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Toyota has unveiled a new vehicle called Venza, which it refuses to identify as a crossover or a station wagon. Incidentally, the latter designation is banned from the vocabulary of American consumers, despite their past fondness for this type of vehicle. Toyota’s semantic and linguistic contortions aside, the Venza can easily be considered a Camry station wagon, since it rests on a modified version of the Camry platform. It also comes with elements originating from the Highlander in addition to its own specially designed parts. Distinguishing the Venza from a classic station wagon are its higher, 20.5-cm ground clearance and its 19- and 20-inch tires, depending on the model. The chief engineer identified six objectives in designing the Venza: style, ease of ingress and egress, driving pleasure, interior roominess, generous standard equipment and versatility. Offering a spacious, functional cabin, the Venza’s dimensions are similar to those of the Volvo XC70: a 277.5-cm wheelbase, 480 cm in overall length, 190.5 cm in width and 161 cm in height. Inside, we noted the simple, efficient centre control console and the fact that each section of the 60/40-split rear seatback reclines up to 14 degrees. Also, as the bottom of the doors is lower than the doorsill, trips to the cleaners will be less frequent for Venza owners
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