The venue was perfect a large country estate, about 30 minutes drive from Heathrow, as the previous day the rain had thundered down leaving the going really slippery, just the job to put a new SUV through its paces- the vehicle in question, the latest version of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
This vehicle enjoys a special status in the global market as one that has proved its tough, lasting and reliable qualities in the most extreme environments.
This pedigree has provided the platform for the development of an all-new Land Cruiser that goes further than ever before to deliver a balance of go-anywhere performance with the poise, comfort and refinement motorists want in normal day-to-day driving.
Makoto Arimoto, new Land Cruiser’s Chief Engineer explained that it can be difficult to achieve both good off-road and on-road performance in the same vehicle. However with the new Land Cruiser, rather than making a half-hearted attempt at offering 50:50 ratio between on and off-road capabilities, Toyota put no less than 100 per cent into developing both.
The success of the new Land Cruiser is built on a number of core product values; quality, durability and reliability, building on Land Cruiser’s long and distinguished history and reputation for lasting performance. Unrivalled balance of on and off-road driving performance, supported by advanced suspension and driver aid technologies. Refined and versatile interior, offering a functional but luxurious and comfortable on-board environment.
This new member of the Toyota family benefits from a higher level of advanced but user friendly handling and guidance features that help the driver tackle the most challenging routes.
At the same time new suspension technology and on-board monitors make it more comfortable and easier to manoeuvre through everyday urban traffic.
Clever interior packaging provides highly flexible seating and luggage space arrangements, with generous space for up to seven on board and most versions enjoy a high specification of luxury features, including a surround sound premium audio system, triple-zone automatic air conditioning and a DVD/gaming entertainment package for rear seat passengers, creating a welcoming environment inside the vehicle whatever the driving conditions outside might be like.
In our market the new Land Cruiser is available as a five-door model, powered by a 171bhp three litre D-4D engine, matched to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The range comprises three model grades, LC3, LC4 and LC5.
Seven seats are fitted to all except LC3, where the two third row seats are offered as an option and prices range from £29,795 to £44,795.
The launch exercise also provided the opportunity to not only explore the new Land Cruiser’s off road driving capabilities, but there was the chance to clock up quite a few miles on everyday roads, including a stint on a motorway and this new Toyota delivers the quality comfort of an executive saloon.
Taking a closer look at performance, top speed is 109mph with rest to 62mph coming up in 11.7 seconds. The CO2 figure is 214g/km and on the combined fuel figure expect to achieve 35mpg.
The two vehicles which I tried had only one option each and in this respect it was paint finish, metallic costs £510. This does point out just how well appointed the new Land Cruiser.
Finally who will buy the new Land Cruiser? The answer is quite simple, it has a huge loyal fan base; although I would not be at all surprised if it conquests.
Post your comment
Post your comment