We have seen the 2014 Toyota Kluger SUV making a debut at last years North American International Auto Show in the disguise of brand's Highlander. Kluger is the Australian version of the successful model, which will be offered in the local dealerships in March.

Just like its US twin, this SUV will feature a new double-wishbone rear suspension system, finely tuned platform, suspension and electric power steering ensure. This of course will provide more dynamic driving experience.

What have been also enhanced here are the handling and traction that add more ride comfort and safety. The layout of the rear suspension also ensures more cabin space for the third-row passengers and the cargo area.

Furthermore, the shock absorbers are positioned relatively low and the coil springs are located under the floor. Combined with the rigid front MacPherson strut, this results in an enhanced steering response and driving pleasure.

As a matter of fact, 2014 Kluger is the third generation of the model, and now it is equipped with wide variety of safety features. To name some, such are the 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.

All of these will come as a standard on the base model, while the top-of-the-line versions will receive also a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam headlights.

What is more, the vehicle will be offered in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, the latter of which will include a Dynamic Torque Control (DTC). DTC will continually monitor and control the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels with the help of an electro-magnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential.

DTC will also enable up to half the available torque to be directed to the rear wheels to promote sure-footed traction, and will automatically engages front-wheel drive under normal driving conditions. The result will be improved fuel consumption. 2014 Kluger will be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 powertrain matched with a coupled with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

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Source: Toyota