Today, driving Toyota’s fourth-generation seven-seat Kluger SUV – nine-models in three grades, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, also available for the first time as a petrol electric hybrid. I tested the entry 3.5-litre V6 petrol GX front-wheel drive at $52,800 drive-away.

The Toyota Kluger was already a popular family carrier, and the latest model has noticeably stepped up in terms of refinement, has more features and equipment, and is livelier in performance yet more fuel efficient thanks to an excellent 8-speed automatic, the GX far from an entry model. Standard fare includes push button start, an electric hand brake, digital radio and one touch auto up power windows.

Importantly, as a family carrier, no less than seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag while head airbags protect all three rows of seats. Two ISOFIX child seat mounts are available in the second and third rows as well as five top tether mounts.

And Toyota’s latest Safety Sense drive assistance tech including a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection. The Toyota Kluger cabin not only larger but more refined in finishes, better storage with new large digital screens for infotainment and the instrument cluster.

Only minus on the GX the lack of a power tailgate which is just so convenient. Warranty five-years/unlimited kilometre. Service every 12 months or 15,000k’s – $250.

I’m David Berthon.

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