There were no skirling pipes and flashing claymores when Toyota launched its new Highlander – but the occasion certainly warranted at least a fanfare of trumpets for what is a significant model in the local lineup.
Replacement for the previous decidedly unsexy Highlander, the new model has completely modern looks and an updated power train.
A full seven-seater, it also gets Toyota’s fold-flat system which gives a long, wide and flat load area when the two rear rows of seats are folded down.
The latest Highlander comes in three variants, one 2WD and two 4WD, the latter in either standard or Limited trim.
In all cases the engine is a 3.5-litre 201 kW/337 Nm petrol V6 driving through a 5-speed auto gearbox with sequential manual mode. There are no diesels.
Compared to the previous Highlander the new model is 95 mm longer, 85 mm wider and 17 mm taller, resulting in more interior space. It also gets a 50 mm wider track, and a useful 206 mm of ground clearance.
The braked towing capacity is 2,000kg.
The interior is all new, with larger switches and knobs for easy operation, and newly designed Optitron gauges for better visibility.
The Highlander Limited has power adjustable leather-trimmed front seats with additional leg support adjustment and power lumbar support for the driver.  Both front seats have seat heaters.
The second row of seats for all models is split 40/20/40 with slide and recline functions and inner arm rests.  There’s a new tilt down mechanism in the luggage compartment for the Limited model.
A removable centre seat in the second row allows for two combinations; a three person bench seat or two individual captain seats. This allows the centre second row seat to be stored in the space below the console allowing for a walk-through space to the third row.
The third row seat is a two-person bench seat with a tilt down function and headrests that fold forward for increased rearward visibility. 
Manual air conditioning is fitted to the standard models while the Limited has front and rear climate control air conditioning with independent left and right temperature control functions for the front passengers.
All models have a multi information display with 9 cm colour screen which doubles as a reversing monitor.  The multi information display also shows cruise information and air conditioning settings (Limited only).
Cruise information shows average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, current, average and total average fuel consumption, driving range, and total driving distance.
There are remote switches on the steering wheel on the Limited model for audio, multi information display, and air conditioning.
At the back is an independently opening glass hatch to allow luggage to be loaded and unloaded without opening the main tailgate.  The glass hatch can be unlocked separately using the wireless remote.
The Limited has front fog lights, halogen headlights with smoked finish, a chrome plated front grille and a larger roof mounted rear spoiler.
Fuel overall consumption is a claimed 11 litres/100 km for the 2WD and 11.6 litres/100 km for 4WD.
Suspension is MacPherson strut type at the front and dual link strut type rear. Standard models have 17 inch alloy wheels, and Limited 19 inch.
There are dual stage SRS front airbags for driver and front passenger seats as well as an SRS knee airbag for the driver’s seat, front side airbags and curtain shield airbags for the first, second and third rows.
ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all models as is Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control Plus (VSC+),  and Hill start Assist Control (HAC). Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is fitted on 4WD versions. 
Prices: 2WD $49,990; 4WD std $53,990; Ltd $61,990.    *