You can almost leave the steering wheel alone, because the sand tracks determine where the Land Cruiser 79’s wheels will snake through the bushes. After five hours of driving, and having covered only 114 km, it is a fair assumption that we have done a measure of sand driving this afternoon.
Sand driving
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) decided to use the coastal region of Mozambique, Vilanculos to be more specific, to celebrate the Land Cruiser’s 60th anniversary. This, only a couple of weeks after the company launched its most recent addition to the Land Cruiser range, the FJ Cruiser.
This launch was partly to reacquaint us with the range, but also to show us the additions the 60th Edition models will have above that of the standard models.
It is the Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon, the new 78 (with the closed rear section), and the 79 bakkie that are the three most basic derivatives in the range. They are basic in terms of comfort and equipment, but not basic in their capability to enter Africa with confidence.
Take the 79 bakkie, for example. The ride is relatively hard, but have a look at the truck-like wheels and the fact that it can carry more than 1-tonne while using low-range and it all starts to make sense. After all, less than five per cent of Cruiser 79 sales are bought for recreational activities, the rest exist to work on farms, lodges as well as for government.
On the route we (on most launches you drive with a fellow journalist) jumped straight from the 76 and 79 into the FJ Cruiser. As can be expected the ride is much softer, more confortable and you are placed in a more cushioned environment than the more basic 79 or 76. There are similarities though, both vehicles, especially on flat, soft sand sections, barely need 1 500 r/min to power through the sand. High revs are not needed, as long as you keep the momentum going. Look our for the November issue CAR for a full road test of the FJ Cruiser.
60th Edition models
Between now and December Toyota will be offering 60th Edition models of the 76, 79, Prado and the 200. The changes are subtle (except the deep red exterior finish that is available on the 70 Series) and include, on the 200 for instance, chrome highlights on the rear number plate and around the side turn signals as well as 60th Edition moulded side steps. In the interior there are illuminated 60th Edition scuff plates and 60th Edition emblems. The 200 60th Edition will be available in pearl white metallic and is available from October. You will have to be quick as only 60 examples will be made available.
With similar extras, Toyota will also make a Prado 60th Edition available. These 120 units, based on the TX grade with a manual transmission and leather seats, will be introduced in December.
A surprise was to see a proper info-tainment and navigation system on the 76 and 79. There is even iPod connectivity while the leather seats were really comfortable and even offered a decent level of support.
A total of 200 examples of the 76 and 79 have already been sold old, but TSAM confirmed that another batch of 240 will be made available during October.
Specifications:
Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon
Engine: In-line six-cylinder diesel
Capacity: 4,2-litre
Power: 96 kW at 3 800 r/min
Torque: 285 N.m at 2 200 r/min
Price: R480 000
Land Cruiser 78 (with closed rear cabin)
Engine: In-line six-cylinder diesel
Capacity: 4,2-litre
Power: 96 kW at 3 800 r/min
Torque: 285 N.m at 2 200 r/min
Price: R459 800
Land Cruiser 79 (bakkies)
Engine: In-line six-cylinder diesel
Capacity: 4,2-litre
Power: 96 kW at 3 800 r/min
Torque: 285 N.m at 2 200 r/min
Price: R382 800 – R408 600
Land Cruiser Prado
Engine: In-line four-cylinder diesel
Capacity: 3,0-litre
Power: 120 kW at 3 400 r/min
Torque: 400 N.m from 1 600 r/min
Price: R571 500 – R696 600
Land Cruiser 200
Engine: V8 diesel
Capacity: 4,5-litre
Power: 173 kW at 3 200 r/min
Torque: 615 N.m from 1 800 r/min
or
Engine: V8 petrol
Capacity: 4,7-litre
Power: 202 kW at 5 400 r/min
Torque: 410 N.m at 3 400 r/min
Price: R925 000 – R958 000