All-New Toyota C-HR delivers the thrill of the next
In late February, Toyota’s head-turning C-HR hit Australian shores, bringing with it the next evolution in the sub-compact SUV category.
The unique, modern design of Toyota C-HR combines the strong lower body of an SUV and the sleek profile of a coupe. Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales, Tony Cramb, says it’s a vehicle simply made to stand out.
‘‘C-HR is stunning proof of the determination by Toyota to encourage greater stylistic freedom and engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure,’’ he said.
Toyota C-HR’s excellent driving dynamics suit tight city laneways and suburban back streets, allowing the driver to effortlessly tackle city obstacles.
A major contributor to this agile driving experience is the powerful yet fuel efficient 1.2L turbo-charged petrol engine. It’s designed to deliver fine-tuned responsiveness and acceleration while incorporating technology previously reserved for hybrid engines.
‘‘This impressive engine offers performance levels equivalent to a significantly larger engine, but with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,’’ Tony explained.
The intelligent manual transmission in the Toyota C-HR automatically increases the engine revs when moving down the gears to ensure smooth gear shifts. This system also works when shifting up, improving comfort for both driver and passengers by reducing clutch shock.
The premium SUV is armed with advanced driver assist safety features, and the maximum 5-Star ANCAP safety rating. Features include a Pre-Collision Safety System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Active Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and a Reversing Camera1.
Drivers can make the Toyota C-HR their own, with eight sleek colours to choose from – white pearl, black, premium red, dark brown, blue, yellow, metal stream and lime green. Luxurious add-ons include heated seats, privacy glass, leather-accented upholstery, a Smart Entry and Start System, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Toyota C-HR comes in two highly-equipped grades – C-HR and Koba. Both variants are available in AWD, with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission, and the 2WD C-HR grade is only available with manual transmission. Features across both grades include a 4.2'' colour Multi-Information Display, satellite navigation2 and six speakers.
1Pre-collision Safety System/ Autonomous Emergency Braking/Active Cruise Control/Lane Departure Alert/ Automatic High Beam/Reversing Camera are driver assist features only and not a substitute for safe driving practices. Driver remains responsible at all times for safe driving.
2Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks as well as offering some coverage of regional areas.
Toyota’s Kluger and Coaster now offer even more for fleets
Both Toyota Kluger and Coaster have been given a series of adjustments, enhancements and added extras to make the two versatile vehicles even better for fleets.
Strengthening an already established reputation as a premium vehicle, Toyota Kluger’s updates have further evolved its strong, sleek design and quality feel.
All grades of Kluger have received an upgrade to the Direct Injection, 3.5L V6 petrol engine. This change sees improvements in fuel economy1, saving fleet managers more money over time. And even though engine power has increased by 17kW to a total of 218kW, CO2 emissions have been reduced.
Additionally, all automatic transmissions have gained two gear ratios, for a total of eight speeds. This will also improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency1.
A series of added specs will further enhance Kluger’s offering. The SUV comes with 18'' alloy wheels with sleek, gray inner spokes and LED rear tail lights with an emergency stop signal.
On the other side of the road is the All-New Toyota Coaster. Enhanced interior space, additional safety features and improved handling will make the country’s most enduring people mover even more appealing.
One of the biggest enhancements is the addition of an extra seat, bringing the people mover’s seating to a grand total of 22. To make room for extra luggage, all grades have been equipped with handy ceiling luggage rack.
Once on the road, a new 6.1'' touch screen audio unit with satellite navigation2 will keep drivers on track. And with new double wishbone front suspension and a heavy duty, rear leaf spring, both driver and passengers will be in for a smoother ride.
The All-New Coaster has also received a safety step up. Driver and front passenger SRS airbags that deploy simultaneously have been installed, offering extra protection if the unavoidable happens. And for passengers in the rear, an extended centre door step will make it easier (and safer) to get in and out.
All-New Coaster now offers two transmission types across the standard grade – a five-speed manual or an electronic, four-speed automatic.
Both Toyota Kluger and Coaster have long been fleet favourites. Their safety, design and engine upgrades will only see them become more popular within the industry
.1Results achieved in test conditions. Actual results may vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition and options/accessories fitted. Fuel consumption data provided for comparison purposes only. Source: ADR81/02 combined cycle for GX + GXL 2WD models: 9.1 L/100km; and combined cycle for all grades AWD: 9.5L/100KM.
2Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks as well as offering some coverage of regional areas.
Toyota gets behind the Club Clipsal 1,000kms for Kids
Clipsal by Schneider Electric are committed to supporting kids in need. Toyota Australia supported the Clipsal 1,000kms for kids that helped raise over $430,000.
While Toyota sponsored the event, donated two new Toyota Corollas and a support vehicle, an ambitious employee of Clipsal by Schneider Electric ran the entire 1,000kms.
Ashley Ralph, General Manager of Partner Programs, is a keen fitness enthusiast with a big heart to match. He had no hesitation taking on the gruelling 1,000kms trek from Melbourne to Adelaide, running 100km every day for 10 days. On Day 1, the route started at Clipsal in Notting Hill and travelled past Toyota CHQ in Port Melbourne where Ashley was greeted by Dave Buttner, CEO of Toyota Australia. Ashley finished in spectacular fashion – down the finishing strait of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide track on Friday 3 March.
The resilient amateur athlete is no stranger to a challenge. In 2014, Ashley cycled 2,800kms over 14 days from Perth to Adelaide, and in 2006 he cycled 3,000kms over 21 days, raising funds for other worthy causes.
‘‘The Club Clipsal 1000 challenge is my biggest physical and mental challenge yet, but it is nothing compared to the challenges faced by burns survivors and children facing life-threatening conditions every single day.’’ Ashley said.
The funds raised went straight to two very worthy causes – Variety and the Julian Burton Burns Trust.
Variety is a national not-for-profit organisation committed to helping Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. The charity allows children to gain mobility and the freedom to get out into the community, communicate, achieve independence and increase self-esteem.
The Julian Burton Burns Trust is committed to influencing social change to reduce the impact of burn injuries – one of the top three causes of accidental death in children under five. The trust is committed to advancing word-class care through National Community Grants, and facilitating and enabling support programs for burn victims and their families.
By supporting Ashley and his epic charity run, both Toyota and people from all around Australia have played a part in making a positive difference in many young lives.
Toyota’s Industry Accessory Range is built ready for work
LandCruiser 70 Series Single-Cab Cab-Chassis is engineered to be tougher than ever. And by adding Genuine Accessories from Toyota’s Industry Accessory Range1, you can tailor it to suit your needs too.
Toyota Genuine Accessories are rigourously tested in the harshest conditions to meet the requirements of mining, construction and industrial sites. This ensures the versatile range is more than up to the task on any worksite.
You can kit out LandCruiser 70 with any of the accessories from the Industry Accessory Range1. On the one hand, you have the safety essentials, like wheel chocks, wheel nut indicators, Handbrake Alert3, 4 and a Battery Isolator Switch. On the other, you have durable add-ons that make your job easier, such as the Steel Bull Bar, the Toyota-enhanced Warn Winch and the Industry Heavy Duty Steel Tray. Each part is designed to work in complete harmony with LandCruiser 70, so you can rest assured everything will operate as one integrated system.
Let’s take a look at some of the Genuine Accessories in more detail.
Probably most prominent is the Industry Heavy Duty Steel Tray. Designed to withstand the harsh operating conditions, it will survive just about anything you throw at it (or in it). The tray is designed to comply with Australian Standards and Design Rules, adding up to a lifetime of durability. Features of the tray include drop-sides, glass-reinforced nylon hinges and secure, bolted joints.
Then there’s the Steel Bull Bar. Made from high-tensile steel, it’s both light and strong. And because it’s a Toyota Genuine Accessory, the bar is fully integrated with LandCruiser’s SRS airbags and crash energy absorption system.
Next up are accessories to help improve LandCruiser’s visibility on site. A Light Bar Kit includes Light Control Switches, a Reverse Buzzer2 and a Flashing Beacon. Then there’s reflective tape and an illuminated flag3 with an LED tip. Lastly, you have LED Work Lamps3 that are built to provide a generous beam of light for a variety of situations.
The Toyota-enhanced Warn Winch has faced significant development to meet Toyota’s requirements, with components strengthened to safely carry significant electrical loads. All exposed electrical connections have Toyota approved water-proof connectors and components such as the Overload Interrupt (OLI) are designed to not only protect the Winch, but also protect the vehicle electrical systems.
Available in heavy duty steel or lightweight synthetic rope5 variants, the Winch has 9,000lbs (4082kg) pulling power with high line speed for safe and effective vehicle recovery.
With its rigid structure, impressive pulling power and powerful engine, the LandCruiser70 Series is built for the hard yards. And with Toyota’s Industry Accessory Range, you can build an even tougher workhorse to safely tackle any worksite challenge.
1Industry Accessories sold separately only applicable to HiLux Double-Cab, Cab-Chassis, SR 4x4 Wide-Body Turbo-Diesel and LC70 Single-Cab, Cab-Chassis Variants only. Industry Heavy Duty Steel Tray (sold separately) also required.
2Reverse Buzzer is a driver assist feature only and should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices. Driver remains responsible at all times for safe driving.
3Light Bar Kit (sold separately) required to fit accessories ‘Handbrake Alert’, ‘illuminated flag’ and ‘LED Work Lamps’
4In the absence of a Light Bar Kit, a Handbrake Alert may still be fitted with a power harness (sold separately) for the LC70 series only.
5Synthetic rope recommended to be replaced every 12 months.
Valued employees will value your assets
Companies and fleet managers facing difficulty in getting employees to care for their vehicles may be missing a vital point.
Good driver behaviour can save thousands of dollars in operating costs over the life of a vehicle compared with bad driver behaviour. The difference is measured in the costs of fuel, maintenance, accidents and the vehicles’ condition. According to one study, the best drivers can reduce total operating costs by more than 12 per cent but the worst drivers can drive up costs by more than 13 per cent.
As a result, companies and fleet managers have adopted a wide range of measures aimed directly at reducing vehicle operating costs. These solutions include developing and communicating a company policy that clearly identifies the driver’s responsibilities. Driver education is also implemented, both for new employees as well as on-going training – the hope being that a well-trained driver will keep corporate assets in great condition. Another strategy is to subscribe to a preventative maintenance schedule and explain to employees that increased repair costs due to vehicle neglect directly affects their earning potential as well as the company’s bottom line. Drivers may even be offered a form of reward for taking exemplary care of their vehicles.
However, many fleets report that cost reductions are not being achieved despite the adoption of these well-honed tools. The missing element is that a company must demonstrate that it values its employees so they, in turn, are motivated to respect the company and its assets. Essentially, it comes down to a two-way street: employees are more likely to take pride in the care and operation of their work vehicles if they feel that the company cares about them, their safety and their well-being.
The psychology is simple. People go to work for more than a pay cheque. They want to feel that their contributions are making a difference, and that they matter as individuals. Too often, companies invest substantial time and money hiring and training employees, only to squander that investment by failing to demonstrate they genuinely care about factors like employee success and job satisfaction. As a result, employees do not stay motivated to produce their best work, let alone care properly for a vehicle.
Reversing this downward spiral requires companies and fleet managers to take decisive action. A strong investment in safety is a great way to show employees they are valued. Another measure is to ensure you understand how your vehicles must be used in the field – truly understanding the unique challenges that face drivers. Fleet managers can’t do that from behind a desk.
Such measures will reinforce the connection between the company taking care of its employees and the employees taking care of the company and its assets. Only then will the other recommended strategies become fully effective and correlate directly to reduced costs.
Check out Industry sales figures
S. Kidman & Co beef up their fleet with the LandCruiser 70 Series
With a herd of 185,000 cattle and pastures covering 103,000 kilometers over three states, S. Kidman & Co is one of Australia’s largest beef producers.
Purchasing Officer Stuart Prideaux says that when living and working off-road in pastoral grazing rangelands, Toyota’s LandCruiser 70 is the best tool of the trade.
‘‘You can try going up into the small 4WD truck range, or down into the lighter-weight vehicles, but you won’t get the same life out of them as you would a LandCruiser’ ’
LandCruiser 70 has been dubbed the ultimate work ute. Its rigid structure, big pulling power and strong V8 turbo-diesel engine have given Stuart and his team all the grunt and muscle they need to handle the rough terrain of the Australian outback.
‘‘When it’s rare for your vehicles to see the bitumen, you need something with a solid front axle that will put up with the sticks, sand and mud that flick and fly around underneath as you travel across the country. 70 Series has that tough undercarriage.’’
Living and working in the remote areas of Australia can make it difficult to source vehicle parts and find mechanical help. But because of Toyota’s wide-reaching network, Stuart and his team find themselves back on track in no time.
And when they are, LandCruiser 70’s powerful engine and renowned reliability make the drivers feel safe and confident they’re in the best vehicle for the job.
‘‘The low down torque of the 4.5 litre motor means you don’t need to go fast over sand hills, as it will hang on through the gears at a slower, steadier pace.’’ Stuart explained. ‘‘Reliability is paramount. We haven’t had any troubles like vehicles going into limp home mode or shutting down because of a disconnected wire like other brands of cars,’’ he said.
When it comes to being a success in the cattle industry, the team at S. Kidman & Co. know how important it is to get the breeding just right. Toyota feel much the same. That’s why the LandCruiser 70 Series has been bred to be the ultimate workhorse, on road and off.
