Toyota Highlander Harus Dijual Di Malaysia

Australia telah berjaya menjual Highlander dengan jayanya.

Kami teringat Toyota Highlander versi sebelumnya dalam jumlah yang besar ketika kami mengunjungi Australia tiga tahun lalu. Di Australia, SUV keluarga Toyota yang lebih besar ini disebut Kluger dan harganya bermula dari AUD47k (kira-kira RM150k sebelum cukai dan ini adalah versi petrol pacuan dua roda asas, versi hibrid teratas adalah sekitar RM205k).

Anehnya, di New Zealand yang berdekatan, ia disebut ‘Highlander’ dan model terbaharu 2021 ini akan berharga dari 70,000 dolar New Zealand (sekitar RM207,000) dan ia juga merupakan SUV keluarga yang popular di kalangan penduduk pulau. Versi pertama diperkenalkan pada tahun 2000 dan kemudian model yang disemak semula tiba pada tahun 2015 dan sekarang terdapat Highlander / Kulger 2021.

Peliknya UMW Toyota tidak mahu melancarkan kenderaan keluarga kacak yang boleh dipandu oleh orang kanan (juga orang Indonesia dan Thailand) untuk beli.

Satu-satunya sebab yang terlintas di fikiran adalah populariti Toyota Fortuner buatan dan bersumber dari Thailand yang laris sejak diperkenalkan pertama kali di Malaysia (Fortuner 2013 dijual dengan harga RM168k) dan dengan kurangnya penolakan perancangan produk oleh Pejabat serantau Toyota untuk menawarkan saingan Toyota dengan Mazda CX-9 2018 yang popular dengan harga dari RM265k dan Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 yang berharga dari RM163k.

Sekarang, dengan Highlander 2021 terbaharu ini, mungkin sudah waktunya untuk pelancaran Malaysia kerana kita baru saja melihat Toyota Harrier 2021 habis terjual hanya beberapa minggu selepas pelancarannya.

MEDIA RELEASE 

Benefitting from Toyota’s TNGA-K platform architecture, this latest Highlander is big on space but efficient on emissions. It combines all the large Toyota SUV attributes of 7-seat space on demand, comfort, drivability and safety with an exceptionally quiet, all-wheel drive 248hp hybrid powertrain offering excellent fuel efficiency from 6.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions as low as 149g/km – a segment-best power-to-CO2 balance for a non-plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Some 21 years after its introduction in the United States, Australia and Japan, the Highlander is the right rival to the European rivals. Full-size SUVs are popular and profitable, but the market is dominated by upmarket badges. Toyota thinks that with over 20 years of experience elsewhere under its belt, it could be perfectly placed to be a mainstream upstart.

At 4,966mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,755 tall, the Highlander is significantly larger than the RAV4 it shares its platform with – the GA-K version of Toyota’s TNGA Architecture. It’s not the only large SUV; the Land Cruiser still goes on, but the Highlander is a completely different proposition. Using its more modern platform, and only available with a hybrid drivetrain, it’s a more road-focused large family SUV compared with the brand’s tough and taller off-roader.

With a platform and powertrain setup modified from the RAV4, there are strong similarities between the mid-size and full-size Toyota SUVs from behind the wheel, the most plainly obvious of which is that buyers will have to get used to the quirks of a CVT gearbox. 

Thankfully, torque off the line is strong thanks to the subtle punch of the electric motor, so getting the two-tonne Highlander on the move doesn’t require a strong, rev-inducing stomp of the accelerator.

Interior Design

On board, the interior has been designed to offer all the practicality, durability and space-on-demand expected of a 7-seater family SUV, creating a comfortable, luxurious environment for all occupants.

The instrument panel is structured with a solid central element that encompasses the 12.3-inch centre console multimedia display screen and then flows the full width of the dashboard, framed by smooth, soft-skin padding. This is visually supported from below by a wide, square centre console.

All switchgear is shaped to flow seamlessly from the panels, combining elegance with ease of operation. Throughout the interior, satin and wood grain trim finishes create a durable, prestigious atmosphere, whilst the soft-skin padding itself is dressed in highly tactile, finely textured leather detailed with fine quality stitching.

Premium equipment levels include a 7-inch TFT display within the driver’s instrument binnacle, a 12.3-inch centre console multimedia display with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 3-zone air-conditioning, front and rear seat heating and front seat ventilation, a Head-Up Display, a 1,200 Watt, 11-speaker JBL sound system by Harman, wireless phone charging and a switchable digital rear view mirror which displays a wide rear image without the interruption of seat headrest or other occupants.

The Highlander Hybrid’s luxurious interior is available in a choice of Black or Graphite colour schemes. High grade versions combine perforated leather upholstery with Dark Silver ornamentation and Dark Wood trim, whilst Premium grade variants feature perforated leather upholstery and Silver Texture ornamentation combined with Dark Wood trim.

Packaging

With a generous 2850 mm wheelbase, the Highlander Hybrid is a true 7-seater – the 180 mm sliding range of the second row seating ensuring spacious, easily-accessible third row accommodation for two adults.

Malaysian Arrival

Well, we will have to wait and see if UMW Toyota gets the green light from the regional Toyota office to offer this premium 7-seat SUV in Malaysia and the rest of ASEAN.