DESPITE being a JDM (Japanese domestic market) model, the first and second generation of Toyota Harrier models were quite popular in Malaysia, being also an alternative to those German executive saloons.
UMW Toyota has brought in the fourth-generation Harrier to Malaysia this year and there are plenty of wow factors to this sport utility vehicle (SUV).
For instance, with the dramatically-sculptured rear end and the slim horizontal LED tail lights, one can almost mistake it as a luxury British or German SUV (if you put away the badge).
There are also some novel features, such as the dimmable electrochromic moon roof and the digital rear-view mirror.
It seems like Toyota has properly upped the ante with the Harrier.
Toyota has been coming up with exciting and dynamic offerings in their respective segments, as seen on the sharper Vios and Corolla, more aggressive Camry and the angular RAV4.
No more bland-looking "Point A to Point B transport", no more "uncle car" sentiment, or at least in Malaysia.
This has to do with Toyota's Gazoo Racing motorsport campaign nurtured by Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan.
This has translated to more desirable products, with the Harrier being a fine example.
The outer appearance is not the only thing that has been spiced up. The newer-generation Toyota cars drive and handle exceptionally well, too.
The new Harrier, with the sole 2.0 Luxury variant, is fitted with slim matrix bi-LED headlights, a clean closed-off upper grille, a large lower grille and the aforementioned full-width LED taillights.
It is built on the GA-K variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which makes the new Harrier slightly larger and lower than before, along with the coupe-like profile.
Personally, this writer likes the overall appearance of the car from its flowing lines around the front grille to the headlights, pronounced rear-side section and especially the taillights.
Inside the immensely posh interior, a diamond-shaped centre console dominates the leather-trimmed dashboard.
From the surfaces and material selection, it has properly retained the essence of how a Harrier should be and has always been.
Among key items fitted into the new Harrier are an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, wireless charger, six speakers, power-adjustable front seats (12-way for driver, four-way passenger) and Nanoe X air ionisation system.
The rear seats are comfortable and have a reclining function so that passengers can have a more relaxed journey.
From here, the forward view may be a little bit obstructed by the rather large front seats but fear not as the side windows offer a generous amount of visibility.
Oh, let's not forget that dimmable panoramic glass roof that gives an extra sense of airiness and luxury to the whole cabin.
With a tap of a button, you can dim the glass to make it sort of foggy to filter out the sunshine without closing the black panel.
I doubt that the passengers would appreciate this feature but this certainly is a fancy item that you can use to impress them with.
The Harrier is priced at RM249,707, which can be quite steep if you consider the fa
ct that this can get you a BMW 320i.
THE DRIVE
Do note that the latest generation of Harrier is fitted with a less powerful engine than the one before.
The 2.0-litre M20A-FKS four-cylinder unit makes 173hp and 203Nm, down from the 231hp/350Nm in the turbocharged unit previously.
If numbers on paper are what matter the most to you, then you should look past the Harrier.
However, sometimes, a car — or any product for that matter — is more than just numbers and figures.
The GA-K platform that underpins the Harrier is also shared by other models such as the Camry and RAV4, as well as the Lexus ES and NX.
What this means is a more refined and dynamic driving experience behind the wheel.
The Harrier could get up to speed if you wanted it to, although it was too happy doing so.
It demanded that you take it easy and would then reward you with a supremely smooth ride.
It was cosy inside and quiet, too, even when travelling on highways.
I found myself arriving at my destination feeling just as fresh as I was three hours prior.
