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Toyota Kluger - more
performance with less fuel
The upgraded Kluger also benefits from
styling enhancements across the range and
impressive new grade-specific features that
enhance safety and convenience.
Drivers will appreciate brisker acceleration
and overtaking performance from the addition
of direct-injection technology for Kluger’s
powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, eliciting 17kW
more power (218kW) and 13Nm of additional
torque (350Nm).
While the new technology increases engine
output, it also delivers greater fuel-efficiency
which is enhanced by a new automatic
transmission that offers eight ratios compared
with the superseded model’s six gears.
The new engine-transmission combination is
designed to help owners save money at the
petrol pump and travel further on each tank
with fuel consumption falling to single figures
for the first time - improvements ranging from
8.8%t to more than 10%.
On the official combined cycle, 2WD Kluger
uses just 9.1 litres/100km1 for the GX and
mid-spec GXL grades and 9.3 litres/100km1
for top-of-the-range Grande while all AWD
variants are rated at 9.5 litres/100km1.
These improved economy figures improve
the driving range by up to 85km (2WD) based
on the theoretical maximum from the 72-litre
petrol tank. Emissions are similarly lower.
Styling updates include refreshed front
and rear masks with a new grille and LED
taillights, newly designed grade-specific
alloy wheels and more upmarket interiors
that feature enhanced quality and premium
materials.
Prized features such as satellite navigation
have been introduced to the GXL while the
Grande’s suite of safety features has been
expanded.
Kluger is one of Australia’s most popular
SUVs with more than 140,000 sales since the
first-generation model arrived in 2003. Since
2008, it has topped 10,000 sales a year,
achieving annual average sales of almost
12,700 vehicles.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales
and marketing Tony Cramb said the latest
Kluger enhancements will be welcomed by
both drivers and their passengers.
“The latest updates to Kluger deliver more
of everything appreciated by families -
increased performance for more relaxed
driving, better fuel economy to stretch the
travel budget, modern exterior and interior
treatments, welcome additional features and
remarkable overall value,” Mr Cramb said.
Toyota has achieved a welcome engineering double for its seven-seat Kluger
SUV range with the introduction of significant advances that deliver increased
performance at the same time as better fuel economy.
Toyota forklift service and
support a winner for NT farmer
A Northern Territory watermelon grower is reaping the rewards of investing in a
new Toyota forklift at his property near Katherine.
Dawsons Melons proprietor Brett Dawson was
making do with an old forklift from another
brand when he visited the Toyota Material
Handling Australia (TMHA) branch in Darwin
to enquire about purchasing a second-hand
forklift.
“At first I wasn’t sure which brand to look at, but
the Toyota forklifts were recommended to me
by one of the local transport operators here,”
Mr Dawson said.
“Toyota has a good reputation for reliability.
I was thinking of a second-hand forklift, but
after having a look around and discussing my
needs with the sales staff I realised a new
forklift was the right option for me,” Mr Dawson
said.
“I like to keep all of my equipment for a long
time rather than trading it in every few years,
so I’m happy to invest in a quality Toyota forklift
that will give me years of reliable service.”
Mr Dawson now has a Toyota 8FD25
2.5-tonne diesel counterbalance forklift and
hand pallet truck on duty at his farm in Venn,
just outside Katherine. The Toyota forklift is
used primarily to lift his produce on and off
pallet scales and for side-loading of flat-bed
trucks.
“It’s fairly simple to use and operate. It does
the job quickly and without any fuss,” he said.
Given his location in a relatively remote
area (approximately 300 kilometres south of
Darwin) the after-sales side of the purchase
decision was an important consideration.
“Having confidence in the back-up and
service support of a company like Toyota is a
big plus. You might find a forklift from another
brand for a lower price up front, but what do
you do when things go wrong? You could
be left high and dry with no support, and out
here that’s a big problem,” Mr Dawson said.
TMHA Darwin branch manager Brendan
Shegog said this is a common reason for
businesses in the region to put their trust in
Toyota equipment.
“We sell quite a bit of Toyota forklift
equipment to business in the area and even
though it’s a long drive from Darwin our
technicians are down there every couple of
weeks, so there’s no problem scheduling
everyone in for regular servicing and
support,” Mr Shegog said.
Dawson’s Melons was established in 1989
in Victoria before moving to its present
location near Katherine in 2002 and provides
wholesale seedless watermelons for all the
major Australian markets.
Dawsons Melons proprietor Brett Dawson
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