The sneak peek offered at the annual Toyota ‘SOMI’ event held at Kyalami in January has turned to a more hands-on experience with the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series formally launched and on the road.
According to Glenn Crompton, vice president of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) the upgraded Land Cruiser 70 Series will benefit a wide range of customers looking for a tough and capable 4x4.
“The addition of a new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series to a wider audience, but will also give our customers the power of choice between the torque-rich four-cylinder automatic and the tried-and-true manual V8 across all 70 Series body styles, providing a wide range of alternatives for buyers.”
In the revised range the 1GD 2,8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is introduced for the first time in the 70 Series. All bodyshapesare available with the 2,8-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 150 kW at 3 400 r/min and 500 Nm from 1 600 r/min – 2 800 r/min.
Crompton adds multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series’ maintaining a strong 3 500 kg braked towing capacity.
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As before, the Land Cruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4x4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension. The four-cylinder models add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction.
The updated Land Cruiser 70 Series – including the 4,0-litre petrol, 4,2-litre and 4,5-litre diesel models in both pick-up and station wagon configurations – gains road recognition with revised styling influenced by previous generations of Land Cruiser.
The square grille with a black mesh pattern and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering sits above a three-slot cooling vent inspired, while a small hood vent above the grille is borrowed from the original 40 Series model.
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Inside, all the 70 Series grades get a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder and multiple small item compartments. Station Wagon variants gain new second-row seats with 60:40 split-folding-functionality and can be tumbled forward to maximise cargo space.
All Land Cruiser 70 Series models are offered with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and an optional 100 000km service plan.
LAND CRUISER 70 SERIES PRICING
SINGLE CAB
LC79 4.0 Petrol S/C 5MT – R765 500
LC79 4.2 Diesel S/C 5MT – R829 000
LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 S/C 5MT – R956 200
LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel S/C 6AT – R917 100
DOUBLE CAB
LC79 4.0 Petrol D/C 5MT – R864 600
LC79 4.2 Diesel D/C 5MT – R920 800
LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 D/C 5MT – R1 039 200
LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel D/C 6AT – R1 009 000
STATION WAGON
LC78 4.2 Diesel SW 5MT – R900 100
LC76 4.5 Diesel SW 5MT – R1 076 800
LC76 2.8 GD-6 Diesel SW 6AT – R999 900
LC 76 2.8 GD-6 VX Diesel SW 6AT – TBC
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS