Fourth generation Toyota Tarago eight-seat family wagon. It has a new exterior and interior design, and improved package efficiency. Fourth-generation Toyota Tarago also has more power, improved fuel economy, lower emissions, improved handling, higher feature levels, higher levels of active and passive safety, and better interior seating flexibility and cargo space utility.

It has improved body rigidity (20 per cent) and superior aerodynamics to the previous model.

Models

Toyota Tarago is offered in two model grades (GLi and GLX), both with an improved VVT-i and balance-shaft-equipped engine, and ABS anti-skid brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) as standard equipment.

Features

Safety innovations include the availability of up to seven SRS airbags (standard on GLX and part of Enhanced Safety Pack option on GLi), with a driver’s knee airbag, and the debut in Australia of Toyota’s Pre-Crash Seatbelt System.

The Pre-Crash Seatbelt System uses information from the electronic BA system and/or vehicle stability control system to prepare the front seatbelts in anticipation of a collision.

The system is standard equipment on GLX and part of the Enhanced Safety Pack option for GLi.

Tarago’s improved engine is matched to an intelligent electronically controlled automatic transmission with the new features of gated shift and a sequential-shift feature.

Intelligent variable valve timing technology gives Tarago the fuel economy of a 2.4-litre engine coupled with the performance of a larger engine.

The improved engine delivers 10kW more power than superseded Tarago and the added driveability of an electronic throttle.

It delivers 167 HP of power at 6000rpm and 165 lbs-ft of torque at 4000rpm.

Tarago is highly specified, with dual-zone (driver and front passenger) climate-controlled air conditioning and pollen filter, rear-seat cooler, electric power-assisted steering, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, cruise control, MP-3 compatible CD-tuner with steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and a full-sized spare wheel.

GLi

GLi has one option – the Enhanced Safety Pack, consisting of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Toyota Pre-Crash Seatbelt System, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain-shield airbags and driver’s knee airbag (giving a total seven airbags) and electronic Brake Assist.

GLX

GLX has a range of additional features over GLi, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Toyota Pre-Crash Seatbelt System, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain-shield airbags, driver’s knee airbag, roof rails, front and rear parking sonar, six-CD multi-changer and 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic Brake Assist and rear seat climate-controlled air conditioner.

Tarago’s seating is highly flexible, with 60/40 split-fold second- and third-row seats, both with folding centre armrests and height-adjustable head restraints.

The rear luggage area includes an under-floor storage area with lid.

In addition, Tarago has more than 20 interior storage locations, including eight cup holders, four bottle holders, three storage locations for the driver, front door pockets, passenger’s upper storage area as well as lockable glove box, and driver’s and front-passenger’s seatback map pockets.