Toyota’s decision to axe the six-cylinder option in its new Kluger stems from a broader company policy
Toyota Australia says a company mandate to reduce CO2 emissions is behind the decision to dump the petrol V6 option from its popular Toyota Kluger range, as the car-maker confirms it is quietly walking away from the engine altogether.
In an announcement this week, the Japanese auto giant confirmed it would soon axe the V6 petrol engine from its Kluger line-up, barely a year on from the fourth-generation model’s Aussie launch.
The large-capacity petrol-engined Kluger will continue trickling into showrooms until year’s end, whereupon a new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder will take its place, joining the Kluger Hybrid.
The decision follows similar moves with the Toyota HiLux, Prado and Camry in recent years.
In a statement to carsales, a Toyota Australia spokesperson confirmed the V6 has been officially axed from Toyota’s entire local line-up, citing emissions as the primary reason.
“Toyota in Australia has replaced the Kluger’s V6 with a new efficient and well tested 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which supports Toyota’s CO2 reduction targets,” the spokesperson said.
The move was a fait accompli in some respects, given Toyota globally has pledged to offer zero-emissions vehicles only in some parts of the world by 2035.
The normally mild-mannered marque has also been quite vocal about the importance of its hybrid models in reducing CO2 footprint recently.
“Right now, due to their popularity and record sales in Australia, Toyota HEVs [hybrid electric vehicles] provide a significant benefit in reducing the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere,” Toyota Australia president Matthew Callachor said earlier this year.
“They are reducing more emissions, sooner, than BEVs [battery electric vehicles] alone.”
In Australia, the popular seven-seat large SUV category has a handful of V6 petrol options that continue, including the forthcoming new-generation Nissan Pathfinder, the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
It is understood Toyota’s petrol V6 will continue to be manufactured for other markets globally.
The move to drop the V6 in Australia also puts a cloud over several Lexus models that are powered by the same engine.
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[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://editorial.pxcrush.net/carsales/general/editorial/profile-sam-charlwood.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Sam Charlwood[/author_info] [/author]
