‘LUXURIOUS’ MID-SIZE CROSSOVER

TOYOTA Harrier is a very popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Malaysia, making its selling debut in Japan in December 1997. The second-generation model was introduced in February 2003, before being refreshed as the third generation in 2015.

Until recently, those in Malaysia with money to spare on the premium midsize crossover had to rely on “grey” importers to own one.

Independent dealers with the necessary permits would import used Harriers off the marketplace in Japan. But such units were sold without warranty and this can cause distress to buyers when their unit face mechanical problems.

Early this year, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd officially started importing the facelifted Harrier.

Introduced in two variants, namely the 2.0T Luxury and 2.0T Premium, the SUV comes with nationwide after-sales support, including spare parts and more importantly, a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

We spent a weekend testing the Harrier recently. Let’s check the 2.0T Luxury specifications first before we share our experience in the turbocharged vehicle.

The 2.0T Luxury’s features include triple-projector LED headlights, sequential indicators, LED fog lamps, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, ventilated fron seats, height-adjustable powered tailgate, panoramic moonroof and power-adjustable front seats with memory.

It also boasts the Toyota Safety Sense package, a suite of active safety systems that include pre-crash system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, lane departure alert and adaptive high-b is on top of the sev stability control, tra start assist contro signal, electronic p auto brake hold an with reverse camera

The range-toppin at RM259,900 on-th surance. It is RM21 base 2.0T Premium not have Nappa le ramic moonroof, w back door and ra among others.

The four days spent ry unit may not invo “balik kampung” tr more than 500km cl key was returned t provide a good acco quality.

The SUV was r power from its 8AR-