New Toyota Torago is tarted up

Tarago is tarted up

TOYOTA is trying to address a rare weak spot in its range by adding features and shaving prices on its updated Tarago people-mover.

The Tarago accounts for just 7.3 per cent of the expanding people-mover market.

Sales of 454 for the first six months of the year were dwarfed by 2416 for the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey’s 1483 registrations.

Buying a new Tarago is now at least $1500 cheaper and satnav is standard on all models. The entry GLi four-cylinder starts at $45,490, climbing to $65,600 for the V6-powered Ultima.

Interior upgrades include soft-touch dashboard plastics, piano-black highlights on the centre cluster and vents and a redesigned instrument panel with a 4.2-inch multi-

information display.

The V6 GLX and Ultima have powered rear doors and keyless entry, along with new seats with synthetic leather and faux suede upholstery in place of the grey cloth found in other variants.

The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine still delivers 125kW/ 224Nm and uses a continuously variable transmission to post a claimed combined fuel use of 8.9L/100km, but now meets the more stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations.

The V6 (202kW/340Nm) is matched to a six-speed automatic. It uses 10.2L/100km in the GLi and 10.3L for the GLX and Ultima.

Servicing for the first three years is $180 at each of the six visits.

Craig Duff

The Tarago, largely unchanged in 10 years, still commands a following.