2011 Toyota Kluger Launched In Australia

2011 KLUGER

Previewed at Russia's Moscow Motor Show in August, Toyota Australia has today announced availability of the updated-for-2011 Toyota Kluger.

It brings with it styling tweaks and price reductions across the range.

From these new local and overseas (US-market Highlander) images, it's clear that the updated Kluger takes a leaf out of the 200 Series LandCruiser and the 2010 Prado style manual.

The bulk of the Kluger's styling tweaks appear up front; the nondescript headlights of the current model giving way to slimmer, sharper units. The grille too gets an overhaul, the new piece creating a stronger and more commanding countenance.

At the rear, the Kluger gets a new bumper with a softer and curvier shape, along with a tail-light lens design reminiscent of the fifth-generation (XV30) Camry in 2004.

• Click to read TMR's review of the Toyota Kluger
  

Inside, the Kluger gets a revised centre-stack colour for all grades, along with increased seating flexibility for seven-seat versions with a 50:50 split-fold backrest for the third-row seat.

Pricing for the entry-level KX-R has dropped by $1000, starting from $39,990 for the 2WD five-seat version. Updates for the KX-R include a large rear spoiler, improved audio with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and USB input, along with new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.

The mid-range Kluger KX-S is $800 more affordable, while its equipment list has grown to include perforated leather-accented trim on the first and second-row seats, and chrome finish on the roof rails.

It also has an improved audio display screen and USB input for its six-disc CD MP3 audio unit.

The range-topping Grande gets a $414 price reduction, while also being fitted with perforated leather-accented trim for the first and second-row seats.

Other enhancements for Grande include 3.5mm aux input on the Audio Visual Navigation system, revised woodgrain-look trim that now extends to the rear climate-control surround, chrome-finish roof rails and a new design for its 19-inch wheels.

Exterior mirrors for all 2011 Kluger models now have "puddle" lamps, illuminating the ground around the front doors.

As with the 2010 Kluger, power comes from a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine producing 201kW and 337Nm of torque, sent to the wheels via a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.

Toyota has redesigned the engine mounts to further reduce noise, vibration and harshness, while the vehicle stability control warning buzzer has been discontinued. 

(note: Toyota has released only one image of the Australian-market 2011 Kluger so far.)

Pricing

2011 Toyota Kluger KX-R five-seat

• 2WD - $39,990 (-$1,000)
• AWD - $44,490 (-$1,000)

2011 Toyota Kluger KX-R seven-seat

• 2WD - $42,690 (-$800)
• AWD - $47,190 (-$800)

2011 Toyota Kluger KX-S seven-seat

• 2WD - $50,990 (-$500)
• AWD - $55,490 (-$500)

2011 Toyota Kluger Grande seven-seat

• 2WD - $60,990 (-$414)
• AWD - $65,490 (-$414)