8 February 2011
The outgoing Toyota Highlander currently sits tenth out of the twenty vehicles, making up New Zealand's very competitive medium SUV segment. Not a position a brand like Toyota is used to, and one they hope to change with the release of the all-new model Highlander.
Toyota marketing staff don't believe in taking small steps when they want to see their product move up the sales ladder with the segments top seller, the Ford Territory, firmly in their sights as the vehicle to beat.
Sales of the Territory year to date (Jan - July) total 947 which is 22% of this market segment compared to 91 (2%) for the out-going Highlander so we can expect to see some aggressive marketing to convince drivers to change camps. Lets not forget also, there are some other significant hurdles for Toyota to jump in this segment with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Holden Captiva and the Mazda CX-7 all well ahead of the out going Highlander in sales year to date.
Key factors in the design of the new Highlander and improvements over its predecessor include size, interior functionality, performance and improved usability. In exterior measurements the length has increased by 95mm, height by 17mm, width by 85mm and the wheelbase has increased by 75mm.
Front and rear tracks have increased by 50mm and 70mm respectively and there is additional ground clearance for those venturing off road. Interior space has increased to take into account a third row of seats, which is a standard feature across the entire model range.
The line-up of the new Highlander range consists of one body style, two drive trains and two distinct grades.
The base model is available in either full-time 4WD or 2WD versions and then steps up to the top of the line 4WD limited. All models come with one engine option only, the impressive variable valve 3.5 litre V6 petrol unit as fitted to the Aurion and Previa models.
Power and torque figures are 201kW and 337Nm respectively with claimed fuel consumption figures of 11.0L/100km for the 2WD and 11.6L/100km for the 4WD models. Performance and fuel consumption figures are achieved using 91 Octane fuel according to Toyota NZ staff. No Diesel power unit is available.
All models are fitted with a five speed automatic transmission.
Specification wise the Highlander is well loaded with all variants equipped with vehicle stability control plus (VSC plus), reversing camera, active headrests, removable 2nd row centre seat, front, side, drivers knee and curtain airbags, telescopic steering adjustment, rear spoiler and roof rails, opening rear door glass an alarm system, multiple ISO FIX and tether anchor points.
Upgrade to the limited and you can add; 19' alloy wheels, six disc CD with Bluetooth, front and rear climate air-conditioning, leather seats with front power adjustment, front seat heaters and front fog lights.
Unlike conventional VSC, the VSC plus system can alter power steering assistance to help the driver steer in the correct direction when the vehicle stability control is operating (anti locking brakes and engine de-powering is automatically activated).
When the steering wheel is turned in the wrong direction the electronic power steering assistance becomes firmer than when turning in the correct direction, all this technology is designed to help stop the vehicle loosing control.
An in-cabin switch allows the driver to deactivate the VSC system when engine power and some wheel spin are required, for example, in mud or snowy conditions. However will always operate at times during braking or if directional stability becomes excessive.
Seating configurations can be altered to suit a range of different options; the most interesting is the removal of the centre seat in the second row, which allows for two combinations: In standard format, three seating positions are available or - if the centre squab is removed - the remaining individual captain seats allow for a walk-through to the third row.
The removed squab can be stored in space provided under the centre console, a removable tray table with two-cup holders and storage spaces can also be fitted to make travelling long distances a comfortable experience. Not so comfortable is when the three-seat option is taken, three adults are a tight fit and finding the seat belt buckles may become a challenging experience.
All models come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which allows for easy starts on steep inclines or slippery surfaces. In simple terms, a firm push and release of the brake pedal will hold the vehicle for a predetermined time or until the accelerator is depressed.
The 4WD models have a Downhill Assist Control (DAC) programme, which maintains vehicle control when descending a steep hill by holding the vehicle to a target speed by applying the appropriate hydraulic pressure to the brakes
All models feature a 3.5-inch colour multi-information screen, which is mounted in the top centre of the dash and is also used as the reverse camera monitor.
Pricing for the Highlander starts at $49,990 for the 2WD, $53,990 buys the 4WD with the Limited topping the range at $61,990. Both 4WD models are priced lower then the out-going model, the Limited by almost $2,000.
Pricing will no-doubt play a big part in the final decision of most buyers in this segment of the market such is the choice available. Toyota will be doing its best to gain conquest sales while its competitors will be desperate to retain their existing customer base. It's never been a better time to go looking and negotiating.