Car of the Year 2016
I have been asked which was the car of 2016 several times. For me this is and should be the representation of a car that best characterises exceptional value, superiority in its class, super nice resale value and most significant for me, is reliability and ease of maintenance.
One car really comes to mind. The 2003 through 2009 Toyota Harrier or in some markets the Lexus RX.
Some people as a matter of fact call it the Lexus-Harrier which technically is incorrect but right.
Fascinatingly many popular cars in Uganda always get local names such as the Kibina for the Toyota Corona T190, Kigege for the fourth generation Toyota HiAce, Limited for the sixth and seventh generations of the Toyota Corolla and the list goes on. Enter the Kawundo, that’s the local name this specific Harrier has been baptised with. Kawundo is vernacular for a bat, why bat? I have no idea. The Toyota Harrier has been a favourite with Ugandan buyers since it first appeared in the car bonds. What makes the Harrier a compelling proposition is the fact that it has Lexus bloodlines.
Remember Lexus is a luxury brand from Toyota that always has all the goodies. These treats easily make their way into the Harrier in the most natural ways.
The original Harrier is showing no signs of slowing down and is still a favourite among Ugandan buyers despite its advancing age and relatively above average fuel consumption, a fact that sometimes doesn’t go down well with many drivers.
The new Harrier is sleeker, more powerful, roomier and has an even more luxurious interior than its well-regarded predecessor.
And of course, it still offers everything that made the previous Harrier a sales success.
Performance
The Harrier is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 engine rated at 223 horsepower mated to a standard five-speed automatic. It comes as either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive model though the latter is hard to come by. The engine numbers give the Harrier just enough oomph to get you around swiftly.
As expected, this car delivers all the smoothness and sophistication one would expect from a car with a Lexus pedigree. The engine offers plenty of power and refinement, and the five-speed transmission handles it well.
Safety
It features standard front and side airbags. Standard stability and traction control systems also lend an added measure of active safety to the Harrier’s considerable repertoire of safety features.
Interior and exterior
Inside the Harrier, three round, chrome-rimmed gauges house the vital information, while an angular centre console houses the audio system and AC control functions.
Metallic-looking surfaces combined with wood like accents really drive the Harrier’s luxury theme home. The standard equipment list includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone AC. Along with its sleek interior; the Harrier’s exterior presents a sporty, youthful look.
Reliability
Reliability in service is largely determined by the initial design work and the build quality, and in those areas Toyota has excelled.
There’s no question that the Harrier is well designed and put together, and as a result, little appears to go wrong with them. Many service parts are available from reputable dealers and used car parts sellers for the non-service parts.
The bad stuff
The Harrier is a favourite among thieves. From the side mirrors to the Harrier emblem, all Harrier parts sell like hot cakes and their demand is just as much. While this hasn’t deterred buyers, it’s something one has to consider.
The Harrier is a great example of what a good crossover SUV can be. Excellent performance, a large interior and plenty of unique features that make it stand out in an already competitive market.
Even with new competitors cropping up at every turn, the Harrier remains one of the best cars out there and is bound to remain strong even in 2017.
Honourable mentions
TOYOTA MARK X
This has been a popular car in 2016. Sporty and quite likable. With a fine interior, reliable and excellent value for money, it was a good proposition for many buyers looking for a luxury sedan from Toyota.
TOYOTA PREMIO
Specifically the 2001 through 2007 models, the Premio which has always been a favourite among Ugandan drivers. The Low fuel consumption, high sale values, reliability and low maintenance costs.
Benz E-Class
In 2016 virtually all suburbs in Uganda with relatively high concentrations of wealth saw a spike of the Mercedes Benz E-Class model years 2003 – 2009 on their roads. This was a popular buy for those who believe it’s time to go German. This trend is bound to continue in 2017 with more people starting their German Car ownership with this specific car
