From the history

In 1997, the public was first presented with a car of the new class Premium SUV, in other words, a sports utility vehicle. Sales on the markets of Europe and Russia started only in 2000. The car differed from the “original” supplied to America only in the optional equipment and the “nameplate” on the radiator grille. The cars came off the assembly line with V-shaped 3-liter “sixes” and in-line “fours” with a displacement of 2.2 liters. In the same 2000, the engines underwent modernization. The “Four” added 200 cubic meters of working volume and received a 2-mode Timing VVT-i. In 2003, the next generation was presented to the public - the RX300. Production of the Harrier 240G model began in February 2003 and continues to this day. There are many options - by type of engine, transmission and suspension.

Full face and profile

The 240G is fascinating: the car has added length, width and height... A new “body kit” (although not all versions have bumpers and “skirts”), sweeping lines. Lexus brake lights raise the rear, and the massive rear bumper“levels” the car relative to the hood. Although the top line front bumper still higher than the rear. Because of this, the car looks like a predator getting ready to jump. A respectable appearance gives you the right to priority in traffic jams: few people would dare to touch such beauty. Wide wheel arches allow you to install something more impressive instead of “stock” 17-inch wheels.

It’s a pity, of course, that due to the factory “aero body kit” (which the test car is equipped with) the cross-country ability has worsened. Yes, you won’t be able to drive the new ferret off the curb painlessly.

And it is no longer clear to which class to classify it. It is too tall for a sedan, and the title of “jeep” is deprived of it front-wheel drive and low landing. Closer to a “crossover”...

Leather, high-quality plastic and wood-look panels make the electronics-filled interior quite consistent with its appearance. The image is consistent in everything, the interior is thought out to the smallest detail.

The seating position is quite high, it’s hard to complain about visibility. In addition, wide “ears” - side mirrors do not leave any “dark” areas. Electronic adjustments seats have only one drawback: there is no “memory”. If you, your wife (husband) or someone else drives a car, then every time the seat needs to be adjusted “to suit you”. Hands rest comfortably on the steering wheel. Impressive, with shiny “wooden” inserts and “music” control buttons, it does not interfere with observing the readings of the speedometer, tachometer and other instruments recessed into the panel (the backlight of which, by the way, is adjustable).

Besides, mobile phone and “monitoring sensors” for the condition of the engine compartment (and not only) contents – right down to the “windshield wipers”. If you poke your finger long enough, you can find out when the oil was last changed. One of the most useful services is parking sensors. Green lines on the display indicate the body, yellow lines indicate steering wheel turns: it’s hard not to fit in! And a few more tricky “menus”, the purpose of which can only be understood with the help of a translator dictionary. Of course, the phone and navigation do not work in Russia, as do most consumables tracking sensors.

The sociable system speaks to the owner only in Japanese; there is no Russian version yet. Of course, if you pay a little extra, local “Kulibins”, having rummaged through foreign “brains”, will adapt the “computer” to communicate with the Russian owner; probably... But is it worth the risk?

Of course, there are many air conditioning control buttons (separately for the driver and front passenger) and a “stock” Toyota radio with CD and tuner. Visually, the central part of the panel is distinguished by light inserts - like aluminum covers on sports pedals. Is not boring.

The spacious interior allows you to comfortably accommodate four. Interesting detail: If three people sit in the back, the glove compartment between the driver and front passenger moves forward, freeing up legroom. The driver was not offended by his personal space either. Although especially long-legged people (under 2 m) cannot “stretch out” behind the wheel. If you push the driver's seat all the way back, the rear passenger will not be harmed.

Lots of space!

The rear seats fold down, increasing the already roomy luggage niche. In the “floor” formed behind the front seats there are special mounts for child seats - in accordance with the European standard. In the luggage area there is a compartment with tools, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Under this box look for the “dokatka”. But you don’t need to take it out: after unscrewing the fastening bolt, you will find the wheel... under the car. Not very convenient if you are wearing a tie.

Safety equipment includes: 3 “pillows”, 3-point belts with pretensioners and clamps. That's all; Europeans will be indignant...

The gearbox selector is located very well; you don’t need to find it by touch. At the same time, it does not interfere when you need to get something out of the glove compartment. Convenient tiptronic is suitable for both those who prefer to drive an automatic transmission and those who like a manual transmission. We move the lever to the far right section, and the gas to the floor. True, a la “fast and the furious” will not work. Four-cylinder in-line 2.4 l (2AZ-FE) with VVT-i mechanism at the inlet and 160 hp. will not achieve “sporty” acceleration to “hundreds”. The engine reacts rather sluggishly to gas. However, at the end of the test, the owner revealed a secret to us: he deliberately placed a thick rubber mat so as not to “be tempted.” The brakes are amazing: they work even with the slightest pressure on the pedal. Disc brakes(ventilated at the front) work effectively on any surface. And if something happens, ABS will help them.

Convenient tiptronic

The ride is very smooth. Independent suspension resembles a car chassis. It’s not surprising, since the Harrier is designed based on the Toyota Windom sedan. Front and rear McPherson struts. Hence the softness of the ride and stability on the road. Good, of course, but it’s not worth checking the “ferret” for cross-country ability. The most difficult off-road terrain for him is gravel. And hanging the wheels diagonally would simply look like a mockery of the “beast”.

You shouldn't drive it into a narrow space either, although there are no serious complaints about the steering. Not the most lively maneuverability in dense traffic leaves you with a choice: it’s dangerous to “wobble” between cars – or to drag along at the speed of a hitch.

Space, comfort, quality. The car has already gained many fans - especially from those who moved from the previous Harrier to the new - thoroughbred, prestigious car... Almost like a Lexus. In fact, the quality of workmanship and assembly of the new “ferret” has become an order of magnitude higher, which means its status has also increased. It is clear that the 2003 Harrier is not new for the Japanese market, but for Russia 3 years is just right. The "new" 240G have just begun to appear on Siberian roads. Toyota Harrier 240G is a stylish urban “crossover” that does not pretend to be “off-road” exploits.

Fashionable body kits look good

Technical Toyota specifications Harrier 240G

Year of issue	2003
Body	station wagon, 5-door, 5-seater
Engine	petrol in-line 4-cylinder
Working volume, l	2,4
Power, hp	160 (5600 min -1)
Max. torque, Nm	221 (4000 min -1)
Transmission	front-wheel drive
Transmission	tiptronic, 4-speed
Overall dimensions: length/width/height, mm	4730x1845x1680
Wheelbase, mm	2715
Ground clearance, mm	185
Curb weight, kg	1600
Fuel consumption, urban cycle, l/100 km	9,1
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, sec.	12
Max. speed, km/h	170
Gasoline tank capacity, l	72
Tire size	225/65R17

Vladimir Novitsky driving since 1991, drives a Suzuki Escudo

By the number of copies of a particular model running around the city, one can judge its popularity. An example of this is a car from the Land of the Rising Sun, Toyota Harrier (Lexus RX300). The model is not presented at exhibitions, but lives and thrives. Apparently, due to its popularity, the Japanese decided to extend its life by further working on the design. “Some” 3 years passed, and the first samples of Harrier in the 30th body appeared in Novosibirsk. Firstly, the Harrier has become, although not much, longer, wider and taller; wheelbase increased by 100 mm accordingly. Secondly (a smart decision), by continuing the glazing along the side, the designers moved rear pillar body to stern at a sharp angle. In the cabin it remained in its place along the contour back door. Thus, the designers ensured that the visual result was a solid glass with a rapid shape. Third, at right angles to the line door handles raised the rear of the body. At the junction of the contact of the vertical line with the bevel line of the 5th door, irregularly shaped bleached (now in fashion) lanterns with “crystal” light diffusers were installed. Original, beautiful and stylish. To complete the changes, massive bumpers were installed, into which additional light sources were carefully mounted (fog lights in the front, additional brake lights in the rear). The front light optics also changed better side. Externally the car looks great. The interior in the test configuration is also at the proper level. You can't fault the quality of the interior finishing. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail. The driving position is comfortable and quite high. If you are not satisfied with visibility, then using the seat adjustments (there are 5) it is not difficult to find the best option. Original instrument panel. When the ignition is turned on, the main instruments are displayed in 3 “wells” (stereo format), and auxiliary information appears on a large information monitor. To make it come to life, just touch the function you need on the screen with your finger. True, everything is in Japanese, but you can understand something from the pictures. On the center console there is a convenient selector for a 4-speed automatic transmission, with the ability to switch to sports and manual modes. On back row together it’s even too relaxed, but with three it’s quite normal. Decent luggage compartment increases as usual: by folding the rear seat backs. The interior decoration, despite the age of the model, can only be admired. On the move, the front-wheel drive Harrier with a 2.4-liter VVT-i engine power 160 hp also performed quite well. It's better to travel to normal mode, do not rush from traffic light to traffic light. The comfortable interior environment is not conducive to aggressive driving, but if necessary, you can show your teeth. But in order not to show teeth, but to show teeth, our 2.4-liter engine is not enough. The independent suspension does its job properly. Brake system is friends with ABS, and together they are great. I was pleased with the car in all respects.

Tatiana Aksenova driving since 2003, drives a Toyota Corona

Looking at the Harrier, you see that the time and effort of the designers was well spent. The car looks great, the interior retains the spirit of the previous model. Harrier looks richer and more solid. The interior trim is, of course, impressive: black leather combined with wood looks nice and expensive (classic English interior), and the touch control display in the middle of the front panel not only looks good, but is also very useful. I especially liked the program that reminds you, for example, when it’s time to change the oil or filters; very comfortably. While driving you realize how comfortable the Harrier is and safe car: everything for the people. For the first time I parked my car using parktronic. When you turn on " reverse“A clear picture of what is happening behind the stern appears on the display. When you turn the steering wheel, a backward trajectory emerges. You don’t need to think about anything - the electronics will tell you. In my opinion, the 2.4-liter engine does not suffer from a lack of power during acceleration. The car moves very dynamically and easily (although more horses still wouldn’t hurt). Overall, the Harrier is a beautiful and comfortable car.

Alexey Gromov driving since 2003, drives a Honda Civic

Finally, Siberian Harrier fans have waited for the updated “ferret”, as it is often called. The design of the car has already ensured its popularity among motorists. The front and rear optics have changed, the interior has been updated. Our test Harrier included: leather upholstery, TV, camera rear view etc. It is impossible to miss the body kit that is so suitable for the cute “ferret”; the car looks lower. It seems that his dignity was not damaged in any way. Very comfortable seating position, instruments are easy to read, the driver’s full attention is on the road. The 2.4 liter engine, which has 160 hp in reserve, picks up well at speed. But still, in my opinion, it’s not enough for him, although it’s enough for a sedate driver in the city and on the highway. The gas pedal is very hard: in order for the car to move, you need to press down firmly. But this is more likely not a drawback, but just a matter of habit. The suspension works softly, it literally doesn’t notice bumps at speed, it moves smoothly - and this can be the envy of many classmates and competitors. In general, I really liked the car. The only “disadvantage” is the price. For example, this Harrier 2003. will cost a good 40 thousand USD; but it's worth it.

Toyota Harrier, 2003

I've owned a Toyota Harrier for a little over 3 years. We can say about the car that it is a comfortable, reliable car for driving on roads and exits, for example, to a pond. After carefully examining the car, you will understand that it is not designed for off-road use, because... He is not provided with any protection, and he does not need it. On the highway, driving the Toyota Harrier is a pleasure. It feels like you're always going down a mountain. Small irregularities are absorbed by the suspension, sound insulation is excellent. In terms of agility, this is certainly not the 3-liter Mark X, the second car in the family, but when you go out to overtake, you don’t experience the same feeling as in the 2.5-liter turbodiesel Cherokee, which I owned before the Toyota Harrier. Weaknesses I didn’t notice it in the car, the Japanese did everything to make a person comfortable, for a long time I discovered more and more new, hidden at first glance, convenient gadgets, such as: an additional cup holder for the driver, a sliding console between the front seats, etc. P. In general, after 3 years of ownership it leaves only positive emotions. During operation, I changed “consumables” when play appeared in rear hub- replaced both at once. Moreover, there are rear suspension stabilizer rubber bands. That's all the repairs. Gasoline consumption at quiet ride on the highway without sudden acceleration and braking, about 9 liters, in the city 11.

Advantages : Very quality car, made for people.

Flaws : No.

Leonid, St. Petersburg

Toyota Harrier, 2004

The car is at the same time brutal, sporty, tall, and bright. High-quality ergonomic interior. The skin is both a minus and a plus - but it looks terrible, how beautiful it is to take care of it in a timely manner. Adjusting the seats, both front and rear, is indispensable on a long journey. The possibilities for transforming the interior of the Toyota Harrier are enormous. Sleeping together in the cabin with the back row folded down and height 180-190 is easy and comfortable. Adjustable steering wheel in 3 planes. The 3-liter runs, it really runs, both in the city and on the highway - press it and go. I didn’t check the full 4WD - it makes sense to force it, a crossover is not a jeep, but it helps a lot in winter; when considering options, I personally gave preference to all-wheel drive. Adaptive light - shines well, turns up to 15 degrees in the direction of the turn, the same in the vertical when changing the angle of the car. The light is horizontal, i.e. There is no need to adjust for the euro. The trunk opening button is a separate story - it helps to open and close the trunk without touching the lid, clean hands in the spring are good. Someone writes about fuel consumption, but I’ll add my share of doubts to general theme. My Toyota Harrier eats - 14.5-15.5 l/100 km city/winter, 11-14 summer, 7.8-10.1 l/highway winter/summer. Warming up in winter Let me make a reservation: consumption of 7.8 was recorded on a cruise at a speed of 98 km/h and there was no need to overtake for 70 km. Many people argue about fuel consumption, but I agree with the driving style; pensioner driving saves gas significantly. Pneumatics - and there are good things, if you put 3 “hamsters” of 100 kg each in a car, the ground clearance does not change even a centimeter. On normal running car it immediately looks sagging, but if you put something in the trunk, it’s generally good. When you need to get the spare tire, you lift the car and you can crawl up more conveniently.

Advantages : design, quality and comfortable interior, soft suspension.

Flaws : no serious ones.

Andrey, Novosibirsk

Toyota Harrier, 2005

The car suits almost everyone, the high seating position, smooth ride, engine response, ground clearance allows you to forget about some curbs, stones and other troubles that prevented you from driving normally in “puzoterki”. The presence of air suspension makes the Toyota Harrier a little stiff, unlike ordinary struts, but this is more than compensated by its behavior on the highway, since even with full salon The car doesn’t rock your friends, it takes corners confidently, and the rear doesn’t sag. And the car is perfect for the city, you can always easily park, squeeze through, turn around, the dimensions are quite pleasant. IN Toyota showroom The Harrier is a pleasure to sit in, everything is for people, as they say, and there is plenty of space in the back, and the presence of a large trunk makes the car simply irreplaceable, especially if you are renovating your home. The rear seats can be tilted back or pushed forward, or can be folded down entirely to carry long items. The five-speed automatic switches gears smoothly, does not allow the engine to suffer and, like a cruiser, does not raise the revs high at speed. What was very surprising, it doesn’t eat oil, in general it’s already driven 8,000 thousand, and the level has remained the same, I thought that the volumetric engines, on the contrary, would eat up, now it’s time for winter, I’ll change it. There are no complaints about safety either, a lot of pillows, curtains, active head restraints, Isofix mounts for child seats, stiffeners, and the presence of road stability systems.

Advantages : smooth running. Comfort. Equipment.

Flaws : I don’t like the work of the tip-tronic.

Alexander, Khabarovsk

Today we are testing just such an asphalt SUV - Toyota Harrier.

Briefly about the car. Year of manufacture - 1999, 3-liter V6 engine with 220 hp. Gearbox - "automatic" with the ability manual switching gears, permanent all-wheel drive, power steering, on-board computer, climate control, full power accessories, airbag for the driver and front passenger. The mileage on the odometer is 90,000 km.

Outside

In Toyota appearance Harrier does not have the aggressiveness inherent in SUVs: no guardrails or running boards. The Harrier is more like a large station wagon mounted on a high off-road suspension.

However, most modern SUVs are a kind of hybrid of an SUV and a station wagon and are used every day as a city car.

Inside

In the Harrier, you sit down over a low threshold and find yourself in a very comfortable, spacious cabin that can easily accommodate five people. Places for rear passengers more than enough.

The high seating position, flat floor and personal headrests will help three passengers comfortably endure any trip.

Workplace The driver is very comfortable. Steering column moves along the angle of inclination, manually adjustable seats with individual armrests allow a person of any size to get comfortable.

It took me literally a few seconds to adjust the seat to fit me. The excellent three-spoke steering wheel looks like it was moved to the Harrier from sports car. There are gear shift buttons on the steering wheel for ease of control. manual mode Checkpoint.

Instruments with internal lighting come to life as soon as you turn the key in the ignition. Then it lights up blue information display on the center console, where the operation of the trip computer is displayed, air conditioning system, audio systems, as well as outside air temperature.

The console itself, which contains a built-in monitor, radio and climate control controls, is also unusual. It seems to hang over the floor, and the automatic transmission lever comes straight out of it. It looks very unconventional, but creates an additional feeling of spaciousness for those sitting in front.

Rearward visibility through the interior mirror is slightly hampered by the rear seat headrests, but the large external “mugs” more than compensate for this shortcoming. The absence of a downshift and any blocking indicates that the car is designed to travel on hard surfaces.

On road

The six-cylinder engine gives the rather heavy car very decent acceleration. The traction reserve is more than enough in all driving modes. Fans of a smooth, leisurely ride will appreciate the elasticity of the motor. With this driving style, the Harrier exhibits soft but quick reactions.

The automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly and almost imperceptibly. In manual mode, the automatic transmission can be switched using buttons on the steering wheel, while the digital display on the instrument panel displays the selected mode and gear.

Toyota Harrier drives like a regular one a car adjusted for the high center of gravity. Showed itself very well steering. Despite the powerful hydraulic booster, Feedback you can feel it at any speed. The car holds the road perfectly. The suspension smoothly handles small irregularities; on bumps, a slight swing is felt.

The brakes are very effective, excellent feedback takes no getting used to, and the car is very predictable and compliant when braking. Noise insulation on high level, none extraneous sounds do not penetrate into the cabin.

Bottom line

The creators of Harrier tried to do as much as possible universal car, corresponding to the spirit of the times, and they succeeded.

The Toyota Harrier is a fairly practical city car with off-road looks and car-like manners. You can drive around the city all day in this car and not feel tired by the evening; even a country road won’t scare you, although such cars rarely leave the asphalt.

Pavel DRUZIN

Harrier? Or a hound?

The history of the Toyota company begins in 1933, when the Toyota Automatic Loom Works, which initially had nothing to do with the automotive industry and was involved in the textile industry, opened an automobile department.

It was discovered by Kiichiro Toyoda (son of the company owner Sakichi Toyoda), who later brought car brand Toyota to world fame.

The word harrier in English has several translations that are completely different in meaning: cross-country participant, robber, ruiner. But it is unlikely that the creators, when naming the car model this way, were guided by these very words.

It can also be translated as harrier (this is the name of the genus of birds of prey of the hawk family). These birds hunt rodents, lizards, frogs, insects and chicks. They track their prey in low flight and then quickly overtake it on the ground.

By the way, the logo on the Harrier model is not the well-known three ellipses, but an emblem depicting that same harrier.

The word harrier is also translated from English as hound. Several centuries ago, the British developed a special elite breed of hound dogs, which were used to hunt foxes, hares and other animals.

This breed was called Harrier, its distinctive feature was the ability to quickly overtake prey and maneuver sharply in limited space. After a long time, the Japanese created a car that was called the Toyota Harrier.

Like the dog breed of the same name, the car has a swift exterior, excellent dynamics And directional stability, excellent maneuverability.

Alina FINC
Based on materials Russian press

Peculiarities Toyota operation Harrier

Toyota Harrier, in my opinion, is designed for those who are not satisfied with traditional passenger cars, but don’t need real SUVs, for those who consider station wagons old-fashioned and minivans too family-friendly

Basic specifications Toyota Harrier provided for testing (manufacturer data):
- engine capacity - 2,994 cubic meters. cm;
- engine power - 220 hp. at 5,800 rpm;
- maximum torque - 304 Nm at 4,400 rpm;
- maximum speed in accordance with Japanese law, it is limited to 180 km/h;
- acceleration dynamics (from 0 to 100 km/h) - 8.8 s;
- fuel consumption on the highway is 10.7 l/100 km, in the city - 12.4 l/100 km.

Body

The rigid supporting body with double-sided galvanic coating has excellent corrosion resistance. As a rule, even on cars of the first years of production, body parts are in excellent condition.

Visible pockets of corrosion may indicate poor quality restoration after an accident.

Engine

At timely service The engine can last more than half a million kilometers before major overhaul. It is important to remember that this engine is demanding on the quality of gasoline used in it (unleaded, without lead impurities with minimal octane number 96).

Refueling low-quality gasoline may lead to valve jamming due to coking of fuel residues. As a result, the piston encounters stuck valves, and if this happens in more than one cylinder, you will have to spend money on new cylinder heads and the pistons themselves.

The service life of the timing belt is approximately 100 thousand km, and the timing rollers are replaced only when the belt is replaced for the second time.

This engine has characteristic failure- the left one bursts an exhaust manifold. With a mileage of approximately 150 thousand km, a crack may appear in the place where the oxygen sensor is attached, and also over time on downpipe The corrugated insert burns out and does not withstand the temperature test.

When using low-quality oils Over time, the rear oil seal leaks crankshaft. To get to the oil seal, you will have to remove the subframe, then remove the gearbox and hang the engine. By the way, the manufacturer recommends using oil of API quality no lower than SJ with a synthetic or semi-synthetic base.

It is noteworthy that fuel filter installed in the gas tank along with the fuel pump, and according to the rules it is changed only after removal fuel pump. Failure to comply with the replacement technology may result in the sealing ring falling off, causing the pressure in the fuel line to drop and the engine to stop pulling.

Transmission

On vehicles equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, torque is distributed equally between the front and rear wheels. The freedom of the center differential is limited by a viscous coupling; there is no reduction gear.

Torque from the engine to the drive wheels is transmitted through a four-speed automatic transmission. On cars with a three-liter automatic engine - sore spot, because due to the high torque, some parts of the box simply break.

This usually happens after a mileage of approximately 150 thousand km. “Off-road experiments” can also speed up the wear process - it should be remembered that the Toyota Harrier, although all-wheel drive, is still a city car.

Chassis

The car's suspension is completely independent, front and rear McPherson struts with stabilizers lateral stability(many elements borrowed from the Camry), this design is more reminiscent of a passenger car than an SUV.

With a mileage of approximately 100 thousand km, they will probably knock. support bearings, in this case, in addition to the support itself, the swivel bearing and the metal cup must also be replaced. Front and rear shock absorbers wear out after a mileage of approximately 150 thousand km.

The anti-roll bar struts and bushings last about 50 thousand km. IN rear suspension with a mileage of approximately 160 thousand km, it may have to be replaced cross rods assembled with silent blocks. But for ball joints, a mileage of 100 thousand km is not the limit.

Vitaly SHELKOPLYASOV

Each kilometer will cost 15 tenge

To find out the approximate prices for some spare parts, we visited many retail outlets that sell components for Toyota and Lexus cars.

Approximate prices for some spare parts for the tested vehicle:
- spherical bearing- 5,400 tenge (original);
- steering tip - 2,900 tenge (original);
- Tie Rod- 10,000 tenge (original);
- one front shock absorber - 18,000 tenge (original);
- one rear shock absorber- 17,800 tenge (duplicate);
- timing belt - 5,600 tenge (original).

Immediately after purchasing any used car, as a rule, the oils, filters and timing belt are changed (since in most cases it is not known for certain when the last maintenance was carried out).

Thus, within a year it will be necessary to change the engine oil twice. One such procedure (together with engine flushing) will cost approximately 12,000 tenge. The cost of changing the oil in an automatic transmission will be approximately 12,000 tenge.

Within a year, you will have to change the fuel filter (the original costs about 4,000 tenge), as well as the air filter (2,800 tenge for the original).

We will leave 25,000 tenge for unplanned repairs of any components and assemblies. In addition to the above expenses, it is necessary to pay a transport tax (11,011 tenge), issue a civil liability insurance policy (8,408 tenge) and undergo a technical inspection (1,360 tenge).

For 20 thousand km with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 l/100 km, 2,300 liters of gasoline will be required. At average price gasoline grade AI-96 89 tenge we get the amount of 204,700 tenge.

So, if you become the owner of a 1999 Toyota Harrier, you may need 293,000 tenge (or about $2,500) for its maintenance and operation with an annual mileage of 20 thousand km.

Vitaly SHELKOPLYASOV

Pioneer

In 1997, a new car class debuted - SUS (Sport Utility Salon). In fact, this is a mid-class version of a luxury SUV. The first representative of this class was the Toyota Harrier (built on the Camry platform); later competitors appeared, such as the BMW X3, Land Rover FreeLander and Volvo XC90.

Initially, in addition to the domestic Japanese market, this car (only under the Lexus RX300 brand) was intended for North America, where it went on sale in 1998.

Mid 2000 Lexus model The RX300 was also offered for Europe. Differences American version from the European one are minimal: different direction indicators, transparent caps of individual rear lights and reconfigured headlights.

On the inside Japanese market The car was also sold with air suspension and a four-cylinder engine from Toyota Camry volume 2.2 liters, power 140 hp. For other markets, throughout the entire production of the first generation, Toyota Harrier was installed Gas engine V6 - 1MZ-FE with a volume of 3 liters and a power of 220 hp. Diesel versions did not have.

Toyota cars Harriers have always been produced in one body - a 5-door station wagon (a strong monocoque body with developed side members). Later, this design was used to create most SUVs. The car was equipped with front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive.

The second one debuted in 2003 Toyota generation Harrier/Lexus RX300.

Vitaly SHELKOPLYASOV

Note Drom.ru: In the article, we tried to preserve as much as possible the style of the author - Mr. Sano Hiromune, a columnist for the webCG.net portal with many years of experience.

SUV Toyota Harrier, premium crossover From Toyota, which had not been updated for ten years, I received a change model. I took a two-liter petrol model with all-wheel drive for a test drive.

What is the value of the new Toyota Harrier model?

The new Toyota Harrier model seems to have been selling well in Japan all year. In the first month, according to the official order data published by Toyota itself, that is, already in mid-December 2013, about 20,000 cars were received. Eightfold exceeding the monthly plan of 2,500 vehicles. A super-duper successful start. And on the New Year's streets of Tokyo, no, no, but new Toyota Harriers began to appear. This fully confirms the fact that this reproduction is by no means slow...

True, the shipment of hybrids, which make up approximately 40% of the first line of orders, begins a little later than simple two-liter cars, so people got behind the wheel of hybrids only in recent days. Or to put it another way, so far the new Toyota Harriers we've seen around town have mostly been regular 2.0-litres, so I think the presence of the new model will instantly increase once the hybrids hit the roads.

In general, a lot of people around don’t really understand, they “need a hybrid - and don’t care about the rest.” Although the hybrid, to be honest, is really much more dynamic. But there’s a big “BUT” here, just think: the difference in price for the new model between the all-wheel drive Harrier hybrid and the two-liter Harrier is 700,000 yen. And if you decide for yourself that “a two-liter engine doesn’t need more than 2WD,” then the price gain increases to 900,000 yen.

In any case, during normal use it is simply unrealistic to make up the difference in price due to the efficiency of the hybrid. What am I getting at? Besides, after I tested the two-liter 4WD, it seems to me that all the charm of the new Toyota models Harrier is precisely in its NON-HYBRID part. That is, it is a kick-ass SUV that runs great on a regular two-liter engine - where else can you buy a prestigious two-liter SUV for less than 3.5 million yen? So, isn't this the true value of the new Toyota Harrier?

As you know, the new Toyota Harrier is a limited model for the Japanese domestic market only. For a “dummies”, it seems that creating a new model with a base price of a car of 3 million yen and a little, when the sales rate is 2500 cars/month, is probably a real tough task, however, the design proceeded approximately in the same time frame as the RAV4 using the same platform, but the latter did not presented on the Japanese market... Which is what some of the secrets of this Toyota Harrier model are connected with.

Under the hood is a two-liter inline four-cylinder engine 151 hp and 193 Nm

Dashboard with soft stitched leather upholstery

Standard seat upholstery made of fabric and leatherette

External dimensions compared to old model decreased, but the space in front of passengers' knees is back seat extended by 47 mm

Sales are boosted by design

I’ll say right away that this is nothing more than my personal sick fantasies, but when I look at the new Harrier model, for some reason I remember the boyish group EXILE. Not that specifically this and that... or rather, everything from the general style to the small details is done in such a way as to precisely pierce the hearts of 20-30 year old Japanese guys in expensive outfits ala fashionable bandits (or older men similar in style ), this commercial completeness somehow suggests association with EXILE.

The new Toyota Harrier model is shiny, sparkling, and “limps” in its style. And if the car comes in black, with LEDs and chrome parts, then it very much resembles a tanned yakuza with silver trinkets.

Okay, back to the point. The new ferret model is not much smaller, but external dimensions. However, despite the fact that the wheelbase has become shorter by 55 mm, the overall length of the car has decreased by only 15 mm. And therefore the front overhang has increased: in the new Toyota Harrier, only the front part has been mainly lengthened, and the nose of the car has received a pointed design.

Not only is the nose of the car now sharp, but the rear somewhat reminds me of the stern of sea pleasure boats. Everything, including the window graphics, carefully follows the image of the Toyota Harrier that has become entrenched in our heads, but at the same time is aggressive in a modern way. We have no choice but to state: “yes, this is an excellent example of a sought-after design.”

Now we open the door and sit down in a chair - those Japanese who love expensive salons, will undoubtedly be even more impressed. Starting from dashboard to the center console and door trim, ending with God knows what, everything is covered in leather. The outward curved, billowing design of the dashboard clearly brings to mind my forever beloved Toyota Crown Athlete. And right in the center is the strict shine of the touch panel. The chairs are stitched with awesome Bentley(!) stitching. The emblem embossed on the door panel is debatable, but I think most Japanese will be happy with such a feature.

Front and rear tires are the same size 235/55R18

The interior design follows the Rich Simplicity theme. The goal is fusion design from good old inimitability self made and the refinement characteristic of modernity

The interior door trim is accented with the Toyota Harrier logo

2WD is enough if you drive on asphalt

Offer such a car to the market to awaken the “Wishlist” of the average Japanese person, according to affordable price, - that’s the main point of the new Toyota Harrier. One of the signature tricks here is what I wrote about above: the Toyota Harrier has the same RAV4 as its “brother,” but there is something else.

For example, covered with soft-touch leather dashboard. At first glance, it seems that these are pieces of leather sewn together, in fact, they are a single canvas of leatherette, highly precisely molded along the depressions and protrusions, filled with reverse side plastic using “integrated foaming” technology. The seams here are nothing more than decoration, and the manufacturing process is simple and low cost. However, in order to reproduce the impression of thick pieces of leather sewn together, a false seam was made and it was completely possible to reproduce the illusion of thread tension... such an inimitable design.

Well, it’s full of high-tech. Although Toyota still hasn't implemented so-called "braking to a stop" in its collision avoidance technologies and cruise control systems, the Ferret gives us the latest technology that's just one step away from the finish line. Therefore, in case emergency situation you can really feel that “the car itself pulled me out”, that is: the 4WD system actively distributes torque based on the parameters of the air damper opening and the steering angle. This newest model This is the first time such a system has been offered on the market.

The new Toyota Harrier drives quite silently, comfortably, and behaves very obediently and confidently. As befits cars from Toyota, which is very good at riveting this kind of car. The Harrier, absorbing the shocks, nods its roof up and down little by little, but at the same time does not sway so much that it becomes restless. This is the golden mean, implemented very skillfully.

On the indicator new system in real time you can see how torque is constantly being redistributed, but to be honest, in our two-liter car the balance is shifted towards body strength at the expense of engine power. In short, if you drive mainly on asphalt, then 2WD will be enough for you. Or to be more precise: 2WD drives much more cheerfully.

But in general, compared to previous model based on the Camry, which is one class higher, in everything the current Toyota Harrier gives rise to the annoying feeling that “something is the wrong class of car”: be it vibration from sudden strong acceleration, be it noise from the engine at high speeds or, say , general feeling premium car, feeling of pressure, etc. Of course, obvious progress has been made in terms of numbers and indices, but there is no way to hide the fact that the overall halo has become different.

However, I never tire of reminding you about the price. Our test car was the most expensive premium class Advanced Package, which costs 3.6 million yen for the two-liter version and 2WD. Those who can refuse any other options will be pleasantly surprised that several options are offered, starting from two million yen.

Why don't we calmly accept this special style and modern Japanese tastes, turn on EXILE's easily memorable hits - and continue to enjoy life! After I had the honor of touching this commercial perfection by name New Toyota Harrier, I somehow don’t give a damn about my habit of making petty remarks and foppish attacks. Sorry if so.

The air conditioning control panel uses capacitive-volumetric switches

A drawer on the center console can be used to charge smartphones, etc. digital devices using the contactless Qi standard

The trunk allows you to load four golf cases. Metal-like decorative runners are attached to the floor

Toyota Harrier Premium Advanced Package

Technical characteristics of Toyota Harrier

Dimensions (length?width?height)	4720?1835?1690 mm
Wheelbase	2660 mm
Weight	1690 kg
type of drive	4WD
engine's type	2.0 L inline four cylinder DOHC 16 valve petrol
Transmission	CVT
Maximum power	151 hp (111 kW) at 6100 rpm
Maximum torque	19.7 kg-m (193 Nm) at 3800 rpm
Tires	235/55R18 100H (Bridgestone Dueler H/T 687)
Fuel consumption	6.8 l per 100 km (JC08 test mode)
Price	3,789,000 yen (test car - 3,929,700 yen)
Optional Equipment	Microcomputer-controlled tilt & slide moon roof (105,000 yen), power sockets for accessories (8,400 yen), LED rear fog lights + cold region specification (27,300 yen)
Vehicle model year	2013
Odometer readings before test	2132 km
Type of test	Impression on public roads
Test run mode ratio	City (3) / highway (5) / mountains (2)
Test drive mileage	429.1 km
Fuel consumption in test drive	43.9 l
Fuel consumption (measurement method) during a test drive	10.2 l per 100 km (measured according to full tank) / 9.3 l per 100 km (according to the on-board computer)