OZROAMER 2015 AWARDS PRICE $5.50

OVER 45 VEHICLES IN11 CATEGORIES FOR 2015

4WD & AWD SUV2015 AWARDS

OZROAMER 2015AWARDS SPECIAL

EDITION E-MAGAZINE

OZROAMER BUSINESSDIRECTORY

Toyota Kluger GXL was a close runner up in this category last year and this year is the winner of the OzRoamer 7 Seat AWD SUVUnder $60,000. The all new Kluger was released in early 2014 and the new seven seat Toyota Kluger is an AWD SUV that hassurpassed the previous model in everything including style, technology, comfort, capability and safety at value pricing. The thirdgeneration Kluger is more technologically advanced, has more internal space, more second and rear seat room and more luggagespace than its predecessor. The second generation was a sales success, this generation only capitalises on that and more.

The all new Kluger addresses one key deficiency of the previous model, it’s no longer plain and boring. In developing the newKluger, Toyota spent a lot of time in local development for the suspension and steering dynamics. Frankly, it shows, as the Klugerdisplays again a level of driving experience also lacking previously. The suspension geometry changes really show up, especially onthe dirt. Corrugations, fire trails and dirt roads are all handled with ease. It's actually a little fun under those conditions.

Development of the new Kluger hadfocused on expanding its visual appeal,developing an even better package forfamilies and providing greater driverenjoyment. A totally redesigned interiorraises the bar on overall quality withpremium materials, soft-touch surfaces,bright accents and greater refinement andfunctionality. Internally the GXL is a verycomfortable place to be.

Smart storage solutions include an under-dash tray shaped to prevent items slidingout and a 24.5-litre roll-top centre consolethat doubles as an armrest and is bigenough to store a large handbag. This is avery well designed area as you can have thecentre bin open yet still have elbow support.

by Anthony Hood

TOYOTA KLUGER GXL $59,055 RDAP

7 Seat AWDSUV under $60,000

2015

WINNER

What impresses most about the Kluger GXL is the feeling of space inside. You literally have to get out and check that it is a midsize SUV. The designers have dome an amazing job of extracting every available mm of space internally.

As you would expect, the all new Kluger has a host of standard features. All models have a reversing camera and reverse-parkingsensors, daytime running lamps, factory-fitted three row air conditioning, Multi-information Display (MID), cruise control,steering-wheel controls for audio, phone and MID, electric power-assisted steering, alloy wheels including full-sized spare, 72-litrefuel tank, front fog lamps, privacy glass, three 12V accessory connectors, auto headlamps on/off, cargo-area tonneau cover, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link and AUX and USB inputs. The list continues with tilt and telescopic steering columnadjustment, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, front and rear mudflaps, conversation mirror, power windows (with front-door autoup/down), seat-belt reminders for first and second-row seats, keyless smart entry and push-button start, 10-way power adjustabledriver's seat and roof rails.

One of the benefits of the GXL Kluger is the rear seat room. The mid row occupants have more than adequate head, shoulder,knee and leg room for three and the rear most seats can accommodate taller teens in relative comfort. It goes beyond the usualpacking-them-in for short trips. The internal space is class leading. Like all these vehicles though, with the rear seats up there isminimal luggage room.

The Kluger is powered by a 3.5-litre all-alloy quad cam V6 engine provides a balance of performance and economy. It delivers 201kW of power at 6200 rpm and 337 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. It mates well with the new six-speed multi-mode transmission, forincreased driveability and better fuel economy. The new U660 transmission was designed to complement the vehicle's quad-camdual VVT-i V6 engine and operate with Kluger's AWD drivelines. The combination sips fuel at an ADR combined cycle of 10.6litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 237 grams/km.

Safety is a key feature, with the Kluger achieving a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The GXL Kluger also has daytime running lamps, foglamps, reversing camera and steering-wheel audio controls as standard equipment. Its comprehensive electronic safety featuresinclude Anti-skid brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), VehicleStability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control and all-wheel-drive models have Downhill Assist Control.

The Kluger GXL has an impressive passive safety package, including seven airbags. The airbags include dual-stage driver airbag,dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's knee airbag, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags.

by Anthony Hood

TOYOTA KLUGER GXL $59,055 RDAP

Overall OzRoamer Rating: 90/100

The Kluger GXL AWD model also includes standard Dynamic Torque Control for maximum traction and cornering ability andDownhill Assist Control that automatically controls the brakes to maintain a constant low speed when descending slopes,helping to reduce wheel lock.

The compact, lightweight system uses information on vehicle speed, yaw rates and steering and throttle angles to control torquedistribution automatically between the front and rear axles. It saves fuel by driving only the front wheels when the vehicle iscruising, switching to AWD when needed via an electro-magnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential housing. TheAWD system controls torque distribution to ensure the Kluger follows the driver's intended line to improve initial turn-in whencornering. If the VSC detects approaching oversteer, then rear-wheel torque is reduced. If approaching understeer is detected,rear-wheel torque is increased.

The Kluger will tow 2000 kg in comfort and with a 200 kg tow ball rating it is well balanced when doing so. However, load it upwith a pile of kids and hitch a trailer on, you will feel it with a saggy bottom and poor power delivery. However, for smallercaravans, camper trailers, bike trailers seadoos etc., the Kluger's towing ability adds to its family value credentials. What you willfind though is that with the powerful petrol engine, the fuel consumption when towing will increase dramatically and there islittle you can do about that.

However, just because it's a Toyota and has AWD drive system, don't confuse this with an off road vehicle. The AWD system isbest for dirt roads, awesome in the snow fields, hard packed sand etc. If your adventurous spirit extends beyond theseboundaries, then perhaps the Kluger shouldn't be your choice. The Toyota Kluger GXL is a well appointed, versatile family AWDSUV. Easy is a word that comes to mind; easy to own, easy to use and drive, easy to load a heap of kids and gear inside and easyto sell when the time comes. It has just about everything that you could wish for. I just wish for a diesel option with a 6 or 7 speedtransmission. Despite this it is a worthy winner in our awards for 2015.

by Anthony Hood

TOYOTA KLUGER GXL $59,055 RDAP

What’s Good:• Internal space• Practical family car• Standard features

What’s Not:• No diesel option• Price Premium• Drivers seat needs more travel

Behind the Wheel 10 Practicality 10

Comfort 10 Fit for Purpose 10

Equipment 10 Towing Ability 7

Performance 9 Off Road Ability 6

Ride & Handling 9 Value for Money 9

Model Kluger GXL

Model Price $59,055 RDAPEngine 3.5L ULP V6

Drivetrain AWD 6 speed Auto

Power 201 Kw @ 6,200 rpm

Torque 337 Nm @ 4,700 rpm

Safety 5 Star ANCAP

CO2 Emissions 259 g/kmGVR 3 Star

Economy10...6 L/100km (ADRcomb)

Tow Capacity Max 2000 kg

Tow Ball Rating 200 kg

Servicing Capped Price

Warranty 3yr/ 130,000 km withfull roadside assist