Toyota reaches for new Kluger Altitude

Toyota has released another limited-edition Altitude model, this time based on the Kluger.

As Toyota announced back in August, when it also released Altitude-badged RAV4 and 200 Series LandCruiser models, the latest in a long line of Altitude specials costs $2300 more than the entry-level Kluger KX-R seven-seater upon which it’s based.

Now available for $44,990 in front-wheel drive form and $49,490 in all-wheel drive guise (plus on-road costs), the Kluger Altitude is claimed to add around $8000 of extra value.

As with the last Kluger Altitude special, this one adds a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with nine-inch screen and wireless headphones, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 tyres, black roof-rails and front foglights.

Also included this time, however, is satellite-navigation with 3D display, SUNA traffic updates and speed camera warnings, plus an upgraded 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system featuring voice control, access to phonebook, SMS messaging and text-to-voice, Bluetooth phone connectivity, audio streaming, a USB socket with iPod control and music storage via an SD memory card slot.

This is in addition to standard Kluger KX-R features, including seven airbags, electronic stability/traction control, air-conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, separately opening tailgate glass and hill-start assist, while AWD variants add hill-descent control.

Although the Kluger Altitude will only be available with black cloth interior trim, four exterior paint colours will be offered.

There are no changes to the Kluger’s 201kW/337Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine or five-speed automatic transmission, and metallic and pearlescent paint still costs an extra $475.

Sales of the second-generation Kluger, which will be replaced by an all-new model imported not from Japan but the US late next year, are up 26.5 per cent to the end of October with 11,027 sold, placing it third in the large mainstream SUV segment behind Toyota’s own top-selling Prado and Ford Territory.

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