Fans of the Toyota Harrier, we have great news – the latest version of the hitherto Japan-only SUV is finally coming to Malaysia, and through official channels! The leaflet for the car has surfaced online, indicating an imminent local launch of this long-awaited vehicle by local distributor UMW Toyota Motor, following in the footsteps of Singapore – the first market to receive the car outside of its home market.

The facelifted model is clearly seen here, evidenced by the wider lower grille and red-tinged (previously clear) tail lights. It’ll be previewed at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow on November 9 to 12 at MAEPS Serdang, way ahead of the grey import models – those will likely only arrive around a year after the car’s on-sale date in Japan, which was in June this year.

As such, local Harriers will come with the new 8AR-FTS 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Lexus NX, producing 231 PS from 5,200 to 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,650 and 4,000 rpm. There’s a six-speed automatic transmission mated to this mill, and Toyota claims fuel consumption of 13 km per litre on the Japanese JC08 cycle, or 12.8 km per litre on the all-wheel drive model. New “performance” dampers reduce roll and improve high-speed stability.

Previously, the Harrier was only available with either a 151 PS/193 Nm 3ZR-FAE 2.0 litre Valvematic naturally-aspirated four-pot with a Super CVT-i transmission, or a Hybrid model with a 152 PS/206 Nm 2.5 litre engine paired to two electric motors (front 143 PS/270 Nm, rear 68 PS/139 Nm). The new turbo model is therefore a significant step up in terms of performance.

Other features new to the facelifted Harrier include triple-projector LED headlights with sequential indicators, a new upper grille pattern, new LED fog lights at the corners of the lower grille and vertical LED daytime running lights. There are also new 18-inch turbine-design wheels and a redesigned rear valence, as well as a chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.

Built on the Toyota New MC platform that also underpins the latest RAV4, the Harrier is no longer related to the Lexus RX, which has been spun off into a completely separate model. Dimensions include a length of 4,720 mm, a width of 1,835 mm and a height of 1,690 mm, along with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm.

On the inside, there’s new Ultrasuede and faux leather upholstery and carbon-weave metal trim, although we’ll get Nappa leather. Toyota has also added a height-adjustable powered tailgate with memory and a driver’s seat that slides back automatically to improve ingress and egress. Also set to be introduced on Malaysian units are a panoramic sunroof and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with memory.

We’ll also get plenty of safety equipment onboard, headlined by Toyota Safety Sense driver assists including Pre-Collision System (autonomous emergency braking), active cruise control and auto high beam. We should also get the full complement of seven airbags and Vehicle Stability Control.

And as with the Alphard and Vellfire sold here officially, the Harrier will be offered with a full official warranty (five-year, unlimited-mileage coverage) and should come with locally-adapted infotainment system and switchgear. Singaporean distributor Borneo Motors set the precedent for this when it launched the car in the island nation in July. Excited? So are we.