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Kluger hybrid still on hold


The regular Kluger is coming, to be sold for the first time with front and all-wheel drive from the third quarter of 2007, but the company says it has not been successful in chasing the hybrid.

"We don't have any plans for the hybrid at this stage. Primarily it has been developed for the left-hand-drive market," Toyota Australia's sales and marketing chief Dave Buttner says.

"For the volumes we foresee, there is no economic argument at this time. We don't always make decisions on economics, but if we're moving ahead on

a family hybrid in Australia we'd like to have it locally made."

Buttner says Toyota Australia does not have the green light yet for a Camry hybrid, but work is ongoing. "We would like to be a local producer of hybrids," he says. "I'd like to think we could be successful in the not-too-distant future."

The new Kluger was previewed at last week's Chicago Motor Show. The main changes are a bigger new body with the promise of a roomier cabin, less noise and more power. The Kluger has previously only been sold in Australia with all-wheel drive, but Buttner says Toyota needs front-drive to remain competitive.

"We"ll be offering both 4x4 and 4x2. That will give us extra strength," he says.

Sales of the Kluger have slumped in Australia from a high of almost 900 a month to 400, but Buttner believes the new model will pick up the slack. The American preview highlighted three Kluger models, all with anti-skid brakes, traction control, brake assist and enhanced vehicle-stability control with electronic power steering.

There is a reversing camera on all but the base model, active head restraints and a nose designed for pedestrian protection. The basics include a body that is 150mm longer and wider, extra ground clearance and a second-row bench seat that converts to individual seats with armrests.