AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

This is the new 2014 Toyota Highlander, unveiled today at the New York motor show. The Camry-based model has been launched in response to the Volkswagen CrossBlue, which premiered at the Detroit motor show in January.

The third-generation Highlander features LED lights, new bumpers, Toyota’s latest front grille, a higher belt line and a sleeker glasshouse. New A-pillars are said to improve visibility. Much of the new car is intended to improve interior and luggage space. The double wishbone suspension arrangement has been conceived not to impact on luggage room.

An eight-seat configuration is standard, in a 2/3/3 arrangement but the middle row can be specified with two captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven occupants.

Toyota says the car’s ride and NVH levels have been improved and body roll reduced.

The Highlander, one of four mid-sized SUVs Toyota offers in the North American market, is offered in front- or four-wheel drive configurations and with a choice of a 2.7-litre 4-cylinder or a 3.5-litre V6 engine. A hybrid version is planned.

The Indiana-built Highlander goes on sale early next year, coming at the end of a product offensive, which will see seven Toyota and Scion models launched.

Thanks to: Autocar