Toyota Kluger

The Toyota Kluger hit the market in October 2003, about three years after it first appeared in North America and two years after the right-hand-drive version - called Highlander - went on sale in Japan.

The Kluger (which means "clever" in German) is a deceptively large vehicle, appearing in pictures to be no bigger than a Subaru Forester. In fact, it is 4.7m long, 1.83m wide and around 1.7m tall, making it 10–25cm bigger than Forester in all dimensions. A Commodore sedan, by comparison, is 10cm longer than Kluger.

Kluger’s basic wagon package surrounds a powerful 3.3lt V6 engine mated to all-wheel-drive, five-speed automatic and high ground clearance.

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: a 3.3lt V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

All Klugers include cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, trip computer, CD player and full-size spare wheel. Features and safety equipment increase from model to model in tune with the price: CV and CVX are best value for money and are expected to appeal to more than 90 per cent of all customers.

Grande adds 17in wheels, a sunroof and a rear spoiler outside; touch-screen sat nav inside. Front, side and curtain airbags, electronic four-wheel drive, traction control and vehicle stability control make the Grande the safest of all Klugers.

Toyota vehicles are nothing if not practical - sometimes to the detriment of emotional attraction. No matter, because they’re also capable and keenly priced. And Kluger’s no different.

Both the front and second row of seats are comfy and roomy enough for an average-sized adult. The third row of seats - fitted standard to CVX and Grande models, optional on CV - is a kids-only domain. They fold flat, freeing up plenty of luggage space in the boot area.

I had some difficulty finding a comfortable driving position, despite the fact that the driver’s seat slides, tilts and raises. The steering wheel only tilts, meaning the pedal-to-wheel ratio is always a compromise. That said, driving is no problem: visibility is very good, and large wing mirrors are easy to use.

All Klugers get all-wheel drive, as well as antilock 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.

The Kluger is based on the Lexus RX330 4WD, which makes this vehicle something of a cut-priced luxury bargain. Basic mechanicals, transmission, four-wheel-drive system and suspension are shared with the upmarket Lexus.

Variable valve timing on the inlet valves is said to reduce fuel consumption and boost torque in low revs, and free up more power in higher revs. Kluger’s 172kW and torque of 328Nm makes it one of the most powerful six-cylinder crossover vehicles currently on the market.

Kluger weighs 1740-1875kg depending on the model. It’ll accelerate to 100kmh in a claimed 8.1 seconds, and cover the first 400m in 16.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.3lt/100km on a combined city/highway cycle.

Four-wheel independent suspension has been tuned mainly for onroad use, but Kluger's 184mm ground clearance means it’ll happily tackle easy to medium 4WD trails or tow a 6m ’glass boat.

This crossover fulfils Toyota's claim of having more passenger-car-like onroad manners than a 4WD, but it’s still a little way off handling like a true passenger car. Excessive body roll in corners is Kluger’s main problem in an otherwise faultless repertoire. So is it worth buying? Yes - if you’re after a pseudo 4WD for mostly urban use.