Toyota Kluger 2005 Review

For those contemplating the purchase of a "4WD" a vehicle like this shapes up as a more practical propsition.

It may not have low range four-wheel drive, but you'll find it much more comfortable and car-like to drive and it will take you just about anywhere the average driver cares to go.

And let's face it, most of these so-called 4WDs spend the vast majority of their lives on the bitumen anyway _ so what's the point?

The five/seven seat Kluger sits on the same platform and has the same basic drivetrain as the luxury Lexus RX330, but doesn't cost anywhere near as much.

The silky smooth 3.3-litre quad cam VVTi V6 engine pumps out a meaty 172kW of power and 328Nm of torque.

Toyota claims Kluger is one of the quickest six-cylinder all-wheel-drive wagons in Australia, with 0-100km/h taking 8.1 seconds.

Two all-wheel drive systems are employed, depending on the model and options.

Entry level CV and mid-grade CVX have a viscous-coupled, centre limited slip differential and limited slip rear differential.

Top-of-the-range Grande has electronic all- wheel drive control, which draws on the vehicle's stability and traction control systems.

All models, however, are equipped with the same five-speed automatic transmission.

Our test car was the top of the range Grande valued at a sizeable $59,320.

The entry level CV is priced from $43,990 and CVX from $49,320.

CVX and Grande have a third row seat as standard that packs flat into the floor when not in use.

The third-row seat is optional on CV.

The smallish bench seats two but it is only really big enough for small children _ nonetheless it's handy to have.

All seating positions have a three-point seatbelt and adjustable head rest.

Safety equipment includes driver and pass- enger front airbags plus ABS with electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist.

Grande as mentioned previously also gets traction and stability control.

As a family car the Kluger has much to offer.

It has a roomy back seat with generous rear legroom and makes a comfortable bus for two adults and two children.

Fold the third row of seats away and there is a useful luggage area, although not as large as some of the big wagons.

Kluger's build quality is near perfect and performance is well above average, with a quiet insulated interior.

Kluger has a 72-litre fuel tank and takes standard 91 RON unleaded.

Fuel economy is rated at 12.3L/100km. In practice, we averaged about 12.6L/100km most of the time which is very good for a six and a vehicle this size.

Standard equipment on top of the range Grande includes satellite navigation, with the dash dominated by a large bright computer touch screen.