Toyota Land Cruiser 200

The new Toyota Land Cruiser 200 made its debut a few weeks ago at the Sydney Motor Show, and this week this new Cruiser landed on South African soil in both petrol and diesel variants. Each version offers unique features and play host to a range of new teThe diesel unit is a 4,5-litre twin-turbo V8 that offers a maximum output of 173 kW at 3 200 r/min, and develops 615 N.m of torque that can be delivered throughout the rev range of 1 800 and 2 200 r/min.

This 32-valve V8 makes use of the proven common rail injection system used on other four cylinder engines, and along with Toyota’s latest variable-nozzle turbo charger technology fitted with two compact low-inertia turbochargers, Toyota claims this “system on the Land Cruiser 200 Diesel provides for excellent response and high engine output.”

Drive is sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic Super ECT (Electronic Control Transmission). According to Toyota, this new transmission system improves power delivery and fuel efficiency “across a full range of driving conditions.” For further fuel efficiency this transmission incorporates deceleration downshift, which maximises the fuel cut off during deceleration, as well as a transmission lock-up system that can operate in both fifth and sixth gear, rather than only operating in the highest ratio.

Providing the driver with added electronic control is AI-Shift (Artificial Intelligence-Shift control). Apparently, this new system is able is sense road conditions and the driver’s intentions. With this system, various elements, such as hunting between ratios and engine braking, come into play when going up or down hill. If the driver wants more control over the operation of the vehicle, sequential-shift control is available. Unique to the diesel model is downhill assist control.

The petrol Land Cruiser sports the 4,7-litre V8 that made its debut in the Land Cruiser 100 series. This latest technology unit, with VVT-I, produces 202 kW at 5 400 r/min, and has maximum torque of 410 N.m at 3 400 r/min. This unit is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, also with Super ECT. Like the diesel, this model comes fitted with Al-Shift control. Both the diesel and petrol models have permanent four-wheel drive through a 2-speed transfer case.

Unique to the petrol model and new to the range is a Crawl Control system. While the diesel model makes use of downhill assist, the petrol model can tackle difficult obstacles both uphill and downhill by switching to Crawl. When this system kicks into place, the driver only needs to focus their attention on the steering. Braking and accelerating are taken over by the Crawl system, which controls engine throttle inputs and brake pressure to individual wheels. This system has three speed settings – Lo (1 km/h), Mid (3 km/h), and Hi (5 km/h).

The new Land Cruiser comes fitted with a torsen-type limited slip centre differential. Basic torque distribution is 41:59 front:rear. This changes to 30:70 when accelerating while cornering. The maximum torque that can be sent to the front wheels is limited to 53 per cent. When conquering more aggressive terrain, a centre differential lock can be engaged.

The front suspension takes the form of coil springs instead of a torsion bar set up, while the rear makes use of an improved version of the proven four-link coil system. Another new technology in the Cruiser 200 is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. This system is aimed at reducing vehicle roll while driving on-road, and assisting in wheel articulation when driving off-road.

The Land Cruiser 200 is the top-of-the-range Cruiser, and the all-steel body is mounted in a ladder-type frame that has side rails of a larger cross section in width and height, which according to Toyota, provides “higher strength and rigidity.”

This new Cruiser is 60 mm longer and 30 mm wider than its predecessor, and claims to offer 130 mm extra interior space. With and extra 50 mm of length available behind the third row of seats, the cargo space also grows significantly. The front and rear fender overhangs have increased in size, and designers have added a more prominent grille and a raised belt line. Adding to the overall look of the vehicle is a body-colour spoiler, as well as dual pockets headlights and LED rear lights.

The Land Cruiser 200 is only available in South Africa with VX spec, and therefore the interior comes equipped with full leather upholstery, Toyota’s ‘Optitron’ instrumentation, EMV satellite navigation with touch screen, and four-zone climate-control air conditioning. Entertainment is provided via a six-CD changer with MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth connection. Other standard features include the Smart Entry and Start system, front and rear fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, power steering, and cruise control, amongst others.

A host of features have been added to this new Land Cruiser for enhanced safety. These include a multi-terrain ABS system, brake assist, EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control, a pre-crash seatbelt system, reverse monitor and rear clearance sonar, and airbags that include driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags and side airbags, as well as second row seat side airbags and full length curtain side airbags.

Prices:

Land Cruiser 200 VX 4.7P R738 000

Land Cruiser 200 VX 4.5D R770 000

Prices include a 5yr/90 000km ToyotaCare service plan, and the Land Cruiser VX is covered by a 3 year/100 000 kilometre warranty with Roadside Assistance.