badge on the tailgate giving the game away. The new Kluger is relatively bold in Toyota terms, and the styling is a marked visual improvement over the bland and dowdy original.

A slight tugging on the steering wheel under initial acceleration confirms power is being sent solely to the turning wheels, though it's undramatic. The unnatural feel of electric assistance is also noticeable around the straight-ahead but the steering becomes more linear once turning, if imparting little feedback from the front tyres.

And it takes only a few corners to notice that even if this second generation Kluger doesn't corner as confidently or as enjoybably as Ford's relatively agile and alert Territory, Toyota's new mid-size high-riding wagon benefits from being based on the same platform as the much improved, sixth-generation Camry that went on sale in 2006. (The original Kluger was based on the previous-generation Camry platform.)

A larger footprint (the wheels spaced further apart) helps to improve the Kluger's roadholding.

Compared with the original Kluger, the new model increases its wheelbase by 75mm to 2790mm, and front and rear tracks stretch by 55mm (to 1630mm) and 90mm (to 1645mm) respectively. (Rear track is 5mm narrower on 4WD versions.)

The 2007 Toyota Kluger's suspension set-up also benefits from local tuning despite being imported from Japan rather than being built locally like the Camry.

The ride has an underlying firmness but was generally compliant on the roads west of Melbourne. One niggle was that on one particular stretch of wavy bitumen, travelling at 100km/h, the dampers allowed a bigger upward motion than preferable, although the suspension never became bouncy.

If there was a stand-out feature of the original Kluger, it was its strong and smooth 3.3-litre V6. The new Kluger uses the updated 3.5-litre V6 that does service in the Aurion, Tarago, and Lexus RX350, and it ensures Toyota's mid-size off-road wagon once again has a refined engine at its heart.

The new Kluger's peak power and torque are delivered at exactly the same revs as in the aforementioned models - 6200rpm and 4700rpm respectively.

Despite having to propel at least 200 kilograms more than the Aurion, the V6 remains smooth and linear in the Kluger. It combines well with the smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox to ensure the Kluger is no slouch either from a standstill or when overtaking.

Keen drivers will appreciate the transmission's pseudo-manual mode, which will hold selected gears to the rev limiter.

Toyota claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds for the front-drive Kluger (two-tenths quicker than the 4WD version), and the launch drive suggested the Kluger has the potential for class-leading performance.
A comparison test will also confirm whether the new Kluger offers the most spacious cabin in the segment.

First impressions are that there's generous legroom for second-row passengers and acceptable space for limbs in the third row (where fitted). If all occupants are adults, however, the Kluger is more effective as a six- rather than seven-seater.

The middle seat of the second row is best suited for a child, or alternatively this seat can be pulled out and stowed in a compartment accessed in the back of the centre console.

A 'mini console' storage tray clips into the vacant middle spot, effectively turning the outer second-row seats into individual 'captain's chairs'.

The third-row seats are easily stowed from an upright position, using pull-straps. Tugging the first pull-strap flips forward and down the two headrests; straps for each seat flattens them into recesses so they create a flat cargo floor.

And no less than 10 cupholders are dotted around an interior that is much improved in design - particularly the dash - and quality over the original Kluger.

The seats provided good comfort on the two-hour launch drive, and a tilt and reach adjust steering wheel ensures a good driving position.

For buyers who genuinely want to take their Klugers off-road, a short test drive of a 4WD version revealed the new Toyota is capable of tackling more than just dust trails.

The 4WD Kluger proved it could tackle a good variety of terrain, progressing through an off-road course that comprised rocky dirt trails, muddy inclines, cambered rock trails, water crossings, and steep, slippery descents. Both the Kluger's electronic uphill and downhill assist functions were effective during the course.

The second-generation Toyota Kluger is another spectacularly competent Toyota. It's enough to turn the Territory green - and not just with envy