Next gen Toyota Kluger coming in March

Toyota's vehicle engineers have taken advantage of developments, including a new double-wishbone rear suspension system, to provide what they claim is a more dynamic driving experience.

The platform, suspension and electric power steering have been fine-tuned in harmony with the modernised rear suspension set-up to ensure the seven-seat Kluger hugs the road more precisely and communicates more directly to the driver. Improved handling and traction will also translate to better performance on rough surfaces and when cornering.

The layout of the rear suspension also results in more cabin space, particularly in the third row and cargo areas, with shock absorbers placed relatively low and coil springs located under the floor.

An increase in mounting rigidity for the more conventional front MacPherson strut suspension also contributes to improved steering response and driver pleasure.

Every third-generation Kluger will have an array of safety equipment as standard, including seven airbags, a reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist control and four-wheel disc brakes.

Top-of-the-line versions will feature a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam headlights.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new Kluger underscored Toyota's commitment to greater driver enjoyment, more emotional styling and safety.

"New Kluger is the latest vehicle to embrace Toyota's commitment to producing vehicles with progressive styling, a more refined interior and with handling and ride comfort that rekindle the fun of driving," Mr Cramb said.

Kluger will be available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with the latter incorporating Dynamic Torque Control, a system that continually monitors and controls torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electro-magnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential.

It enables up to half the available torque to be directed to the rear wheels to promote sure-footed traction. The system automatically engages front-wheel drive under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The new Kluger will be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 driven through a new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that Toyota says will improve fuel economy.

Australians have bought more than 100,000 Kluger SUVs since the first model arrived in 2003.

Full specs and pricing on the new Kluger will be reveaqled closer to the March launch.