The used-to-be popular Toyota Harrier is making its way back into parallel importer showroom or showground this year trying to make a come back. The new model which was launched in Japan in December 2013 and available in 2014, is now more than 1 year old, thus allowing AP holders to bring it in, since one could not bring in any car that is less than a year old. But believe it or not, some car dealers are declaring 2015 Harrier as 2014, so that they could sell an almost brand new car instead of used reconditioned unit. Looking at some units around some dealers where mileage is less than 50km, with the leather seat in all new and smell new condition (some even still has the seat wrapped in manufacturing plastic), it really could be a 2015 car. Common among AP holders to declare newer car as older unit to ensure their get-to-market is faster and older model car as newer unit to ask for better price from buyer. By the way, do you also know that the Harrier has dark windows at the back, which will not pass JPJ/Puspakom inspection! Worry not, in this Bolehland, you can rent some windows, replace them, send for testing and registration, then re-fix the dark windows. The next round you "kena saman", repeat the same thing again!
The latest Harrier is an all new design on its own, without any re-badge exercise from the Lexus RX. Most units available here are equipeed with a 2-litre 2ZR-FAE engine, mated to 7-speed CVT, which is capable of 149hp/193Nm of power. Nothing new, nothing fantastic about the Harrier, but the build quality is excellent. When it was built in Japan, the quality remains top notch.
Selling around RM200k, the mid-size SUV could be a good choice for many buyers that do not want the usual local assembled models which is plain boring to us, such as the CRV, X-Trail, or even those from Kia. The Harrier wins all in all aspects, especially the modern design. However, is the SUV market still alive? The trend now is the B-Segment SUV, small and compact, for the younger generation. Of course, Toyota has always do well with the uncle generation, thus the Harrier could be hot for them. The Alphard/Vellfire/Estima is plain bulky and people carrier without style! Even the first generation was asking for around RM160k-180k before, thus with RM200k a pop, the new Harrier could find many new homes on our shore. Those boxy people carrier trend is on its wway out as well.
Being a Toyota means easy maintenance and reliable, thus even getting a parallel import unit is not a big concern. Any Tom Dick and Harry foreman should be able to service the car and keep it in tip top condition. The question now is being re-emphasized whether the third generation Harrier will make it big, or will be a niche player in the market? Niche, I would answer! There are just too many other choices of car in the market nowadays, but for a RM200k SUV, with some splash of luxuries, the Toyota Harrier could still be a winner.
No, you can't get one from UMW Toyota. So if you like to have one, look for it from our roadside used car dealers. If you prefer cleaner and aircon showroom, head to Naza World then.
Selling around RM200k, the mid-size SUV could be a good choice for many buyers that do not want the usual local assembled models which is plain boring to us, such as the CRV, X-Trail, or even those from Kia. The Harrier wins all in all aspects, especially the modern design. However, is the SUV market still alive? The trend now is the B-Segment SUV, small and compact, for the younger generation. Of course, Toyota has always do well with the uncle generation, thus the Harrier could be hot for them. The Alphard/Vellfire/Estima is plain bulky and people carrier without style! Even the first generation was asking for around RM160k-180k before, thus with RM200k a pop, the new Harrier could find many new homes on our shore. Those boxy people carrier trend is on its wway out as well.
Being a Toyota means easy maintenance and reliable, thus even getting a parallel import unit is not a big concern. Any Tom Dick and Harry foreman should be able to service the car and keep it in tip top condition. The question now is being re-emphasized whether the third generation Harrier will make it big, or will be a niche player in the market? Niche, I would answer! There are just too many other choices of car in the market nowadays, but for a RM200k SUV, with some splash of luxuries, the Toyota Harrier could still be a winner.
No, you can't get one from UMW Toyota. So if you like to have one, look for it from our roadside used car dealers. If you prefer cleaner and aircon showroom, head to Naza World then.
