EXTERIOR

Toyota calls its 2011 Sienna minivan the Swagger Wagon; I've decided to call the R-Class the Svaager Vaagon (said with a German accent). My test car in Diamond White paint definitely had svaager, especially with its blacked-out roofline. Add to that some blue tinted glass and 20-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels as part of the Sport Appearance Package ($1,350) and this goes from a classy family hauler to a pimped-out svaager vaagon. My vaagon came equipped with the svaager of a 268-horsepower V-6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It preferred to drink only the best

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premium fuel, of course

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and got an EPA-estimated 15/19 mpg city/highway.

The redesigned exterior of the R-Class, specifically the nose-tip job, is now much less jelly-bean shaped. It has more of an SUV-like look than the R-Classes of previous model years. The 2011 R-Class is completely family centric without sacrificing style.

The R-Class doors are big and wide, making for easy entry for anyone including parents hefting around an infant carrier. The only downside to the doors, though, is you must be careful in tight parking spots because it's easy for little ones to swing that door all the way open and ding the car next to you. The optional power liftgate, which is part of the Premium Package ($4,000), opens automatically via a button on the key fob as well as buttons in the cargo area or near the driver's seat.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great-Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

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