New Highlander

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 25 2007, 04:35 PM) [snapback]484521[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for that Tideland. May try to replace our cherokee that my wife uses to pull the horse float (trailer) if I can get my hands on a signature class Kluger here.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 26 2007, 01:50 PM) [snapback]485169[/snapback]</div>

A 2005 model (signature class, refurbished at Toyota plant). I've found one out at the Toyota plant (same way I found my prius) but pretty expensive though. The NZ-new vehicles I think are all called Highlanders (no hybrids though).

This is the only one for sale by Toyota NZ right now:

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 26 2007, 02:20 PM) [snapback]485200[/snapback]</div>

The Signature Class Toyotas are all used but refurbished at the Toyota factory here and re-warranteed (5 years for hybrids). Toyota NZ's Signature programme has been running for 10 years now and is very popular. The Prius I got from the factory this way is the one with the IPA, G-Book, & really beautiful 16 in alloy rims.

I've asked Toyota New Zealand (via their contact us email address) when we will see NZ-new HyHis & HyCams here. They haven't replied.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samiam @ Jul 26 2007, 02:44 PM) [snapback]485212[/snapback]</div>

Here's their reply...

"We can confirm that Toyota New Zealand has no immediate plans to release the Toyota Camry hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid in the near future."

"We are pleased to advise that the Toyota Kluger hybrid is included in the Signature Class vehicle range, which can be viewed on our website at www.toyota.co.nz ..." etc etc.

 

Looks like the new Highlander hybrid is going to be really expensive. The Highlander limited gas car is MSRP $40k+... ouch.

Wonder if the THH loaded is going to be $45k.

 

I went with my sister for a test drive in a gas-powered Highlander ... I was impressed by all the well thought out functional equipment!

She test drove a SPORT model and it seemed to ride nice ... a little firm, but nothing harsh at all. I liked the idea of the small LCD screen above the radio/Nav (if equipped). The layout of the dash, etc ... while still being very middle of the road, was pleasurable to the eye. Nice to have the rear-view camera w/o needing Navigation. Most impressive was the rear seat roominess ... I really liked how far the seats reclined as well. The removable middle seat was a nice thought as well. Often you don't NEED the bench across the back and it's nice to basically have 2 captains chairs. I thought it was a nice touch to be able to drop the 2nd row from the back as well w/o it being powered. A nice touch.

Some things I didn't like were the lack of HIDs (not sure if you can get them on the Limited model or not), the ho-hum styling (it is a must though if you want to appeal to the masses unfortunately).

Overall I thought it was a very well thought out CUV. Still kind of boring overall, especially styling-wise but when it comes to functionality I thought it was very well done. I trust it will sell as well as the past gens.

 

I would have to disagree with your opinion of the wood trim ... you are right on the 3rd row however ... I would go out of my way to get one w/o wood trim if I were choosing.

 

I forgot there were 2 colors of wood ... personally I wouldn't want either. The only thing I would probably be OK with is the almost black wood that you find in some cars.

 

I believe that's the color ... it can almost look navy at times ... I think it's called black bird's eye ... they have it with the light gray interior on the RX 350 now as well ... I had an RX 330, but back then the light gray came with the dark maple the looks more maroon-ish ... ICK!

 

I actually love the burgundy wood on my ES.