Error: PDF version 1.6 -- xpdf supports version 1.5 (continuing anyway) 26 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 31, 2006 Auto EVERYTHING BY JIM ROBINSON A rough count on the floor of this year's Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto revealed no less than 69 different SUVs, and that doesn't include the dozen or so more coming later this year. It's become very confusing for consumers who now have almost as many SUVs to choose from as sedans. The 2006 Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV won't bedazzle you with lists of options and packages. In fact there are just two trim models, the SR5 and Limited V8 that differ primarily in the richness of the trim. Even the 12-page brochure keeps it simple with Toyota's biggest SUV proves that size does matter the only real description being found on page 8 and then there are only about five paragraphs along with some warranty information on page 9. If only life were as easy as this. The SR5, as tested here has a list price of $58,210 and the Limited V8 is listed at $66,100. The major difference is the SR5 has eight seats (2,3,3) and the Limited V8 has seven (2,2,3) with the Limited's centre seats being captain's chairs. On the SR5, the 60/40 centre bench can be folded flat or tumbled forward. Both models have a 50/50 third row bench that can be slid forward, folded flat, tumbled forward or just plain removed. In the SR5, that makes for a very long, flat, cargo floor. Cargo volume behind the third row seats is 27.8 cu ft and a full 73.6 cu ft behind the second row seats. For those long hauls with a crowd, there are 10 cupholders, one 115V and five 12-volt outlets and heat absorbing windows at the rear. In the SR5, two sets of headphones and separate auto controls are available for the back seat passengers. If you have the Limited V8, you get a seven-inch overheard LCD screen with sound that can be carried on the 10speaker JBL stereo or just on the pair of headphones. In terms of towing, the Sequoia comes with a standard Class III hitch and a capacity of 2,812 kg (6,200 lb). The rear liftgate has a power window that can be lowered from a switch on the dash for light cargo or groceries, plus there are grocery bags hooks liberally sprinkled around the rear. Power is Toyota's four-cam 4.7-litre V8, in this case, optimized for towing and off-road use with 273 hp and 314 lb/ft of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque. An overdrive cancel switch and a transmission cooler are included. What Toyota calls its Multi-Mode 4WD is interesting because it has a differential that can disconnect itself automatically to give part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability while offering the benefit similar to full-time 4WD on dry high surfaces. All this is selectable by rocker switches on the centre stack. And on top of all that, when the Sequoia is taken on challenging terrain, the standard TORSEN (TORque SENsing) centre limited slip differential gives mountain goat like traction. Despite the high ground clearance of 270 mm (10.6 in), I was still able to park it in my standard two-car garage. In terms of traction and safety (besides the Multi-Mode 4WD), there is Toyota's take on pitch and yaw control called Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, ABS and electronic braking control. Front suspension is by massive double wishbones with gas shocks, stabilizer bar and coil springs. At the rear of the SR5 there is a five-link solid axle with coil springs and gas shocks. On the Limited V8, there is a self-levelling air suspension used. Toyota kindly loaned me a SR5 for the start of the March Break weekend for a trip up to Huntsville. Expecting the worst in terms of March snowstorms, the Sequoia was certainly the best vehicle to get the job done. As it turned out, the weather couldn't have been nicer with blue skies and late April-like breezes. On Saturday with the March Break traffic well passed, it was cruise all the way. Ride quality, as you would expect with a long wheelbase, full frame vehicle such as this was smooth as glass, even with four knobby treaded snow tires. And talk about room to spread out, with eight seats to choose from my son and I, along with my daughter who came along for the ride, proved that old adage of the right crowd and no crowding. Thinking of all the seating possibilities, I will definitely make sure the Sequoia is on my list for our next full family trip up north. With a list price of $58,210, I couldn't help think the Sequoia offered three more seats and easily triple the cargo room of the Lexus RX 350 I drove the week before with a price as tested of $63,950. The Sequoia is great on the highway, nimbler in the city than you'd think, and there's that intangible of Toyota build quality and resale value going for it. Keeping it simple for consumers is always good and that's just what Toyota has done with the 2006 Sequoia. COME IN AND TEST DRIVE ANY KIA and get an XM satellite radio PLUS 2 MONTHS SERVICE ON US MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENT DOWN PAYMENT 2005 AJAC AWARD FOR BEST NEW ECONOMY CAR $185* $203* $221* $1,995 $995 $0 2006 SPECTRA PER MO./60 MOS. $0 SECURITY LEASE DEPOSIT FROM $2,849 DOWN PAYMENT $ 1 70 Features * 2.9 LEASE APR* % EX model shown MSRP $15,995* 43 MPG 2006 Honda Civic 4dr Sedan DX-G 6.6 L/100 KM highway fuel consumption> Compare the 2006 Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan LX Convenience 2006 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan Sport MSRP Engine Torque Air conditioning Cruise control Power windows Heated power adjustable mirrors 15" wheels Seating lumbar support 60:40 split-folding rear seats Warranty Comprehensive Warranty Powertrain Warranty Roadside Assistance 136 lb. ft. @ 4,500 RPM 5-year/100,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 5-year/100,000 km $17,895 2.0 L/4 cyl. $18,880 1.8 L/4 cyl. 128 lb. ft. @ 4,300 RPM 3-year/60,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 3-year/unlimited $20,615 1.8 L/4 cyl. 122 lb. ft. @ 4,200 RPM optional 3-year/60,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 3-year/60,000 km 2006 SPORTAGE "...no less capable than SUVs costing twice as much." Derek McNaughton, Ottawa Citizen $ LEASE FROM 209 $3,500 DOWN PAYMENT *PER MO./ 48 MOS. $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT 0.8 LEASE APR* % MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENT DOWN PAYMENT $230* $251* $283* $2,495 $1,495 $0 36 MPG 7.8 L/100 KM highway fuel consumption> · 16" alloy wheels · 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) · 6 airbags · Cruise control · Electronic Stability Program (ESP) · Traction Control System (TCS) · Power windows, locks & mirrors SPORTAGE, RANKED "MOST APPEALING ENTRY SUV IN THE U.S." V6 model shown MSRP $21,095* To locate a Kia dealer near you, visit kia.ca. Oakville Kia 1450 Speers Road, Oakville, ON (905) 847-1511 *Leasing plans OAC provided by Kia Canada Financial Services. Based on an MSRP of $15,995/$21,095 on 2006 Spectra (ST5416)/2006 Sportage (SP5516) with annual lease interest rate of 2.90%/0.80%. Monthly payment is $170/$209 for 60/48 months. Down payment or trade equivalent of $2,849/$3,500. Total lease obligation of $13,049/$13,532. Option to purchase at lease end for $4,208.70/$7,972.60. $0 security deposit on all models. Lease has 20,000 km/year allowance (other packages available) and $0.10/km for excess. Lease offers exclude delivery and destination for 2006 Spectra/2006 Sportage ($1,090/$1,295). First month's lease payment, delivery and destination, and a $350 acquisition fee, due upon delivery. Licence, registration, insurance, delivery and destination, dealer administration fees and taxes are not included, unless otherwise stated. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Prices subject to change without notice. Featured models are not exactly as illustrated. Images contain available accessories. >Fuel consumption for 2006 Spectra (ST5416) is 42.8 mpg (6.6 L/100 km), 2006 Sportage LX (SP5516) is 36.2 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) Highway. These estimates are based on the Government of Canada's approved criteria and testing methods. The actual fuel consumption of these vehicles may vary. Refer to the Government of Canada publication EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. J.D. Power and Associates 2005 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudySM. Study based on responses from 115,026 U.S. new-vehicle owners surveyed during the first 90 days of ownership. www.jdpower.com. Test drive program ends May 31, 2006. XM offer expires June 15, 2006 or while supplies last. Approximate retail value of RoadyXT and 2 months service is $99.99 and $25.98 respectively, plus applicable taxes. Eligibility for the above offer is contingent upon the purchase of a 12-month prepaid subscription to XM Canada Satellite Radio Service and the payment of any associated fees and taxes (including, but not limited to, all applicable shipping charges). In the event of cancellation by customer prior to the expiry of the 12-month prepaid subscription, customer becomes responsible for payment of the full retail value, plus applicable taxes, of the RoadyXT to XM Canada. XM Canada reserves the right to substitute a comparable radio at its sole discretion. All fees and programming are subject to change without notice. This offer is non-transferable and not redeemable in cash. Offer only available within Canada and is not valid in association with any other offer. Offer available for new subscriptions only and can only be redeemed once per person. Use of the XM Satellite Radio Service in Canada is governed by the terms and conditions located at www.xmradio.ca. Use of the RoadyXT is governed by the terms and conditions enclosed therewith and XM Canada and Kia Canada hereby disclaim any responsibility with respect to customer use thereof. This offer is not open to employees of Kia Canada or XM Canada or its affiliated companies, immediate family members of any such employees and all others with whom any of the forgoing are domiciled. KIA is a registered trademark of Kia Motors Corporation used under licence. ROADYXT is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc. used under licence by XM Canada. Kia's "Worry-Free Comprehensive" warranty covers most vehicle components against defects under normal use and maintenance conditions. Price, availability and specifications are subject to changes without notice. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of print. All comparative data is sourced from AutoPlannerTM, licensed by Autodata Solutions. Civic is a trademark of Honda Canada Inc. Corolla is a trademark of Toyota Canada Inc. KIA is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.