Saturday, January 7, 2012

2011 Toyota Highlander

Toyota has significantly changed their popular Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover SUV for 2011, providing a better style, more standard equipment and new user technologies.

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that was available in the Toyota Highlander as a base for 2010 is now also available in the SE, the most popular class (2WD only). Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts a more powerful and sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine with a standard audio-Tech package and unique exterior design elements.

The 2011 Highlander is available in base SE and Limited, both two-wheel drive (2WD) and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD). 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard on the limited availability and quality to others. All models Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with four-wheel drive with intelligence and available at the base and Limited.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander pioneered the first generation of medium-sized crossover segment of the utility vehicle to launch a car-like performance, comfort and fuel efficiency, even with the SUV, as the volume and versatility. Second-generation Highlander extend these attributes, and is the highest segment of standard active and passive safety.

New design for 2011

Toyota Highlander Sophisticated design can be upgraded in 2011 with a new front fascia, hood and fenders, with a profile refreshed Black chrome levers (gas models). Headlights and taillights are revised, as are 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited voting offers an elegant 19-inch wheels, roof rails and a silver. SE-class gains power products division.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

2011 Highlander Hybrid is easier to distinguish the petrol model its unique grille and bumper design. It will distribute the new fenders and hood gases Toyota Highlander, but features color-keyed accents, chrome levers, as well as a stacked vertical fog lights. Projector beam headlights and redesigned tail lamps feature the blue lens covers. Daytime running lights are standard on all models Toyota Highlander.

Improving facilities of Technology 2011

The Highlander is still a popular family vehicle, and is intended to more efficient market for 2011 with more standard equipment and technology friendly. Base particular characteristic, qualities and more features for comfort and convenience than previously offered. A standard 50/50 split third row of seats and the manual climate control on the back was made standard on all 2011 models.

The new audio technology is standard on SE and Limited models and optional on the base and are equipped with a USB port, integrated XM Satellite Radio (includes a trial subscription for 90 days), Bluetooth ®, contributing to a wide range of "connected" opportunities for passengers. As a base, this part of a broader package that also includes a save screen with 3.5 inch multi-information display, an eight-way power seat driver, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy to clean the cloth interior, flip-up tailgate windows, fog lamps and roof rails black.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Hybrid base quality provides a new leather package that includes leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power sunroof, HomeLink ®, anti-glare rearview mirror with compass, plus an immobilizer engine with alarm. The optional navigation system is now available to the rank of SE (previously only on the Limited), while gains limited control standard automatic temperature with the back and offers a new perforated leather. Toyota Highlander Hybrid gains basic quality standard washable cloth seats, a power driver seat eight-way, Audio Tech, the third row seat and manual climate control with rear.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Performance and efficiency

Toyota Highlander offers three different types of results: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder joined the range in 2009, offers an EPA estimated 25 MPG highway rating. The 2.7-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque.

The engine has variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing, and intelligence (VVT-i), which guides the progressive and the intake and exhaust cams to optimize torque and fuel economy. Four-cylinder engine is a team solely on the standard six-speed electronically controlled automatic.

The available 3.5-liter V6 (standard on Limited) produces 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 RPM. The V6 also comes with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. A five-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled (ECT) can select manual sequential shift.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Model of the Hybrid Synergy Drive is a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 in 2011, replacing the previous 3.3-liter V6. The system couples high-torque V6 petrol electric motor-generator power system throughout the 280 fly ateh. Second, rear engine provides automatic on-demand four-wheel drive. 2011 Highlander Hybrid receives the EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway crew.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD generates only the rear wheel to power a separate electric motor (MGR), which provides an additional drive torque on demand. This Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i system does not require a power transfer gear and drive shaft from the front. The system electronically varies the torque distribution front and rear depending on traction conditions.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

RSV activation switch on the front center console allows the driver to manage strictly electric mode under certain conditions, for a limited distance at low speeds, or in some stop-and-go driving conditions. A new description of the ECON switch the lever to the program, which reduces the throttle response when accelerating, the fuel consumption. Hybrid System Indicator provides the driver instrument panel meters with instructions to help maximize fuel economy.

Handling and Ride

The Highlander is based on its strength to deliver one of the most capable rides smooth and quiet in the segment. It is through the uprights at the four-wheel independent MacPherson front and rear dual-link strut system. Base models are equipped and Highlander series 17-inch wheels with 245/65 R17 tires, standard limited features alloy wheels 19 inch 245/55 R19 tires. A control system, tire pressure is designed to directly alert the driver if pressure in a tire drops to critical levels. All Toyota Highlander models are equipped disc brakes on all four wheels. In classical models Highlander 4WD full-time four-wheel drive is available in all grades V6.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Active safety

Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota's Star Safety System ™. This system integrates the operation of the vehicle stability control improved (VSC), traction control (TRAC), electric power steering (EPS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), assistance brakes (ABS).

Improved VSC helps the driver maintain control by automatically adjusting engine output and braking force at each wheel, under certain conditions, while the power steering in the right direction with the electric power steering (EPS). Petrol Toyota Highlander models are also equipped with a management function in a straight line. When the ABS traction of various causes using different left / right braking force, the system applies a steering torque to compensate for movement left / right.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses the Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). VDIM is designed to improve management systems, traction and braking, often react to vehicle driving conditions by anticipating tire slippage before a turn in drag, slide or wheel can be produced and make corrections in a smooth, slowly. In addition to integrating all systems on the Highlander's dynamic control (VSC, TRAC, BA, EPS, EBD and ABS), VDIM also uses proprietary software to integrate powerful electronic throttle control with intelligence (ETC-i) electronically controlled brakes (ECB).
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

All models are equipped Toyota Highlander from a corner braking feature. Operate the system integration of Vehicle Dynamics Control, this feature limits the brake pressure on the inner wheel during cornering to help improve control over the tower. Standard on all models, Hill Start Assist Control helps prevent the car from a stop back by applying brake pressure for two seconds.

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is standard on all 4WD models gas. The role of CAD is designed to maintain a constant speed and keep the handling and steering control by reducing wheel lockup during braking, even at low speeds on slippery descents.

Occupant safety

Toyota Highlander comes standard with seven airbags. These include advanced driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags mounted in the seats and driver's knee airbag. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help protect passengers in three rows in the case of certain side collisions or rollovers of vehicles. In addition, all Highlander models come standard with front active headrests.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Comfort

Standard on all models Toyota Highlander, air conditioning front and rear, driver seat, eight-way adjustable (10-a limited way), central locking and windows, the driver window jam protection and manual tilt feature auto-up/down telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, multi-function keyless entry system, and UV reduction windshield Rear Privacy Glass, digital clock, sun visors with vanity mirrors and dual sliding doors are plug-ins, chat mirror, illuminated entry system, scheduled Maintenance indicator, full-size spare tire, and more.

Highlander SE and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera is a 3.5-inch multi-information display, this feature is available in Base Class in 2011 as part of the Tech option package. The display includes a backup camera monitor, clock, outside temperature, warning messages and information to be cruising as average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel consumption, and time travel. On models equipped with the optional navigation system, backup camera images are available on seven-inch navigation screen.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Options

A variety of options and accessories available include a voice recognition system with touch screen navigation with an eight-inch screen, the premium JBL audio, leather seating with heated front seats and power tilt / sliding roof opening . The optional trailer V6 models allows a maximum of 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity. The four-cylinder can tow up to 3,500 pounds maximum towing capacity. A power tailgate can be opened and closed with a key ring is an option available in the basic grade and standard on SE and Limited.

Exterior design

Planning Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the second generation Toyota Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styles. The clean lines and sculpted forms large, robust and muscular giving a modern, dynamic presence Highlander. Toyota Highlander Base grade, you might think to update the model with six-spoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, color-coded remote power outside mirrors, and silver-painted grille. Limited, part of the display of luxury and door handles Chrome roof rails, puddle lamps and rear spoiler.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Interior Design

Toyota Highlander interior offers open, airy and versatile with seats for seven or up to 95.4 cubic feet of total cargo capacity (94.1 for the Highlander Hybrid). There are many storage compartments in the cabin, with 10 cup holders, four bottle holders, two front and one cargo area power outlets 12-volt and extra luggage space hooks tie.

Base and SE degrees characteristic of the center console, silver crown, painted accents and driver and front passenger assist handles. Center console, and will help pull the knob limited function of class-style wood grain trim. Styling features within the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, silver and wood grain-style interior, chrome door handle accents, a few meters Optitron with a graphic blue and a power meter with an indicator of the hybrid system.

Headrest can be adjusted in two ways from the base class and four ways of the SE and Limited. 40/20/40 The second line gives the shared folder. The functions of the seat either a bench of three or removing the Stow Centre ™, a pair of chairs with arms full captain, creating an appointment with convenient space between seats for easy access to the third row. A Center Stow ™ console can also be placed between the seats to provide additional storage. The second row also slides forward and back and reclines.

Accessing the third row is easy by placing walk-in handle on one easy to reach the position back in the seat passenger side second row. Standard one-touch lever inside the trunk to allow the second row of seats to fold forward and flat. The third row works in a similar way, using grip at the rear of the seat.
 

2011 Toyota Highlander

Production of the traditional engine Highlander, Toyota North American-built cars is 12 °, which began in October 2009, the company's factory in Princeton, Indiana. Moving Toyota Highlander on the assembly line, this option was $ 450000000 investment.

The new facelifted Toyota Alphard 2.4 review


 This alphard is very similar to the toyota vellfire. The headlamp are the only changes

The huge Alphard compared side by side with my Murano


Nice meters, looks like sports watch with a rotating bezel to me. Oh..did i see a km/l meter on a VAN?
 
3rd row is also well pampered with a powerfull air conditioner and comfy bench

No seperate temperature control, this control module is located on the roof of the van

Beige coloured interior is beautifully built. Lost the gear knob though

Really huge doors close with a solid thud, and the rear doors are powered

This MPV is a couple of inch lower than the previous model, thus no problem in car parks.

Beautifull dash board is simple as well. I love how the aircond vents are sculpted which looks much like the ones from porsche panamera.
The roof comes equiped with railings for curtains




I was given the opportunity to test drive the new Toyota Alphard 2.4 courtesy of Iktikadraya. This Alphard here is the Alphard 09' model which comes with high equipment levels such as twin power door, front and rear camera, bluetooth handsfree, 17 inch wheels and etc. The price for this 09 van is at RM280,000.00, and i was told that the price can go up to RM340+ if you tick all the options in the list.


Ride quality

Upon driving this vehicle, i quickly noticed how quiet the ride is. At speeds of 160km/h, the ride feels very comfortable with a slight firmness, very quiet and serene and while going at that speed all that is heard is the engine noise. At 160kmh the noise from the engine is very buzzy, it sounds like running 'along' a heavily modified perodua kancil with huge exhaust at the back. The ride feels a little bit firmer than the toyota estima in comparison but it is still comfy, and the only thing that bother it is when going thru speed bumps which a 'thunk' sounds can be heard from the suspension.


Engine 
The engine feels a little down on power and when travelling at 120kmh, the engine is spinning at a low 2000 rpm, and the sounds it makes when spinning at 3k rpm sounds tinny.....sounds more like a 600cc K-car engine.
I kept telling myself that i'm in a 7 seater family van, and not a sports car, but the  shortfall from the engine is too much for me to ignore it.

The eco indicator in the dash board will light up when the vehicle senses that it is running in maximum efficiency mode. Quite frugal to drive when you keep the eco mode light on at all times.

My friend also reported that the fuel tank which can store up to RM120.00 worth of RON97 petrol can sustain long cruises from penang till K.L and this makes it
'quite' fuel efficient too.

The gearbox is a CVT unit and it has a virtual 7 speed, and its operation is buttery smooth.

Cabin

The cabin is finished in cloth and fabric, and its quality lives up to Toyota's reputation. The cream coloured cabin although light and airy gets dirty easily. The cabin is also very inviting and has all the creature comforts that you will find to be a godsend when going on long haul journeys. This 7 seater version has 2 captain chair in the middle row and it offers the best place in the cabin, while the powerful rear ceiling air conditioner keeps all the rear passengers cool.

While wafting along at high speed, a decent conversation can be had between the third row seat passenger and the driver. The seats are firm and supportive, and it feels very much like a sports/bucket seat rather than cosy armchair feel, but it is very comfortable to lay your bottom on.

The driver is perched up high as most MPV's do and controls are all focused on the driver, the seats are comfortable, dials are easy and clear to read and not to mention is the beautiful optitron meters.

Conclusion

This toyota alphard is the best cruiser van around, and luxury and the reliability it offers makes it the most popular choice among malaysian who looks in this category. The comfort, quietness and classiness of this MPV will more than attract you to drop a booking after test driving one of these, and if you have one of these in your garage i'm sure you'll be more than eager to drive all the way to penang to have some laksa then return home after that.

This toyota alphard when compared to the slightly pricier toyota vellfire is identical in comparison, except for minor exterior changes such as the front and rear lights but if you're rich enough to buy the 3.5litre version, you might want to choose the Toyota vellfire which comes with mid-row pilot seats.