Tarago: More features, lower prices.

Toyota has significantly improved the value and appeal of its Tarago range by adding in-demand features and upgrading interiors while lowering prices.

Satellite navigation is now standard across the range, being rolled down to the volume-selling GLi and GLX four-cylinder and V6 variants at the same time as recommended retail prices for these variants have been reduced by $1,500.

Range-topping Tarago Ultima V6, which falls in price by $1716, joins all grades in receiving new safety features - a reversing camera and an emergency brake signal that flashes the hazard lights during heavy stopping.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the latest updates would expand upon the compelling reasons for Tarago to be purchased by people whose needs have outgrown other vehicles.

"Families and business owners will appreciate that Tarago's renowned space, comfort and quality have been enhanced by a more upscale interior and even better value due to expanded levels of equipment and sharper pricing," Mr Cramb said.

All Tarago interiors have been upgraded with a black soft-touch dashboard, piano-black treatments for the centre cluster and air vents, and improved heater/air-conditioning controls with easier-to-use electrostatic switches.

The Optitron instruments have been redesigned to incorporate a colour 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID) alongside a semi-circular speedometer and a horizontal tachometer. New three-spoke steering wheels include MID controls.

Reversing camera and 3-D satellite navigation images are displayed on a 6.1-inch touch-screen display that is also used to operate the audio system. Bluetooth®# hands-free and audio-streaming functions, voice recognition, SUNA live-traffic updates, USB input, single CD player and AM/FM bands with FM radio text are all standard.

V6 GLX and Ultima grades are newly fitted with premium seats that feature luxurious quilted suede-like black fabric flanked by synthetic leather. Two-step front seat heaters are new to V6 GLX. All other grades are equipped with grey cloth seats.

Ultima, and now V6 GLX, have auto-levelling high-intensity discharge headlamps with an adaptive front lighting system that enables them to swivel on low beam to provide better illumination when turning corners.

Six of the seven exterior colours (not glacier white) feature self-restoring paint^ with scratch-resistant elasticity that can flex on impact and return to its original shape without damage.

Tarago engines are now certified to the higher Euro 5 emissions standard with no change to fuel consumption while the electric power-steering system has been improved with a revised intermediate shaft that provides a more direct on-centre feel.

Tarago's 202kW 3.5-litre V6 is matched with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with artificial intelligence and a sequential-style manual gear select shift. The 125kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic transmission uses just 8.9 litres to travel 100km**. V6 fuel economy is 10.2 litres/100km** for GLi and 10.3 litres/100km** for GLX and Ultima.

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. All models have cruise control, hill-start assist, tilt-and-telescopic steering column adjustment, front and rear heater/air-conditioning, rear spoiler and remote central locking. Two front corner and four rear parking sensors are standard on GLX and Ultima.

The two top V6 variants are equipped with power sliding rear doors and keyless "smart entry" with sensors on the front and luggage-door handles, while all grades have push-button "smart start" ignition.

Tarago Ultima retains its rear-seat entertainment system for Blu-Ray™ or DVD viewing on a nine-inch screen located above the front seats. There are three wireless headphones and a remote control. Ultima also has a dual moonroof with sunshade.

GLi and four-cylinder GLX models offer eight seats, including a three-passenger second-row seat with 60/40 split. V6 GLX and Ultima grades have seven seats, including two adjustable captain's chairs with integrated ottomans in the second row and a sliding centre console.

Three-person third-row seats are split 60:40 and can be folded forward to increase cargo space. In V6 models, they can be stowed with a flat luggage floor and are electrically operated in Ultima.

GLi models run on 16-inch steel wheels while the other grades are fitted with 17-inch alloys - 10-spoke for GLX and 15-spoke for Ultima.

Tarago is covered by the capped-price Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $180 per service for the first six standard scheduled services##.

Tarago - a favourite for more than 30 years

Tarago - with local sales of more than 102,000 vehicles - has played an integral part in the development and appeal of people-movers in this country.

Credited with popularising the concept of modern people-movers, it is the only vehicle of its type to pass 100,000 sales in Australia.

First-generation Tarago established the concept of modern people-movers in the mass market. In 1986, it became the first people-mover to undergo a crash test in Australia.

The second generation, launched in 1990, broke new ground. It was the first vehicle of its type to offer a chassis not shared even in part with a commercial vehicle, offering increased crash protection and a major step forward in handling and ride.

The switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, with the release of third generation Tarago in 2000, allowed for design improvements in space, accessibility and aerodynamics.

Tarago continued to evolve with the fourth generation in 2006, introducing a new level of style, package efficiency, performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The first V6 Tarago was launched in 2007.

Disclaimer:

#The Bluetooth® word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality varies depending on the device.