Toyota Tarago

2001 July: Toyota reports that "the Tarago Ultima automatic has been named the most fuel-efficient petrol-only powered vehicle out of more than 700 models rated in Wheels Magazine's annual fuel-efficiency survey. Toyota Tarago Ultima also topped the fuel efficiency ratings in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) category."

Ultima, GLX and GLi automatics achieved a city cycle consumption figure of 10.0L/100km (28.2mpg) and highway figures of 6.6L/100km (42.8mpg) (AS2877).

2000, June: Toyota's all new Tarago 8-seater has come a long way in terms of styling and functionality since the first forward control vans were adapted as "people movers".

The third generation Tarago is front engined and front wheel drive, with the longer sloping nose, for better aerodynamics and improved crash safety, that Renault made popular.

The 2000 Tarago comes in GLi, GLX and Ultima model levels. All have a variable valve timing (VVTi) engine (115kW at 5600rpm, 221Nm at 4000rpm) and electronically controlled automatic gearbox.

Air-conditioning, twin front airbags, front seat-belt pretensioners & force limiters, remote central locking and front power windows are standard across the range. The GLX also gets ABS brakes and rear power windows (great for when the kids forget to close them), cruise control, a single CD player, 15" alloy wheels and roof rails. The Ultima has climate control air-conditioning, individual row-2 seats, luxury trim, a 6-CD player , dual moon-roof, tinted rear glass and 16" alloy wheels.

People movers, including the previous model Tarago, came out as being quite expensive to run, costing about the same as large four wheel drives, in the RACV's annual survey of running costs, see June 2000. It will be interesting to see if new models can reduce their running costs down towards those of, say, large cars.

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