By LORNE DRURY

Toyota says its new 2009 Venza is not a car and not an SUV. Many would call it a crossover, the label auto journalists now use when they really don't know where to classify a vehicle.

When you look at it closely, the Venza may be the latest take on the venerable North American station wagon.

But Toyota says the Venza is none of the above and has created an entirely new segment in the automotive world-it combines the styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle to give customers a "stylish alternative to the traditional sedan."

Well, no matter what you call it, there's no doubt the new Venza is stylish and it's quickly catching on with Canadian consumers. Although it was only introduced in January, Toyota sold more than 1,000 Venzas during the month of May and 877 in June in Canada.

This is a vehicle that Toyota says is extremely important, given that it is the first Toyota specifically aimed at the North American audience. Built in Kentucky and designed in California, the Venza has several features aimed clearly at Canadians.

For example, the rocker panels have been lowered and covered by the door panel, while the doorsills have been narrowed. This helps keeps out slush and snow in the winter months and also provides easy entry and exit.

"Venza establishes an exciting new direction in vehicle design that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse model lineup," said Warren Orton, director of Toyota Canada Inc. "It caters to buyers who are looking not only at value, but also for efficient performance, innovative thinking and true versatility, and all in one stylish package. Venza represents Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."

The Venza is available in four models with four-cylinder or V6 power and front- or all-wheel drive. The starting price is $28,900, jumping to $32,050 for the V6 AWD model.

With gasoline prices up and down like a yo-yo, Canadians are looking more and more to fuel efficiency and the new Venza delivers in four-cylinder trim.

An all-new 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine offers 182 hp and 182 lb/ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity for this engine is 1,134 kg (2,500 lb), not bad for a four-banger that has a fuel economy rating of 10.0L/100 km (28 mpg) city, 6.8L/100 km (42 mpg) highway and a combined 8.5L/100 km (33 mpg) for the FWD model. With AWD, the numbers are only slightly lower 10.2/7.1/8.8 city/highway/combined.

Years ago, a four-cylinder engine would have never have had the power to work in a vehicle of this size, but times have changed and Toyota is now offering a four-banger in most of its models including the seven-passenger Highlander and the Camry sedan. Its slogan is now "more power, less fuel" and with the four-cylinder engines of today, adequate power is no problem.

Also available is a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 268 hp and 246 lb/ft of torque. In front-wheel drive form, the Venza has fuel economy numbers of 11.0L/100 km (26 mpg) city and 7.6L/100 km (37 mpg) highway, while the AWD version gets 11.5L/100 km (25 mpg) city and 7.9L/100 km (36 mpg) highway.

Even at the base level, the Venza is very well equipped with features such as:

- power adjustable heated outside mirrors;

- windshield wiper de-icer and electric rear window defroster with timer;

- integrated fog lamps;

- chrome exhaust tip (dual tips on V6 model);

- 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display;

- Optitron instrumentation including tachometer, water temperature and outside temperature gauges;

- 12-volt auxiliary outlets (two front, one rear);

- rear door with easy close power function;

- eight-way power adjustable driver's seat;

- tilt and telescopic steering column;

- 60/40 split rear fold down seat with recline;

- power windows with auto up/down function;

- auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass;

- dual zone automatic climate control with rear seat heater ducts;

- cruise control;

- vehicle stability and traction control;

- hill-start assist control;

- anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution;

- audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA capability, steering wheel audio controls, six speakers, in-dash six CD changer with integrated XM satellite radio capability and auxiliary input jack;

- seven airbags.

All four-cylinder models feature 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, while V6 models have 20-inch aluminum alloys.

The only option on my tester was the Leather Package, but a number of other packages are available.

A Premium Package ($2,020) includes power rear door with jam protection, backup camera, panorama glass roof, anti-theft system and the multi-information display with customizable features.

A Touring Package ($5,325) includes the Premium Package features plus leather seats (heated in front) and trim, push-button start, smart key system, auto-leveling HID headlamps, and other features.

Meanwhile, the Navigation plus JBL Package ($7,925) includes the Touring Package plus a 13-speaker upgraded audio system, DVD-based navigation system and other features.

My tester was the four-cylinder AWD model, dressed in a nice gold, metallic colour called Golden Umber Mica. It featured a Leather Package ($1,875) with leather seating surfaces, heated in front. With freight and delivery, it priced out at $31,585.

The five-seat Venza is based on the Camry platform and has wheelbase of 2,775 mm (109.3 in) and yet it's nearly the same width as the seven-passenger Highlander SUV. That translates into pretty decent head and legroom both front and rear. The rear seats sit stadium style as well so sightlines are improved for back seat passengers.

The two-tone ivory/black interior in my test car was nicely done with touches of wood trim on the doors and centre console. The back seats recline or fold flat for a total of 1.99 sq. m (70.1 cu ft) with the rear seat down. With the rear seat up, there is 0.87 cu m (30.7 cu ft.) of cargo room. The 60/40 split rear seat also has a one-touch fold down lever, while the seats can also be folded with releases in the rear cargo walls.

The six-speed transmission works smoothly and rarely seems to be searching for the correct gear. However, the four-cylinder engine is a bit noisy on hard acceleration, but settles down at speed. Steering is light, but a touch vague and the ride is comfortable and controlled. The high sightlines, similar to an SUV, will be appealing to many drivers who like to have a commanding view of the road. Rear visibility is compromised somewhat, however, by the rear roof pillars.

Overall, though, the Toyota Venza offers a unique alternative to the family sedan, station wagon and sport utility vehicle. It combines some of the best attributes of all three in a stylish, up-to-date package that is aimed squarely at the North American market.

TOYOTA VENZA 2009 AT A GLANCE

BODY STYLE: five-passenger mid-size crossover

DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front- and all-wheel drive

ENGINE: 2.7L four-cylinder engine (182 hp, 182 lb/ft); 3.5L DOHC V6 (268 hp, 246 lb/ft)

FUEL ECONOMY: 2.7L FWD 10.0/6.8/8.5 city/highway/combined; 2.7L AWD 10.2/7.1/8.8; 3.5L FWD 11.0/7.6/9.5; 3.5L AWD 11.5/7.9/9.9

PRICE: $28,900 to $32,050, as tested $31,585 including freight and delivery

WEB SITE: www.toyota.ca

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