Toyota Tarago GLX 2006 review

Kia's Grand Carnival is an excellent example: an eight seater V6 with 184kW of power, air conditioning, air bags and ABS among its inventory for about $37,000.

But some people don't want to drive Korean preferring to drive Japanese.

This is a quality people mover with an enviable reputation for reliability and resale value as well as economical running.

But it has gotten away a bit on price moving out of reach of some who would have one.

A new model Tarago surfaced recently and its price has been trimmed to a starting point of $48,990. Add the safety pack you'd want and on-roads and that would escalate to around $55,000.

A big ask in anyone's measure but take a drive and you might feel differently.

The newcomer looks a little like its predecessor but more handsome especially at the front and rear. And the quality is evident everywhere you look - paint, interior fit and finish, materials.

Less van-like than the previous model, the new Tarago actually looks a bit sexy, and is definitely funky inside particularly the dash with its cyber style console and instrument panel.

An eight seater with eight three point seat belts, Tarago is offered in two grades, GLI and GLX.

Both share the same powertrain and running gear with the latter having 17in alloys and more goodies to justify a three grand premium.

The interior is extremely space efficient offering numerous storage options and sliding side doors both sides with power windows.

Access to the third row of seats is by sliding/ folding centre seats.

The rear seat only just qualifies as a three seater and they'd have to be children.

There's a decent size boot and a full size spare as well as additional storage adjacent to the spare.

The test GLX had dual aircon that helped keep it pleasant with a full passenger load.

We were able to drive the Tarago with eight aboard and the vehicle made a pretty good fist of it, even with the air on.

The 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder with variable valve timing has been uprated to 125kW/224Nm and is a good engine for the vehicle considering escalating fuel prices. Having a powerful V6 under the bonnet does have its advantages but you pay for the privilege.

Performance is not bad but would be better had Toyota fitted a five speed auto instead of the four speeder that is standard. No manual is offered.

It does have a sequential change mode but if it was my choice, I'd lose that for an extra cog.

Its a big vehicle but fits in the average suburban garage and is fairly easy to park. This was aided by front and rear parking sonar on the test vehicle.

This system is adequate to warn of potential reversing danger with small children.

It's family friendly offering easy access and comfortable seats. The driving position is in a command position - high like a 4WD.

What really impresses is the Tarago's almost silent operation and smooth engine. It comfortably wafts along like a well mannered luxury limo and is a vehicle you could easily drive a long distance with minimal fatigue, even with a tribe on board.