Ask any farmer about their preferred choice of vehicle and the answer is likely to be the Toyota Land Cruiser - a perennial favourite when it comes to durability and reliability. Its desirability is reflected in second-hand values: a used one in good condition and with low mileage can practically be auctioned rather than sold.
Globally, Toyota has sold 11.3 million Land Cruisers.
Little surprise then that the company decided to show off the new version of the Land Cruiser in public in Ireland for the first time at the National Ploughing Championships this morning, as the event continued to attract huge numbers of visitors.
It's not on sale yet but orders are being taken. It’s expected it will cost just over €70,000 for the passenger version. Prices for the cheaper commercial version will be announced in about a month.
Toyota is promising more interior space, a 2.8 turbo diesel engine (transplanted from the Hilux model), a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. It's also the first Land Cruiser to get electric power steering, which will be welcome news for committed fans used to the older and definitely more challenging system used until now. Toyota says the engine will be more efficient than current units.
Engineers have also revised the turbo to make it more efficient.
The styling is surprisingly retro, with styling cues going back in time - the Cruiser is now 72 years in production - that involves a long bonnet and upright windscreen. It's a bit of a reminder to Land Rover that they are not the only ones with heritage in this segment of the market.
The vehicle's chief engineer, Keita Moritsu, says: "We have changed our perception and believe that this Land Cruiser model should be offered as a practical and affordable off-roader. We resolved that going back to our roots would be core to the Land Cruiser brand going forward."
The design has a decidedly boxy look about it and the classic Toyota badging has been re-introduced.
Toyota says the result is an "all-new model that offers strong, authentic off-road performance, underpinned by its new platform and frame; excellent functionality for carrying passengers and cargo; enhanced visibility for the driver; and simplicity, with parts designed to be easy to repair or replace with customised items".
The car’s overall length is 4,925mm, width 1,980mm and height 1,935mm; the wheelbase is 2,850mm.
The bonnet shape now has raised sides, making it easier to identify the vehicle’s corners, and a lowered centre section that improves the forward view, reducing the blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle. The front and rear wings are now flared.
There will be a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels with new designs. The HD digital touchscreen screen will either be a 9" or a 12.3" unit, depending on the model.
The vehicle’s Crawl Control system can be used to maintain a low speed in off-road/downhill driving. It controls the engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering.
There’s a new Safety Sense package that includes hazard detection, emergency stop, and a pre-collision function.
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