The New Taruna: Driving a utility vehicle in style

The New Taruna: Driving a utility vehicle in style

The market of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Indonesia has been very competitive in recent years with carmakers periodically launching new models and brands. Indeed, the SUV is enjoying increased popularity among Indonesians.

Tomorrow, one of the country's leading car manufacturers, PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), will launch the new Taruna, which is designed for those seeking the real feeling of a SUV. With a significant facelift, ADM wants to reintroduce the new Taruna as a great brand for SUV lovers.

In the words of ADM's Deputy President Director, Noertjahjo Darmadji, "Daihatsu always aims to provide good, modern and stylish products. This is why we are introducing the new Taruna".

As a recognized specialist in this buoyant segment, ADM has identified a number of key requirements typical of existing and prospective customers of SUVs. Among the requirements are a high quality product as well as a modern, functional design.

"Today's customers actively seek the very best features in terms of passenger space, safety, reliability as well as maintenance costs. The SUV isn't merely for those who are seeking an economical family car anymore. Rather, customers specifically demand quality, comfort as well as new levels of performance for their money. Therefore we have created the new Taruna with a distinctive and more stylish exterior and interior design, attractive pricing and high-standard features," he said.

Among the features are the dashboard which comes in an impressive combination of black and silver. The meters and indicators on the dashboard also look very sporty.

Designed as a stylish SUV, the new Taruna features a well- planned interior space that is capable of seating seven adults in comfort.

Substantially, the exterior design of the new Taruna has the look of a real SUV with a trendier grill, bigger 15-inch tires, spare wheel covers and higher ground clearance.

"We offer what drivers and passengers are really looking for in SUVs. The new Taruna has it all: style that is ultra-modern, capability in all areas that includes comfort, safety, efficiency as well as best value for money," said Darmadji.

Since the launch of Taruna in August 1999, Taruna has won the hearts of many SUV lovers and the young-spirited motorists. Taruna is equipped with a 1500cc Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine, while its coil spring suspension and the longest wheelbase in its class work in harmony to provide total comfort. On the road, the new Taruna performs with great stability. Its handling is first rate and acceleration is powerful.

According to ADM's marketing director Toshiharu Imanishi, the new Taruna, next to its great handling, is easy to park just about anywhere and is able to perform well in unexpected situations such as floods and rough roads.

The car had contemporary looks as well as plenty of space for such a compact car. Comfort for the driver and passengers is high on the priority list. In addition, the new Taruna comes with innovations such as wider doors, excellent visibility plus top- notch features and specifications, he said.

This stylish SUV inherits all the beauty of the original Taruna while at the same time incorporates new innovations for a brand new kind of driving in sheer pleasure and comfort.

With a price range between Rp 100 million and Rp 130 million, depending on the additional features, Darmadji is optimistic the new Taruna will appeal to a wider target market.

"We are quite certain Taruna will be able not only to maintain but also strengthen its market share in the medium SUV segment in Indonesia," he said.

The new Taruna is supported by a professional after-sales service, including Daihatsu Car Care (DAICARE), in Indonesia's major cities. Genuine spare-parts and authorized workshops with well-trained mechanics are available to ensure high-quality maintenance. Further good news is that Taruna is also an environmentally friendly vehicle designed to produce lower exhaust emissions.

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