Toyota launches new Harrier SUV model in Japan, price converts to ₹21.5 lakh

Months after it revealed the new Harrier, Toyota Motor has launched the SUV in Japan. The price starts at 2,990,000 yen (around ₹21.5 lakh) and goes up to 5,040,000 yen (nearly ₹36 lakh). The carmaker has opened bookings for the new Harrier and expects to sell more than 3,000 units every month.

Toyota took the covers off the all-new 2021 Harrier SUV earlier in April. The fourth generation of the mid-size SUV, which was first launched back in 1997, received a host of new updates in its design and technology.

The new Harrier uses the TNGA (GA-K) platform for its basic structure.The suspension system benefits from MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone setup at the rear. The front and rear suspension geometry has also been optimised to produce a well-balanced rigid body.

(Also see pics: Toyota's next-gen Harrier SUV is splendid. Here's why)

The hybrid models feature the Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) that uses a 2.5 litre Dynamic Force Engine (A25A-FXS). 4WD vehicles that include the E-Four electrical 4WD system manage a claimed fuel economy figure of 21.6 kilometres per litre. The new 2WD models, added to widen the choices available, also claims to achieve mileage of 22.3 kilometres per litre.

The gasoline model is powered by a 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engine (M20A-FKS) with Direct Shift-CVT. The 2WD models claims to achieve 15.4 kilometres per litre of mileagewhile the 4WD models claim to do 14.7 kilometres per litre.

The new Harrier has a front view that emphasises its sharp styling through the continuity of lines flowing from the front upper grill through to the headlamps. The signature lampscan be easily spotted from a distance. Despite a simple structure, the side view offers a dynamically changing body cross section. The combination of a narrowed coupe cabin with sports car-like wheel housings extends from both sides of the body and gives a ruggedness to the rear view.

The Harrier SUV will be available in seven colours, including Precious Black Pearl, to show off the beautifully changing shades.

The centre console inside the new Toyota Harrier gets a wide and imposing impression of a horse's saddle. The instrument panel is set within the edges of the saddle. The dashboard extends out from the instrument panel to the door trims on either side. The interior gets synthetic leather treatment, and bentwood-inspired wood tones and piping throughout. A panoramic sunroof, used for the first time by Toyota, is equipped with electric shades and electro-chromatic windows.