3 May 2013
Reputation rightfully earned
The Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for being one of the toughest vehicles around and the 200 series has features that push the tough boundaries to the limit. The Cruiser is no stranger to harsh conditions and its reputation for reliability and toughness is partly the reason it’s used in the military and for cross country expeditions.
Visually the latest Land Cruiser VX wagon has minimal changes. The new model has a new look grille wrapped in chrome detailing as well as revised bumpers.
The Cruiser has a big 4.5L twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine to haul the 2,750kg beast around. The motor produces a stump pulling 650Nm of torque, delivered from as low as 1,600rpm, making it particularly useful for towing up to its hefty 3500kg braked trailer limit. Power isn’t something to sneeze about either at an impressive 195kW, and with a claimed fuel consumption of 10.3L/100km, it’s pretty frugal for such a heavy vehicle.
The full-time 4wd drivetrain comprises a six-speed auto ‘box, a two-speed transfer case and a Torsen limited-slip centre differential.
Serious player in the bush
Off-road driving enthusiasts will benefit from the range of assistance features that can make even an unskilled off-roader look like a pro. The KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) system increases the suspension travel when faced with challenging terrain and it has the added benefit of providing roll control on the black top too.
The Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) controls the amount of wheel spin and depending on the conditions the driver is faced with, there are five selectable modes to choose from; rock, rock and dirt, mogul, mud and sand, as well as loose rock. The Off-road Turn Assist (OTA) makes it easier to get around sharp corners at low crawling speeds by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel. The Off-Road Crawl Control manages engine output as well as the brake pressure, and comprises five low-speed settings for the driver to choose from.
On the road the SUV’s bulk makes for plenty of road presence. There are eight seating positions for the VX or seven seats for the VX Limited model; reduced to seven to make space for the addition of the KDSS suspension.
The 200 series is offered in two specification levels; a VX and VX limited. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheel rims, daytime running lights and satellite navigation. The Limited adds a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), four-zone climate control airconditioning, sunroof, rear seat entertainment system, a heated-steering wheel and a cool box.
The thought of parking a bulky SUV in a tight multi-level carpark, lined with pillars littered with paint scrapes, can drive the blood pressure up, but the VX makes it a whole lot easier thanks to proximity sensors at the front and rear. The Limited adds Multi-Terrain Monitor which makes use of cameras mounted at the front and sides of the vehicle which feed images back to the large multi-information display for the driver to view, making traversing through rugged terrain or parking garages quicker and easier, without the need for the driver to climb out the vehicle to check the surroundings. Reversing is also easier thanks to a rear camera.
Passive safety features include eight airbags. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist.
The VX wagon is a good choice for large family buyers looking for a dual purpose vehicle with bragging rights as a capable off roader.
Pricing kicks off at $125,790 for the VX wagon while the Limited adds a further $22,110 to the price tag, topping the range at $147,900.