Toyota reprises Kluger Altitude special edition
BY HAITHAM RAZAGUI | 26th Nov 2012
The Altitude carries a $2300 premium over seven-seat versions of entry-level KX-R in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive format, but Toyota claims the extras are worth more than $8000.
It also serves to fill the circa-$8000 void separating KX-R variants from the mid-spec KX-S.
As with the March 2009 original – launched with $4500 of extra value for a $1500 premium to counter the facelifted Ford Territory – Altitude equipment upgrades include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with nine-inch screen and wireless headphones, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and front fog lights.
This time around, Toyota has boosted the package with sat-nav with 3D display, SUNA traffic updates and speed camera warnings, plus an upgraded touchscreen audio system.
The audio system features voice control, Bluetooth phone with contact list and text message functions, audio streaming, USB socket with iPod control, and an SD memory card slot for music storage.
Naturally, standard Kluger KX-R features remain, including the multi-function steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, flip-up tailgate glass and hill-start assist, while the AWD variant also comes with hill-descent control.
Four exterior colours are available with a single black cloth interior that has a split-fold second row with removable centre seat.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, electronic stability control and traction control.
As with the rest of the Kluger range, power comes from a 201kW/337Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, driving the wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.
Kluger sales in Australia are up 26.5 per cent to the end of October with 11,027 sold, earning it a top-three ranking and 12.7 per cent share in the large-SUV segment behind the Ford Territory and Toyota Prado.
| Toyota Kluger pricing* | |
| KX-R 5 seat 2WD (a) | $39,990 |
| KX-R 7 seat 2WD (a) | $42,690 |
| KX-R 5 seat AWD (a) | $44,490 |
| Altitude 7 seat 2WD (a) | $44,990 (new) |
| Altitude 7 seat AWD (a) | $49,490 (new) |
| KX-S 7 seat 2WD (a) | $50,990 |
| KX-S 7 seat AWD (a) | $55,490 |
| Grande 7 seat 2WD | $60,490 |
| Grande 7 seat AWD (a) | $64,990 |
